In the spirit of finding the next generation of entrepreneurs, the BDL Accelerate 2015 team has partnered with some of the major universities in Lebanon to inspire youths to join the startup movement and attend the conference.
The roadshow has included the following universities École supérieure des affaires, Lebanese International University, American University of Beirut, and Lebanese American University in addition to Saint Joseph University. NRJ Radio and Nostalgie have been tagging along to spread the word further and farther.
The roadshow also aims to familiarize students with hackathons and encouraging them to participate in the BDL Accelerate hackathons. Hackathons are considered as a great way to start solving real life problems, as a training session, or as a way to prepare participants and educate them on the process of solving issues. Anyone from any background or age can participate in the hackathons hosted by BDL Accelerate 2015.
BDL Accelerate 2015 is hosting two hackathons, Web & Mobile Hackathon and Wearables Hackathon, that will be tackling challenges that the public is faced with on a daily basis in Lebanon. The participants of the Web & Mobile Hackathon will be provided with a brief that will consist of a specific theme and the contestants will have to collaboratively brainstorm and work extensively to find a web or mobile solution to a specific issue that is shared with them at the start of the hackathon. This hackathon is organized by MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab & WDS with cash prizes of $6,000.
As for the Wearables Hackathon, it’s powered Innovo, a DNY Group company that will be providing electronic components, a whole bunch of sensors, a wearable sleeve, 3D printing capabilities, and more to the participants grouped in teams, who will dream up and hack together wearables to enhance lifestyle or sports in 36 to 48 hours. In addition to the $6,000 cash prize, the participants will also have the opportunity to pursue their project at Innovo’s lab after the hackathon is over.
