After a rigorous selection process from numerous applicants, Palestine TechnoPark has successfully prepared the first cohort of participants for the upcoming Green Loop Hackathon through an intensive two-day training program. These preparatory sessions equipped aspiring green entrepreneurs with crucial skills to develop sustainable, circular economy solutions that address pressing environmental challenges while creating economic value.
The training initiative began with a practical workshop led by expert Dr.Samah Abu Asab, focusing on business model development for sustainability projects. Participants gained valuable insights into income generation and financial viability within circular economy frameworks, guided by MBA students from Birzeit University who served as mentors. The second session deepened this foundation, with Malek Touma providing essential training on financial planning, budgeting, and funding proposals, while Tamer Abu Qahouq enhanced participants' communication skills for effective pitching and presentation.
This comprehensive preparation is particularly vital for Palestine's developing innovation ecosystem. Programs like the Green Loop Hackathon serve as critical platforms for nurturing environmentally-conscious entrepreneurship, which is increasingly important as the world transitions toward sustainable economic models. They provide Palestinian youth with practical tools to transform ecological challenges into viable business opportunities, while fostering much-needed skills in sustainable business development and green innovation.
The hackathon forms part of the broader "Innovative Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Hub for Green Investment and Circular Economy in Palestine" initiative, a collaboration between the Applied Research Institute - Jerusalem (ARIJ), Palestine TechnoPark's Idea Lab (supported by The Hive innovation center), the Bethlehem Business Incubator (BBI), and funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). Such partnerships demonstrate how international cooperation can effectively support local capacity building in sustainability innovation.
As Palestine TechnoPark currently selects the second cohort to undergo the same preparatory training, the program's structured approach ensures all participants enter the hackathon phase with strong foundational knowledge. This methodology reflects the growing recognition that supporting green entrepreneurship requires more than just competition - it demands careful preparation, skill development, and mentorship to turn environmental ideas into implementable solutions.
Initiatives like the Green Loop Hackathon represent a strategic investment in Palestine's sustainable future. By equipping young innovators with both technical and business skills for the green economy, while connecting them with mentors and potential supporters, Palestine TechnoPark is helping build a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of addressing environmental challenges through innovation, creativity and viable business models. These efforts contribute significantly to developing Palestine's capacity in the global transition toward circular economies and sustainable development.
