Representing His Excellency Professor Dr. Osama Nusier, President of Al al-Bayt University, Professor Dr. Hani Akhu Irshaidat, Vice President of the University for Community Affairs and International Relations, participated in the closing ceremony of the "Mafraq Entrepreneurship Hackathon," which was held on Monday, June 22, 2026. The event was attended by the representative of His Excellency the Governor of Mafraq, Mr. Musa Al-Hunaiti, Director of the Development Unit in Mafraq Governorate; the Vice President of Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya University for Technology for Scientific Research, Professor Dr. Arafat Awajan; Dr. Tamader Amarin, Coordinator of the Irada Program at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation; and a number of partners and supporters.

The hackathon was organized through the Irada program initiative, in cooperation with Al al-Bayt University, represented by the Center of Excellence for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Plan International - Ready for Tomorrow Project, the King Hussein Fund for Creativity and Excellence, the Entrepreneurship Network in the North, VentureX Company, Dinarak Company, the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship, and ESCWA Technology Centre.

In line with Al al-Bayt University's vision and mission to support innovation and entrepreneurship and foster a culture of creativity among youth, the Center of Excellence for Innovation and Entrepreneurship played a pivotal role in organizing this pioneering event. The center provided all necessary logistical and organizational requirements for the success of the hackathon, reflecting the university's commitment to providing a supportive and stimulating environment for creativity and excellence, and enabling students and community members to develop their entrepreneurial ideas and projects and transform them into applicable and sustainable initiatives.

The center also actively contributed to the implementation of the accompanying five-day training camp and participated in the evaluation of submitted projects and ideas through its specialized staff, thereby enhancing the quality of outcomes and supporting the development of innovative entrepreneurial solutions that meet the needs of the local community and contribute to achieving sustainable development.

The hackathon witnessed widespread participation, with 173 participants from university and institute students, graduates, and entrepreneurs registering through the electronic platform. Of these, 30 participants qualified for the training phase, while 13 entrepreneurial projects reached the final competition. The participating projects varied across technology, agriculture, tourism, energy, water, and digital transformation, offering innovative solutions to local challenges and promising opportunities to enhance sustainable economic growth.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the organizing and supporting bodies of the hackathon were honored. Professor Dr. Hani Akhu Irshaidat received the Al al-Bayt University shield, and Dr. Hatem Al-Masaeed, Director of the Center of Excellence for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, received the center's shield. Mr. Tariq Al-Amoush, Head of the Business Incubators Division and Coordinator of the Center of Excellence for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, received an honorary shield in recognition of his outstanding efforts in organizing and ensuring the success of the hackathon events.

Regarding student achievements, student Omar Idris and his team achieved a remarkable accomplishment by securing fourth place for their entrepreneurial project "We Cope," which aims to provide innovative technological solutions for companies. This further confirms the creative abilities and promising entrepreneurial ideas of Al al-Bayt University students, which deserve support and care, in line with the university's mission to prepare a generation capable of innovation, competition, and effective contribution to community service and national development.