Zarqa University has achieved a remarkable national accomplishment, with two projects from its Faculty of Information Technology selected among the top 10 projects nationwide at the Jordan Hackathon – Jordan Innovation Challenge. Competing against 550 participating projects, this achievement highlights the outstanding capabilities of the University's students and graduates and their ability to excel in innovation and entrepreneurship.

The two projects, “Dawer” and “Plugjo,” were selected among the top 10 finalists in the hackathon, which was held as part of the “Ready for Tomorrow” project, supported by Plan International under the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme (DAPP). With two of the ten selected projects originating from Zarqa University, the institution secured a distinguished presence in this national competition.

Zarqa University was represented in the hackathon by student Mohammad Tawalbeh, alongside student Karam Hattini and graduates Dareen Dawood, Ahmad Blaidi, Qamar Harzallah, and Mousa Al-Maharmeh, who participated with their entrepreneurial project “Dawer.” University graduate Nimer Abu Kleib also participated with his project “Plugjo.” Both projects successfully secured places among the top 10 out of 550 entries submitted from across the Kingdom.

The “Dawer” project seeks to promote the concept of a circular economy by developing innovative solutions for managing recyclable materials, thereby supporting environmental sustainability and efficient resource utilization. Meanwhile, “Plugjo” is a specialized digital application designed to provide services related to electric vehicles, facilitating users' access to these services while keeping pace with technological advancements in the transportation sector.

Dr. Hayel Khafajeh, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology, emphasized that the selection of two projects developed by the University's students and graduates among the nation's top 10 represents a significant achievement. He noted that it reflects their advanced capabilities in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, as well as their ability to transform creative ideas into practical projects that address societal needs and respond to rapidly evolving technological developments.

He added that having two projects from Zarqa University ranked among the top 10 out of 550 participating projects demonstrates the quality of the Faculty's educational outcomes and its commitment to developing students' technical and entrepreneurial skills. He further highlighted the Faculty's dedication to encouraging students to develop innovative solutions in technology, sustainability, and digital transformation.

Dr. Khafajeh also pointed out that the University places particular emphasis on supporting the participation of its students and graduates in national competitions and events, recognizing the valuable opportunities these activities provide to strengthen creative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Such experiences also enhance participants' ability to transform their ideas into entrepreneurial ventures with potential for development and growth.

He commended the efforts of the students and graduates involved in both projects, praising their creativity, competence, and competitiveness. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Faculty's supervisory committees and academic staff for their continuous efforts in mentoring students, providing guidance, and offering the necessary support to develop their projects and improve their prospects for success.

Dr. Khafajeh stressed that this accomplishment reflects the collaborative efforts of students and faculty members and adds to Zarqa University's growing record of achievements in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The “Ready for Tomorrow” project aims to support and empower young people by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to develop their ideas into scalable ventures. The initiative seeks to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship while preparing a generation capable of addressing future challenges.

Zarqa University continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering creativity and student innovation, encouraging the participation of its students and graduates in national initiatives and competitions, and providing a supportive educational environment for the development of entrepreneurial projects. These efforts align with the University's vision of achieving academic and technological excellence while serving the wider community.