Apply before November 5, 2025
Khaleeha Wa Gadedha
Hackathon Round 2025
Learn from experts, expand your network, and compete for up to EGP 20,000 in prizes in an immersive 4-day green hackathon that will challenge participants to develop solutions for two of the most environmentally impactful sectors
Event Dates: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 – Saturday November 15, 2025
Key Environmental Challenges & Hackathon Themes
The hackathon focuses on addressing two primary challenges. In addition to the two main themes, subthemes will also be explored:
Decarbonizing Cement Production
This theme challenges teams to find innovative ways to reduce the significant carbon footprint of cement manufacturing. Cement production is responsible for about 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making it a critical area for climate action. Participants will explore a variety of approaches to make this essential building material more sustainable
Focus on developing or utilizing low-carbon alternatives to traditional Portland cement. This could involve exploring materials like calcined clay, fly ash, or geopolymers that can reduce the clinker-to-cement ratio, a major source of emissions
This subtheme is about developing technologies to capture carbon dioxide emissions directly from cement plants. Teams might explore methods to capture the gas and then find ways to use it, for instance, by converting it into new materials or fuels
Solutions under this subtheme would focus on improving the energy efficiency of the cement manufacturing process. This could include developing new kiln technologies, using alternative fuels, or exploring the complete electrification of the process to replace fossil fuels
This subtheme encourages participants to rethink how cement is made and cured. Can we develop processes that require less heat or energy? For example, teams could explore new chemical activators or low-temperature curing methods
Construction Waste & Technologies
This theme tackles the massive global challenge of construction and demolition waste. It is not just about disposal, but about seeing waste as a resource. Teams will develop solutions that promote a circular economy within the construction sector, minimizing waste and maximizing the value of materials
This subtheme focuses on creating new building materials from recycled construction and demolition waste. Teams could develop concrete with recycled aggregates, insulation from salvaged materials, or bricks from crushed waste. The goal is to reduce the demand for virgin materials
Participants will innovate on how construction waste is managed on-site and at recycling facilities. This could involve developing AI-powered sorting systems, mobile recycling units, or new chemical processes to separate and purify mixed waste streams
This subtheme encourages teams to think beyond just recycling. They will design business models that promote the reuse and recovery of materials at every stage of a building’s lifecycle. This could include creating material banks, developing platforms for trading salvaged materials, or designing buildings for disassembly
Teams can create digital solutions to track, manage, and optimize the flow of construction waste. This could be an app for construction sites to track waste streams, a marketplace for selling excess materials, or software that helps builders design projects with waste reduction in mind
Why Join this Hackathon?
Tap each benefit to learn more:
Receive guidance from sector experts to help you tackle real-world challenges, and create an impactful, sustainable, viable, and scalable solution
Get the opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative environment, learn, and acquire essential skills, such as design thinking, business model development, and other relevant topics
Contribute to solving pressing environmental challenges facing society, and be part of the shift towards a greener and more sustainable future
Top teams will receive up to 20,000 EGP to help you take the first steps toward bringing your solution to life.
Our Track Record
600+
Startups
20+
Governorates
15+
Sectors
Who Can Join the Hackathon?
This hackathon is open to anyone eager to make a real impact and who is passionate about finding sustainable environmental solutions to existing problems.
Apply if you are:
- An Egyptian who is passionate about environmental sustainability and innovation
- Open to working in teams and collaborating on creative solutions
- Ready to develop a startup idea with clear social and/or environmental impact
- Between the ages of 18 and 30 (exceptions beyond this age bracket will still be considered)
If this sounds like you, scroll down to apply
Key Dates
Application Deadline
Submit your application in English or Arabic before November 5, 2025
Event Dates
The hackathon is a 4-day event running from Wednesday November 12, 2025 – Saturday November 15, 2025
Join the Challenge
Meet like-minded individuals and work in teams to brainstorm, collaborate, spark innovative startup ideas, and develop a prototype. All teams will receive support from mentors throughout the event, then pitch their concepts to a panel of experts. The top 7 teams will receive a financial award to help take the first steps toward executing their ideas.
Apply before November 5, 2025
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
50 spots available
Questions? Reach us at apply@nahdetelmahrousa.orgÂ
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Do I need a team to apply?
No, you don’t need a team. We will match you with other participants during the hackathon
2- Do I need to come with an idea or an environmental solution?
No, you don’t need to have an idea prepared. Our experts will guide you through the ideation process, help you understand the challenges in our two themes, and support you in creating a business model to pitch at the end of the 4 days
3- Can I request a confirmation letter for attending the hackathon?
If you need to take a day or two off from university or work, we can provide a signed letter confirming your attendance. Please let us know on the first day if you will need this.
About the Program
Building on a successful partnership from 2015, Khaleeha Wa Gadedha hackathon program is the latest initiative funded by Arabian Cement Company and implemented by Nahdet El Mahrousa.
This program aims to innovate ideas in sustainable construction and Cement waste in Egypt’s clean and green sector. By supporting individuals on a large scale, we seek to develop scalable business models, strategies, and operations, and foster partnerships with industry leaders.
About Arabian Cement Company
Established in 1997, Arabian Cement Company (ACC) is a key player in the Egyptian cement industry. The company is committed to corporate social responsibility and supporting initiatives that contribute to the development of local communities.
About Us
Nahdet El Mahrousa (NM) is an Egyptian not-for-profit, non-governmental organization (NPO/NGO) that builds the capacities of organizations to improve and expand their social impact. It does so through a) an incubator program that supports social enterprsies from the idea stages all the way to the growth and scale up phases, b) a capacity building program for NGOs and other civil society organizations, and c) an entrepreneurs’ hub that offers business support services, coworking facilities, and a range of other services like trainings, workshops, events, and networking opportunities.