Muscat
The activities of the Hadatha Hackathon for Cybersecurity Innovation began today, organized by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, represented by the National Center for Information Security, in collaboration with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat. The event features the participation of 49 innovators selected from 165 applicants, representing 14 teams competing to develop advanced technological solutions to address cybersecurity challenges.
Engineer Badr bin Ali Al-Salhi, Director General of the National Center for Information Security, explained that the Hadatha Hackathon aims to enhance the position of the Sultanate of Oman as a regional hub for cybersecurity and technological innovation by supporting young talents and providing a competitive environment that contributes to finding practical solutions to increasing digital challenges. It also aims to develop the cybersecurity sector and build a secure and sustainable digital economy, which contributes to protecting national infrastructure and enhancing digital security at both local and international levels.
He added that participants are engaged in a continuous 48-hour challenge, working in an interactive environment with support and guidance from experts and consultants in the field of cybersecurity. The goal is to develop innovative ideas and transform them into executable prototypes. The challenge encompasses four main areas: artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, securing advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things and blockchain technology, countering cyberattacks, and raising awareness about cybersecurity.
For his part, Dr. Khalid bin Salem Al-Abri, Deputy Assistant President of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat, emphasized that enhancing competencies and innovations in the field of cybersecurity is a national priority to keep pace with rapid digital developments. He pointed out that the university, through the Hadatha Lab, aims to empower participants and support them in developing innovative technological solutions to tackle cybersecurity challenges, as the hackathon serves as an interactive platform that brings together a select group of innovators to exchange ideas and develop effective cybersecurity solutions.
On the final day of the hackathon, participating teams will present their projects to a specialized judging panel, where ideas will be evaluated based on precise criteria such as innovation and creativity, feasibility for real-world implementation, and their contribution to enhancing the cybersecurity industry.
Winning teams will have the opportunity to further develop their projects and host them at the Hadatha Center, transforming them into technological solutions that support the cybersecurity industry.
