Sharjah24: A smart application that tracks and collects waste and detects whether containers are full or empty won the first place award in a Hackathon launched by the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) .

The hackathon was launched under the title "Innovate for the Future" and lasted for ten days, under the supervision of the Sharjah Open Innovation Lab (Soilab) of the complex, and witnessed the participation of many innovators and startups. The award ceremony highlighted five innovations selected by the jury for a smarter life.
The application, developed by three students from the University of Sharjah, will be tested by Bee'ah in the waste collection system. The application provides real-time data to container collection vehicles so that they can stop only at those containers that need to be emptied. Thus, the application saves time, cost and energy, which contributes to the sustainability of natural resources.

The application allows users to download it on their smartphones and view detailed information about waste movement and better management. The idea of the application aims to improve waste management in an efficient and smart way, and it is part of the continuous efforts made by the region to enhance environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life. The application includes many unique features and functions, where users can track waste and know its location and stage, in addition to the ability to inform the concerned authorities in the event of any problems or violations. The application also allows users to know the locations where waste can be deposited, in addition to providing tips and instructions on how to properly dispose of waste.

The ten-day hackathon was launched in partnership with Intel, Sheraa, House of Wisdom, and the Ministry of Economy, to provide an ideal platform for university students, engineers, businessmen, and enthusiasts to work together to find pioneering and impactful solutions.

Engineers from the Sharjah Open Innovation Lab conducted workshops to help expand participants' skills in coding, 3D printing, 3D prototyping, team building and creative thinking. More than 100 participants were registered for the hackathon, while only 20 were selected to form teams to create innovative projects.

Hussein Al Mahmoudi, Executive Director of the Sharjah Innovation Park, commented on this by saying: “This hackathon translates the mission of the complex and its role in sponsoring and supporting innovation that simplifies modern life. He also highlighted the important role of the Sharjah Open Innovation Lab in allowing emerging entrepreneurs to develop and test their innovations in a global environment using the latest tools and facilities. He congratulated each team on their achievements by saying : “This app is an example of the unique innovations that Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park is working on, which aim to enhance the quality of life and environmental sustainability in the region. These innovations are very important in light of the great challenges facing urban communities in the field of waste management, which require smart and effective solutions to improve the environmental and health situation in the region.”

Al Mahmoudi added, “The application’s winning of the Hackathon award confirms the commitment of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park to develop smart and effective solutions to problems facing urban societies, and to achieve sustainable development in the region.” By winning the first place award, the region will be able to use this smart solution to effectively manage waste, achieve its goals in preserving the environment and improving the quality of life in the region.
During the results announcement ceremony, the participants of the other four teams also presented some new innovative applications during the hackathon.
One project was a smart pill organizer designed to help elderly patients keep track of their medication independently as it is essentially a medicine chest with different rooms for storing medication. Each box only opens when it is time to take that particular medication.

Another team demonstrated a unique smart refrigerator technology that uses an app to monitor and see the contents, so the user can know what needs to be replaced, without opening the refrigerator.

There was a team that developed smart glasses for people who are visually impaired or blind. Through the mobile application, the glasses measure the distance between the user and any obstacle in front of him, and an alarm is activated if there is an obstacle near it. It also has an emergency button that sends a message to specific people, along with the users location.

Another team demonstrated a smart system that helps stray animals, such as cats. Where the team created a cat house that can be placed in different streets. It has a smart food supply system that gives each cat the required portion of food, and also provides a warm environment inside no matter what the weather is outside.

The aim of the hackathon was to enhance the spirit of innovation and encourage participants to innovate and become successful entrepreneurs. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, which made the Hackathon a unique collaborative experience. Teams have collaborated to create groundbreaking projects that address real-world challenges.