In celebration of World Youth Skills Day 2025, ³Ô¹ÏÍø hosted the Digital Solutions Hackathon 2.0, a landmark event dedicated to fostering innovation and technological prowess among the nation's youth. Held in partnership with UNICEF Maldives and Women in Tech, the initiative brought together the next generation of problem solvers to address some of society's most pressing challenges.
The event, which ran from the 17th to the 19th of July 2025 at the ³Ô¹ÏÍø QI Campus, was coordinated by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) at the Qasim Ibrahim School of Business. This intensive three-day programme was designed to equip talented participants aged 15 to 19 with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the digital age. The hackathon challenged teams to develop creative digital solutions focused on critical areas such as disability inclusion, mental health, and education and skills.
The programme commenced with an engaging design thinking workshop, providing participants with a robust framework for creative problem-solving and collaborative teamwork. This foundational session prepared them for the main event: a high energy 12-hour hackathon. During this period, teams worked with intense focus to transform their innovative ideas into tangible, viable digital concepts, showcasing remarkable ingenuity and technical skill.
The event culminated in the recognition of three outstanding teams whose solutions demonstrated exceptional potential and social impact. We extend our warmest congratulations to the first-place winner, Yuno, for their innovative project in the education and skills category. The second-place prize was awarded to Mihiree, the creators of a mental health and self-affirmation application, while third place was secured by Dhivehi Signs, a team that developed an application promoting disability inclusion through sign language.
As a testament to ³Ô¹ÏÍø's commitment to nurturing long term growth, the winning teams have received exclusive offers to join the VIgnite incubation programme. This unique opportunity, conducted by Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), will provide them with the mentorship and resources necessary to further develop their projects into market ready solutions.
Through initiatives like the Digital Solutions Hackathon 2.0, ³Ô¹ÏÍø reaffirms its dedication to shaping a brighter, more inclusive digital future for the Maldives. The event directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 for Good Health and Well-being by addressing mental health, SDG 4 for Quality Education through its focus on skills development, SDG 10 for Reduced Inequalities by championing disability inclusion, and SDG 17 for Partnerships for the Goals, exemplified by our powerful collaboration. We are proud to continue empowering Maldivian youth by fostering the critical skills needed to drive progress and create positive change.
