Ericsson and Hack for Earth Challenge Gulf Youth to Build Digital Sustainability Solutions

Ericsson  and Hack for Earth  have launched the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge hackathon to empower youth across the Gulf region, bringing together startups, university students, innovators, and ecosystem partners to co-create solutions that support sustainable digital transformation and climate action. The hackathon is open to participants from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Through collaboration and innovation, participants will explore how connectivity and digitalization can accelerate climate action and enable a more sustainable future. The hackathon is built on Hack for Earth’s proven Dream–Hack–Build methodology, guiding participants from identifying sustainability challenges to co-creating solutions and accelerating them towards implementation and real-world deployment.

The objective of the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge is to identify impactful and scalable sustainability solutions leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and next-generation connectivity in support of sustainability ambitions and national visions across the region, including the UAE Vision 2031 and Green Agenda. Participants will be challenged to use creativity, technology, and innovation to show how digitalization and connectivity can help address today’s sustainability challenges while creating smarter and more resilient societies.

Ericsson and Hack for Earth Launch the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge

“For decades, Ericsson has been a trusted partner in the Gulf’s digital transformation, helping build the connectivity that powers economies, industries, and communities across the region. As we mark 150 years of innovation, we remain focused on what comes next. Through the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge, we are bringing together young innovators, universities, ecosystem partners, and our experts to co-create solutions powered by 5G, AI, and digitalization that support the region’s sustainability ambitions and inspire the next generation of changemakers.”

– Petra Schirren, President, Ericsson Gulf

“The transition to a more sustainable future depends on the ideas, energy and creativity of the next generation. Through the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge, we are supporting young innovators across the Gulf with the mentorship, technology, and industry expertise they need to turn their ideas into practical solutions with meaningful environmental and social impact. By combining connectivity and digital innovation, we can help these young talents collaborate across borders and develop solutions that contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive and connected future.”

– Kirsty Fitzgibbon, Head of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa

“The future belongs to those who dare to build it. Together with Ericsson, we are creating opportunities for young innovators across the Gulf to transform ambitious ideas into solutions that strengthen communities, accelerate sustainability, and shape the connected societies of tomorrow. This is about investing in people whose innovations can create lasting impact far beyond the hackathon itself.”

– Ann Molin, Founder and Secretary General, Hack for Earth Foundation, CEO, Hack for Earth AB

Registration is open to youth aged 18+ through the official Hack for Earth platform, here: Ericsson Sustainability Challenge — A Hack for Earth hackathon

Winning teams will join the six-month Build for Earth accelerator program, where they will work alongside mentors, industry experts, and Ericsson’s ecosystem to transform promising ideas into scalable solutions with real-world impact. Building on the success of previous Hack for Earth programs, several solutions have evolved into products and ventures deployed in markets around the world. Winners will also showcase their ideas at the Ericsson booth at GITEX GLOBAL.

By combining Ericsson’s technology leadership with Hack for Earth’s innovation methodology, this collaboration aims to inspire the next generation of changemakers and demonstrate how connectivity, digitalization, and collaboration can help accelerate a more sustainable and resilient future across the UAE and the Gulf.