Doha, Qatar, 10 June 2026: Vodafone Qatar collaborated with the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) to host an Infrastructure Intelligence Hackathon, a two-day event that brought together top students from engineering fields to tackle real-world challenges in smart energy, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Hackathon featured ten teams of three to four students working under the theme “Infrastructure Intelligence: Smart Energy and Telecom Systems using AI and 5G.”
The event was designed to encourage innovation through the development of prototype-based solutions addressing key areas of future infrastructure, including smart energy systems and digital grids, telecommunications and 5G-enabled infrastructure, AI-driven optimisation systems, IoT and edge computing applications, and smart city and critical infrastructure monitoring.
Solutions were evaluated based on technical depth and engineering quality, innovation and AI integration, telecommunications relevance, practical impact, and presentation and communication effectiveness. Throughout the day, Vodafone Qatar engineers and UDST faculty provided mentoring and technical guidance to participants before they presented their solutions to a live judging panel.
Prizes were awarded across five categories. Rashid Al-Kaabi, Hamad Al-Kuwari, and Ahmad Zaineldin secured First Place, while Michael Joshua Tendero and Jose Luis Alfonso Sandoval took Second Place, and Mohamed Almejresi, Rayen Cherif, and Mohamed Al Baisoumy earned Third Place. The Best Innovation Award was presented to Seyedeh Hassan, Hafsaa Chohan, and Fadi Mohamed, while Lama Alafaleq and Hiba Sulanki received the Best Industry Relevance Award.
Abdulhadi Al-Sahli, Head of Media Relations and CSR at Vodafone Qatar, commented, "We are proud to have partnered with UDST on this initiative, which reflects our shared focus on connecting innovation with real-world application. The hackathon provided a valuable platform for students to apply their skills to practical challenges, and the quality of the solutions presented highlights the strong potential of local talent to contribute to Qatar’s ongoing digital transformation."
Dr. Ali Lari, Assistant Professor in the College of Engineering and Technology at UDST, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with Vodafone Qatar through this hackathon, which reflects the University’s applied education approach and the importance of bridging academic knowledge with real-world experience. This initiative provided students with a valuable opportunity to apply their skills, strengthen their critical-thinking abilities, and collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to address real-world challenges. By fostering innovation and experiential learning, the hackathon reflects the shared commitment of both Vodafone Qatar and the University of Doha for Science and Technology to empowering future talent and advancing Qatar’s digital transformation journey."
To find out more about Vodafone Qatar, please visit: www.vodafone.qa/en/
-ENDS-
About Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C
Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C. (“Vodafone Qatar”) provides a comprehensive range of services, including voice, messaging, data, fixed communications, IoT, and ICT managed services in the State of Qatar, for both consumers and businesses alike. The Company commenced commercial operations in 2009 and has 2.1 million mobile customers as of 31 March 2026. Its state-of-the-art network infrastructure is expanding to cover key locations in the country with fibre connectivity and 5G, along with an extensive digital ecosystem, which will contribute to Qatar’s continued growth and prosperity. Vodafone Qatar’s vision is deeply rooted in its mission to connect today’s ideas with the technologies of tomorrow by pioneering digital innovation and becoming people’s first choice in telecom and digital services. Please visit www.vodafone.qa for more details.
For press enquiries, please contact:
Mediarelations.qatar@vodafone.qa
About University of Doha for Science and Technology:
University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) was officially established by the Amiri Decision No. 13 of 2022, and it is the first national university specializing in academic, applied, technical, and professional education in the State of Qatar. UDST offers more than 80 bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as diplomas and certificates. The university comprises five colleges: the College of Business, the College of Computing and Information Technology, the College of Engineering and Technology, the College of Health Sciences, and the College of General Education, as well as specialized training centers catering to individuals and companies. UDST is recognized for its student-centered learning and state-of-the-art facilities. Its world-renowned faculty and researchers work on developing the students’ skills and help raise well-equipped graduates who proudly serve different sectors of the economy and contribute to achieving human, social, and economic development goals nationally and internationally.
For more information visit: www.udst.edu.qa