Tunisian universities ESPRIT and SUP’COM are collaborating with blockchain firm Dar Blockchain and the Hashgraph Association to host three-day hackathons from January 26 to 28. The goal of these hackathons is to enhance the adoption and understanding of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). ESPRIT University and SUP’COM University are organizing concurrent events with support from Dar Blockchain and the Hashgraph Association.
Tunisian universities collaborate for DLT education
The hackathons aim to provide a platform for participants to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the transformation of industries. Co-founders of Dar Blockchain, Mohamed Mnif, and Jaafar Saied, anticipate that the hackathon will drive the adoption of Web3 among Tunisia’s youth. They expressed pride in launching the first Hedera Hackathon at these universities, emphasizing their commitment to establishing chapters in local universities and offering training to foster a genuine understanding of DLT and blockchain.
The co-founders noted that Tunisian youth and university students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to foster Web3 adoption for use in MENA and globally. The hackathon participants will gain insights into how decentralized finance (DeFi) can revolutionize and make financial services accessible to Tunisian and African communities. Additionally, they will learn about decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Teams of 3 to 5 members are expected to submit their applications by January 20, 2024, with a prerequisite that at least one team member must be a certified Hedera developer.
The announcement received positive comments from Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association, who highlighted the potential for empowering future generations through the use of the Hedera Network and distributed ledger technology. Youssefi expressed his organization’s privilege in collaborating with forward-thinking universities, describing them as “future-driven. The collaborative effort between universities, a local blockchain company, and a global association underscores the growing importance of blockchain and DLT in educational initiatives.
Empowering the youth for Web3 adoption
By hosting hackathons, these institutions aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for the evolving landscape of technology and finance. The emphasis on DeFi and DAOs aligns with the global trend towards decentralized and community-driven financial systems. These hackathons not only provide a platform for learning and collaboration but also encourage the development of practical solutions that can contribute to the broader adoption of blockchain technology in the financial sector.
The choice of Hedera Network for the hackathon reflects the interest in platforms that offer scalability, security, and sustainability. As participants delve into the challenges presented, they are likely to explore innovative ways to leverage Hedera’s capabilities for creating decentralized applications and addressing real-world issues. The commitment to nurturing local talent and equipping students with practical skills speaks to the long-term vision of building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce in the blockchain space.
By involving universities in such initiatives, the industry stakeholders aim to create a pipeline of talent that can drive innovation and adoption in the rapidly evolving blockchain ecosystem. The collaboration between Tunisian universities and industry players like Dar Blockchain and the Hashgraph Association sets an encouraging precedent for similar partnerships globally. As blockchain technology continues to reshape industries, fostering collaboration between academia and industry becomes crucial for staying at the forefront of innovation. The upcoming hackathons in Tunisia represent a significant step towards advancing blockchain education and fostering practical skills among students.
