NEXTG3N Hackathon: Preparing Future Generations Through Web3, Gaming
The NEXTG3N Hackathon, held from Jan. 9 to Jan. 11 at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, united international innovators and Saudi talent to create cutting-edge solutions at the intersection of Web3 and gaming.
The event was spearheaded by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, founder and CEO of Adhlal, in collaboration with W3 ff Venture Builder. Participants were challenged to develop practical solutions targeting education, digital inclusion, and emerging technologies.
NEXTG3N Hackathon
This initiative sought to empower the next generation with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world. Moreover, Leveraging Web3’s decentralized framework and gaming’s engaging dynamics, the hackathon aimed to prepare young people for the future job market’s uncertainties.
Selected projects from the hackathon will be showcased at the World Economic Forum in Davos, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global digital and creative sectors. Additionally, this effort aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering collaboration between Saudi youth and global innovators to address shared challenges and shape the future of work.
Inspiring Thought Leaders, Keynote Speakers
The hackathon’s opening day featured an inspiring roster of speakers, including Princess Nourah; Hamad Al-Owaishiq, founder and CEO of the Saudi Youth Society; Tanja Ludwig from W3 ff Venture Builder in Germany; Dalia Samra-Rohte from the Algemeine Handels Kammer; and Xavier Prost from Veridos UAE, one of the event’s sponsors.
Princess Nourah emphasized the importance of using Web3 technology to create a secure online environment for children. She highlighted blockchain’s potential to foster safe, engaging digital spaces for young users and introduced Adhlal as a research-based community and consultancy focused on innovation and design.
She also stressed the importance of soft skills in preparing youth for the challenges of the future, noting, “When we think about the evolving landscape over the next few years, we must consider how to foster innovation and creativity among youth.”
Al-Owaishiq highlighted the significance of understanding Web3 as a global paradigm shift, urging young people to develop creative and innovative skills for engaging with this emerging technology.
Sabrina Goerlich, a Web3 consultant, articulated the vision behind NEXTG3N, stating, “Our goal is to create a safe, hybrid space that leverages blockchain and Web3 technologies to empower the younger generation. We also aim to cultivate tomorrow’s architects of change.”
Shaping Future of Work
The NEXTG3N Hackathon represented a strategic initiative to harness creativity and technology for societal progress. Moreover, the event inspired participants to tackle real-world challenges while fostering a culture of innovation.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its youth, events like the NEXTG3N Hackathon reaffirm the nation’s dedication to preparing its workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. The hackathon not only equipped participants with vital technical skills but also encourage them to become innovators and leaders in the global digital economy.
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