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Hana Tech Launches the US–Libya Global Innovation Bridge Hackathon 2026: AI, Sustainability & Cross-Continental Student Collaboration
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September 14, 2026 · 1:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM Libya · Dual-Hub Live Stream
On September 14, 2026, Hana Technology launched the inaugural US–Libya Global Innovation Bridge Hackathon — a first-of-its-kind academic collaboration streamed live simultaneously from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York and Libyan International University in Benghazi, Libya. Fully sponsored and executed by Hana Tech International Inc., the event united students, AI researchers, sustainability experts, UN officials, US State Department representatives, and Silicon Valley investors around one shared mission.
“Two Continents. One Mission. Limitless Possibilities.”
A free, in-person international hackathon — two live hubs, three challenge tracks, cross-continental student teams.
The Two Live Hubs
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Hub 01 — New York, USA
Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY
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Hub 02 — Benghazi, Libya
Libyan International University, Benghazi
For the first time ever, visionaries, developers, and creators from New York and Libya joined forces in real time. Cross-continental teams collaborated live to build high-impact solutions for their shared future — with winner projects selected for future funding and incubation.
Three Innovation Tracks
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Track 01: SustainabilitySmart Agriculture & Applied IoT
Combat climate change using smart technology. Students design low-cost IoT irrigation systems using ESP32 microcontrollers and soil sensors at a real Benghazi agricultural test site — engineering solutions that optimize water resources and drive long-term sustainability.
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Track 02: Data LiteracyPrivacy-Preserving Data Analytics
Turn data into community impact while protecting user privacy. Teams build ethical data visualization and analytics systems using anonymized, open datasets — full IRB-compliant framework — teaching responsible data architecture for civic and social challenges.
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Track 03: EntrepreneurshipSandbox FinTech / API Literacy
Connect local financial platforms with global software standards. Teams design secure API architecture, system interoperability, and FinTech logic through simulated sandbox environments — building the tools for modern, scalable financial technology.
Rather than building proprietary commercial systems, teams created open-source educational prototypes and documentation connected to real regional challenges — ensuring lasting value beyond the competition.
Official Kickoff Schedule
Message from the United Nations: UNFPA Libya
Janneke Bienert, Head of Programmes at the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Libya, delivered an official United Nations message addressing students on youth development, community empowerment, and the role of young Libyan technologists in building Libya’s future. With over 15 years of experience with INGOs and UNFPA across Asia, the Arab States, and Sub-Saharan Africa, and as a technical expert on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, her presence confirmed the UN’s recognition of this hackathon as a meaningful vehicle for positive social change.
US State Department: International Diplomacy & STEM
In a landmark moment, the U.S. Department of State and US Embassy in Libya delivered formal remarks on international diplomacy and STEM partnership — affirming this hackathon as a bilateral bridge between the United States and Libya and a model for cross-continental technology cooperation.
Expert Judges Panel
Dr. Shaima Eldeip
Head of AI, Hana Tech · Former Head of AI Institute, University of Benghazi
Head of AI, Hana Tech · Former Head of AI Institute, University of Benghazi
Leads Hana Tech’s AI practice connecting applied research to products for the Global South. Currently pursuing her PhD in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Anchored the academic side of Hub 02, mentoring Benghazi teams across all three tracks.
Erin Petrey
Ex-AWS · Former Board Member, National Council on US–Libya Relations
Ex-AWS · Former Board Member, National Council on US–Libya Relations
Amazon Web Services veteran driving innovation across global policy, technology and social impact. Former Congressional candidate, dedicated US–Libya diplomacy expert, and leading voice on Sustainable AI and green technology.
Emily Riggi
Head of Sustainability, Hana Tech · Ex-Amazon
Head of Sustainability, Hana Tech · Ex-Amazon
Former Amazon Devices sustainability leader. CleanTech patent holder. Led one of the world’s largest federal government energy-saving programs in Japan. M.S. in Engineering & Management, Clarkson University.
Malak Bouod
Head of Special Projects, Hana Tech · Ex-Meta, Ex-TikTok
Head of Special Projects, Hana Tech · Ex-Meta, Ex-TikTok
Quality operations expertise from TikTok and Meta. Former Project Coordinator at SPARK NGO. Founder of the Idea-to-Venture Hub. Judging focus: platform quality, business scalability and pitch readiness.
Dr. Stephen E. Casper
Head of AI Institute, Clarkson University
Head of AI Institute, Clarkson University
Delivered the keynote on Challenge Tracks & US–Libya Collaboration. PhD, History of Medicine (UCL). Expert at the intersection of AI, neuroscience, and Science-Technology-Society policy.
Khaled Alminfy
AI Institute, Libya International University
AI Institute, Libya International University
Representing the AI research community at LIU, bringing academic expertise in artificial intelligence and applied technology to evaluate cross-continental student projects.
Program Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Sept 14 | Virtual Kickoff & Media Launch — live stream connecting Clarkson University and Libyan teams |
| Sept 14–18 | Collaborative Build Phase — cross-continental teams work on shared platforms (minimum 8 joint hours) |
| Sept 18 | Submission Deadline — open-source artifacts, slide decks, and documentation finalized |
| Sept 18 | Final Project Pitch Session — live presentations to the distinguished judges panel |
| Sept 21 | 🏆 Awards Ceremony — official announcement of winners and prizes by Hana Tech |
Watch the Full Event Recording
▶ Open full recording in Google Drive
Participating Institutions & Partners
The hackathon was made possible through the collaboration of five institutions united by a shared commitment to education, innovation, and the future of Libya’s technology ecosystem:
- Clarkson University — Potsdam, New York, USA
- Libyan International University (LIU) — Benghazi, Libya
- University of Benghazi Business Incubator
- Roya Academy for Leadership and Technology
- Hana Technology International Inc. — Sponsor, Organizer & Innovation Platform
Hana Technology — Bridging Libya to the World
AI · Sustainability · Academic Collaboration · Innovation
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