Rabat – The International University of Rabat (UIR) is hosting a stage of the University Hackathon Tour 2025, organized by CIH Bank in partnership with the university’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (CIE-UIR). The event, which runs from December 5 to 7, focuses on the theme “Embedded Finance & Seamless Banking” and aims to bring students closer to the world of digital banking and innovation.
Over the course of three days, 45 students from UIR, divided into 14 teams, will work intensively to develop innovative solutions addressing real-life challenges in the financial sector.
Participants come from the university’s Engineering and Architecture College, Rabat Business School, and Social Sciences College. They will explore ways to improve financial inclusion, streamline banking experiences, and design new digital services targeting young people, micro-entrepreneurs, and local communities.
The students will benefit from workshops, mentorship, and intensive prototyping sessions. Experts from CIH Bank and mentors from CIE-UIR are guiding the teams and providing technical support and business advice to help turn their ideas into practical, high-value solutions.
At the end of the hackathon, students will present their projects to a jury made up of university professors and bank executives, who will evaluate their creativity, feasibility, and potential impact.
Professor Kenza Oufaska from the School of Computing and Digital Studies at UIR spoke to Morocco World News about the importance of the hackathon for students. “This event is an opportunity for our students to discover what is happening in the digital world, particularly in the banking sector,” she said.
Ousafka added that the Hackathon allows students to propose solutions to real challenges, from security to artificial intelligence, and brings them closer to the world of finance. “I am here to support them, offer guidance, and help bring their ideas to life. I strongly encourage students to participate as much as possible in events like this, as they build a bridge between academic knowledge and the professional world,” she added.
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A representative from CIH Bank also expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting student innovation. “We are very happy to participate in the University Hackathon Tour and to work with students at UIR. We truly believe that students are the future of our country,” he told MWN.
He explained that during this weekend, 14 teams of three students each will focus on embedded finance and seamless banking to tackle social challenges.
“Prizes are designed to guide students toward success, and the first-place winners will have the opportunity to compete in a larger competition next year,” the representative said, noting that the Hackathon has already visited Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, and UIR is the second stop in this tour.
“We have more steps to come with other universities in Morocco and we are truly convinced that we will have a big challenge there with the students to make a big step for the country today,” he concluded.
The event aims to not only encourage creativity and technical skills but also foster collaboration between academia and the professional world. Participating in such initiatives is set to help students gain firsthand experience in innovation processes, develop problem-solving skills, and learn to navigate the challenges of turning ideas into viable business solutions.
CIE-UIR, a leading player in Morocco’s innovation ecosystem, supports companies, public institutions, and organizations in their innovation and transformation projects.