Accelerating recovery with innovative solutions
Hack for Syria is an event that unites innovators from inside Syria and around the world to address the country’s most
pressing challenges. Through a combination of online collaboration and offline hubs, participants will co-create
solutions that drive meaningful impact across infrastructure, technology, economic development, and social cohesion.
This hackathon is more than just a competition—it is a melting pot for innovation, fostering collaboration between
Syrian communities and diaspora. By leveraging diverse expertise and local insights, Hack for Syria aims to develop
actionable roadmaps that transform ideas into scalable solutions for rebuilding Syria’s infrastructure, economy, and
social fabric.
Participants will engage with local stakeholders, including NGOs, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders, to ensure their
solutions are rooted in real needs. The event will culminate in a final Demo Day, where the top ideas will be presented
to a panel of judges, with winning projects receiving support to take their solutions forward.
Register and Submit Your Idea
Participants will be able to join the hackathon in two main ways: submit an idea for a specific challenge for the selection community, or join a team offering skills for an existing idea.
Form a team
On the day of the kickoff, selected ideas will be presented on a dedicated Discord server. Teams will include a mix of skills and perspectives. Each team must include at least one participant residing in Syria.
Build Your Idea
Throughout the week, teams will start working, attending workshops, and having mentorship sessions with local stakeholders, including NGOs, community leaders, families, and other key players, to delve deep into the problem and context, gather feedback to formulate locally-focused effective solutions, and produce finding summaries.
Present Your Project
A panel of esteemed judges will join the final day to evaluate proposed projects based on a specific criteria that
includes innovation, feasibility, impact, and scalability.
Presentations will be given for the top 10-15 selected ideas
during a special public demo day.
Challenges
Infrastructure & Public Services
Rebuilding essential infrastructure is crucial for Syria’s recovery. This category focuses on innovative solutions to restore access to clean water, electricity, and sanitation, improve waste management, and develop smart urban and rural rebuilding and planning initiatives. Participants can explore ways to enhance transportation networks and create sustainable urban development models that address current challenges.
Education & Skills Development
The education sector in Syria faces significant barriers, from school destruction and closures to a lack of resources. This category seeks ideas that promote renovating the education system and digital learning, develop remote education solutions, and provide training programs for youth and displaced individuals. Solutions that support teachers, bridge the gap between education and employment, and introduce new learning methodologies are highly encouraged.
Healthcare & Medical Access
With limited access to healthcare facilities and essential medications, this category aims to bring forward solutions that improve medical services in Syria. Ideas can include telemedicine platforms, mental health support initiatives, mobile health units, and innovations in medical supply chain management. Projects that focus on maternal and child healthcare, trauma recovery, and community health awareness are also welcome.
Economic Development & Employment
Revitalizing Syria’s economy requires job creation and support for entrepreneurs. This category focuses on digital tools that enable freelancers, small businesses, and startups to thrive. Participants can propose microfinance solutions, vocational training programs, and innovative business models that empower individuals and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Food Security & Agriculture
Ensuring food security is a critical challenge in Syria. This category explores sustainable farming techniques, food distribution systems, and urban agriculture solutions. Ideas that reduce food waste, improve storage and preservation methods, and enhance the efficiency of agricultural supply chains can make a lasting impact on food accessibility and affordability.
Peace & Social Cohesion
Strengthening social cohesion and community empowerment is vital for long-term stability. This category includes initiatives that support local governance, peacebuilding efforts, and community-driven projects. Solutions that address the needs of displaced populations, promote gender equality, and enhance youth and women’s participation in social and economic activities are highly valued.
Title Sponsors
Innovation Sponsors
Impact Partners
Strategic & Community Partners
Media Partners
People
Ahmad Sufian Bayram
Fadi Bishara
Joud Khattab
Joud Tanta
Haifa Yassine
Muzna Alzohori
Ezaldeen Hayaryah
Muhammed Alp
Hamsa Darwish
Mohamed Abbas
Obada Allahham
Maxim Hamida
Sinan Hatahet
Board Member,
Syrian Forum
Firas Khalifeh
CEO / founder,
UN Resident Coordinator Office in Syria
Heba Ezzideen Alhaji
CEO,
Equity and Empowerment
Tawfiq Alnehlawi
Asst. Development Coordination Officer,
Carbon Mobile
Adnan Altarabishy
CEO,
Y2Ad
Abdulwahab Omira
Founder, CEO,
Farmitix inc
Omran Al Habbal
Founder & CEO,
Leading Lines Group
Kinda Altarbouch
CEO & Co-founder,
Lableb
Ehab Badwi
Policy maker,
Syrian Youth Assembly
Laith Rikabi
Deputy CEO - CFO,
Fransabank
Rahaf Allymoni
Founder | Business Strategist | Innovation Leader,
Daffee coffee
Bahaa Alhaffar
Consultant,
ECDC european Centre for disease prevention and control
Mohamad Aldemashki
IT consultant - financial services & social entrepreneur,
Abjad Initiative for Education
Abdul Rahman AlAshraf
AI and Intelligent Automation Lead,
Berenberg Investment Bank
Mahmoud Coudsi
Founder,
Shyp Studio / Sawa Health
Aya Kinj
Founder and CEO,
GWA GROUP
Taher Hatahet
Head of Education Department,
Abjad Initiative for Education
Dr. Rouba Mhaissen
Founder,
SAWA for Development and Aid
Mohamed Yaman AlSabek
CEO,
Sanad youth for developmenty
Omar Alhalabi
CEO,
Genius Tags
Hisham Dirani
CEO,
Violet Organization
Celine Kasem
Activist and researcher,
Masters student at HBKU
Assaad Al Achi
MENA Advisor,
Institute for Integrated Transitions
Fares Alahdab
Associate Professor & Director of Graduate Studies,
University of Missouri
Mayas Alcharani
Co-founder and program development manager,
Abjad Initiative for Education
Muhannad Al Hariri
Senior Solutions Architect,
Aion Digital
Majed Lababidi
Director of Investment/Integration,
Alchemist Accelerator
Zeina Shahla
Journalist,
Freelancer
Samer Alaswad
Co-founder,
Afkar Plus
Feras Al-Chama
Dr. Eng,
DFF Consulting
Randa Hamo
culture and environment local expert,
impact
Abdulah Al-Shamma
Mentor / Judge / Investor,
Mozaic
Mohammed Sheikh Salem
Business Analyst,
intelegic
Maya Taki
Project Manager,
SCS/ Syrian Computer Society
Fadi Hallisso
Co-founder & CEO,
Basmeh & Zeitooneh
Ibrahim Khatip
Grants and Partnership Manager,
Action for Humanity
Laila Hourani
Arts Culture and Media Consultant,
Freelancer
Nabil Orfali
CEO, Founder,
TechGuilds
Nedal Mourad
Product Manager,
EY
Qussai Maklad
CEO,
Zeed Agency
About Startup Syria
Startup Syria is a community-powered initiative founded in 2013 dedicated to supporting founders, startups, and entrepreneurship support organizations working in and for Syria.
We actively engage with both the local Syrian entrepreneurship community and the Syrian diaspora to foster the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise. Our mission is to empower Syrian entrepreneurs, nurture the next wave of startups in Syria, and ensure entrepreneurship becomes a cornerstone of the country’s economic and policy priorities.
Over the past few years, Startup Syria has united Syrian founders globally, with meetups in over 10 cities, including Berlin, Cairo, San Francisco, Dubai, Beirut, and Kuala Lumpur. These gatherings have fostered collaboration, inspired innovation, and strengthened ties within the community.
Startup Syria is more than an initiative—it’s a movement to empower a generation of Syrian entrepreneurs who are ready to lead the way in rebuilding and redefining their future.
FAQs
Who can participate?
Anyone passionate about problem-solving and innovation can join—developers, designers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals from any background are welcome. Participants from inside Syria and the global community are encouraged to collaborate.
Can I join if I live outside of Syria?
Yes! Hack for Syria is open to participants from around the world. You can collaborate remotely with teams inside Syria through our online platforms, including Discord and virtual meetups.
What is the selection criteria?
Ideas will be evaluated based on their relevance to Syria’s current challenges, feasibility, innovation, impact potential, and scalability. The best ideas will demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem, practical implementation strategies, and the potential to create meaningful change within local communities.
Can I join with my team?
Yes but each member must register individually.
How do I prepare?
There are no strict requirements, but participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Syria’s current challenges, explore relevant technologies, and brainstorm ideas before the event. Reviewing the hackathon schedule and available resources will also help you get started smoothly.
Are there expected hours I should be available?
No, your participation schedule can be based on your team’s preferences. All key sessions will be recorded, so you can catch up on anything you miss at your convenience.
Do I need a team to participate?
No, you can join as an individual or with a team. If you don’t have a team, you will be matched with others who share similar interests and skills.
How are the winning teams selected?
A panel of judges will evaluate the projects based on impact, feasibility, innovation, and scalability. The top teams will present their ideas on Demo Day and may receive funding and mentorship for further development.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, participation in Hack for Syria is completely free.
How can I support this initiative?
Organizations, sponsors, and media partners can support Hack for Syria by providing funding, mentorship, promotional support, or resources for participants. If you're interested in supporting, please reach out through info@startupsyria.org.
How do teams address the issue of Intellectual Property/ownership?
As with any startup, the team decides. We don't support or take part in the signing of any legal documents. While it doesn’t hurt to be clear about your individual expectations from the start, we’ve found that teams who don’t spend time addressing this issue until it actually matters (i.e., there is a tangible product to have ownership of) are much more productive and successful than those who do.
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