The hackathon featured the participation of student teams from An-Najah National University, Birzeit University, Palestine Polytechnic University, and Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, Tulkarem branch.

The opening of the event was attended by: Mr. Mohammed Aldaqqa, Dean of Student Affairs; Mr. Iyad Al-Aqra, Director of Student Affairs; Dr. Muawia Ramadan, Supervisor of the Industrial Engineers Association; Dr. Mahmoud Dweikat, Supervisor of the Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineers Association; student Qais Awartani, President of the Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineers Association; and student Mo’taz Joudallah, President of the Industrial Engineers Association. The event was also attended by: Dr. Mohammad Sama'na, Supervisor of Student Associations at the Faculty of Engineering; Dr. Shadi Sawalha, Head of the Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering; the department’s academic staff; the staff of the Deanship of Student Affairs; members of the participating student teams; members of both associations; as well as student volunteers and event organizers.

In his speech, Mr. Aldaqqa welcomed the attendees and student teams from various Palestinian universities, highlighting An-Najah University’s ongoing support for exceptional student activities. He praised the Faculty of Engineering and its students for their success in local and international forums, which reflects the high quality of education and the competence of the academic staff.

He also acknowledged the important role of the companies sponsoring the hackathon, noting how their involvement strengthens the connection between academia and the job market, ultimately enhancing students’ skills. Mr. Aldaqqa emphasized that the participation of Palestinian universities is a collective success for all.

Dr. Dweikat, for his part, welcomed the participants and praised the event and its organizers. He shared the story of the Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineers Association, highlighting its activities and the support of the Deanship of Student Affairs. He also commended the collaboration with sponsoring companies, which plays a key role in helping students engage with the job market during their studies.

Dr. Ramadan highlighted the importance of student activities in enhancing students' skills and experiences. He commended the institutions offering exceptional opportunities for students to lead, innovate, and advance applied sciences. He also noted that participation in the hackathon reflects excellence, strengthening collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Dr. Ramadan praised the partnership with local companies, such as NAPCO, for their support.

Engineer Hassan Arman explained the hackathon's concept and the challenges participants would face. These included tracking and matching product balances, inventory control, enhancing public safety, improving task performance, tracking equipment life cycles, and developing a smart maintenance system for machinery.

Following the opening ceremony, teams will head to their competition halls. The event will run for 26 hours, concluding with a project presentation to the judging committee to select the winners.