As part of the internal hackathon organised by Benha National University to select the leading student projects to represent the University in the national University Waste Management 2026: “Reuse. Innovate. Build.” (Green Loop Competition), the University has announced the results of the internal judging process. The hackathon was held under the patronage of Prof. Tamer Samir, President of Benha National University, in the presence of Prof. Mahmoud Saqr, Vice President for Employment, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and under the supervision of Prof. Mohamed Saeed, Supervisor of the University’s Innovation Management.
The hackathon brought together 16 student teams representing a range of academic disciplines. Participants presented innovative ideas and projects addressing waste management, recycling, energy generation, and environmental sustainability, alongside the use of technology and artificial intelligence to develop solutions to environmental challenges. Following the evaluation stages, eight teams, comprising a total of 33 students, advanced to the internal judging stage, from which the three projects selected to represent the University at the national level were identified.
The winning projects
1. First Place – ATHAR
ATHAR proposes a sustainable approach to converting paper waste into recyclable raw materials and products, supported by a loyalty and incentive system designed to encourage the collection and reuse of paper waste.
2. Second Place – GreenCedes
GreenCedes presents GreenBot, an intelligent agricultural robot that combines sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor greenhouses, identify issues affecting plants and soil, and carry out inspection and irrigation tasks autonomously.
3. Third Place – ALGORA
ALGORA uses an algae-based bioreactor to treat wastewater and capture carbon emissions, while converting the resulting outputs into biofertilisers and plant growth promoters, in line with the principles of a circular economy.
Special Awards
Four additional projects were recognised with special awards in recognition of their innovation and distinctive contributions:
- ReGreen – Outstanding Innovation Award: For converting plastic waste into filament for 3D printing.
- EcoSort – Digital Presence Award: For developing an intelligent waste-sorting system and a digital platform connecting the University with recycling companies.
- Biocycle – Team Spirit Award: For converting food waste into biogas.
- OptiSolar Tech – Environmental Impact Award: For developing an intelligent hybrid system to cool solar panels, enhance their efficiency, and reduce associated electronic waste.
The University noted that the hackathon forms part of its broader strategy to support innovation and entrepreneurship and enable students to turn their ideas into practical, viable solutions. It also reflects Benha National University’s commitment to empowering students to contribute to addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainability and circular-economy principles.
At the conclusion of the hackathon, Benha National University congratulated all participating teams and students and wished ATHAR, GreenCedes, and ALGORA every success as they move forward to represent the University in the next stage of the national competition.