Capgemini Egypt recently concluded a high-impact hackathon titled “Hack the Future of Tourism in Egypt” during the AI Everything Middle East & Africa 2026 Summit. Over two days, 24 university students and graduates formed six multidisciplinary teams to design innovative AI applications. As a result, these young innovators prototyped end-to-end visitor journeys, ranging from digital trip planning to immersive on-site engagement. Furthermore, the top three winning teams secured enrollment in the Capgemini Egypt Young Professionals Program (YPP), a career accelerator offering global project exposure and mentorship.
I. Developing Future-Ready Digital Talent in Cairo
This initiative aligns with Capgemini’s commitment to fostering digital talent through its Global Delivery Center and the newly established AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) in Cairo. Hossam Seifeldin, CEO of Capgemini Egypt, emphasized that AI holds tremendous potential to enhance visitor experiences and preserve national heritage. By organizing this hackathon, the company empowers youth to develop scalable, real-world solutions. Moreover, the Egypt AI Center of Excellence played a pivotal role in designing the event, ensuring that local AI capabilities align with national digital transformation priorities.
II. From Design Thinking to Functional AI Prototypes
Before the competition began, participants attended a specialized Design Thinking Workshop at Capgemini’s Cairo premises. During this session, experts guided students through user-need analysis, brainstorming, and rapid prototyping. Additionally, Capgemini mentors provided hands-on guidance throughout the hackathon to help teams move from abstract concepts to working models. Consequently, the teams delivered practical solutions addressing modern travel challenges, such as:
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AI-Powered Tour Guides: Enhancing storytelling through technology.
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AR-Led Experiences: Bringing ancient monuments to life.
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Predictive Analytics: Providing insights into tourism demand.
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Real-Time Translation: Bridging language gaps for international visitors.
III. Meet the Winners: Innovations from Ain Shams, AUC, and GUC
The competition concluded with a distinguished judging panel selecting three standout teams based on innovation and feasibility:
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First Place (Team Misreya – Ain Shams University): Developed an AI platform that detects biased reviews and fraudulent comments, providing tourists with authentic, personalized recommendations.
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Second Place (Team Proteus – AUC): Created a gamified Red Sea rewards platform focusing on marine conservation, species identification, and a points system for local partners.
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Third Place (Team TUT AI – GUC): Launched a mobile experience that uses phone cameras to reveal monument history while suggesting local dining and shopping based on verified “insider” data.
IV. Capgemini: Leading the AI Transformation Journey
Finally, this event reinforces Capgemini’s position as an AI-powered global business and technology transformation partner. With over 420,000 team members worldwide, the group continues to bridge the gap between imagination and reality through technology. By investing in Egyptian youth, Capgemini ensures that the future of the tourism sector remains innovative, sustainable, and data-driven. Therefore, the success of this hackathon marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s journey toward becoming a regional hub for AI innovation.
