Mubasher: Emirates Telecommunications Group (e&) and the GCC’s leading telecom operators have launched the region’s first Sustainability Hackathon, according to a press release.
The initiative aims to accelerate green technology adoption and reshape how networks are powered, built, and maintained. It will gather innovators, startups, and solution providers who will compete in AI-driven energy efficiency, e-waste management, and renewable energy solutions.
Through Saudi Telecom Company (stc), the registration is open until 1 September, with submissions evaluated from 2 to 16 September by a judging panel representing participating telcos.
In the heart of Riyadh, finalists will present their ideas live during 14-16 September, and winners will be announced at a ceremony on 17 September.
Mohamed H Almarzooqi, Senior Vice President for Access Network, e& international, said: “By uniting the GCC’s strongest networks and brightest talent, we can turn prototypes into region-wide change in months, not years.”
“The ideas born here could be the catalyst to rethink how telecom networks are built and powered, helping us cut costs, slash emissions, and set new benchmarks for sustainable connectivity, making the UAE’s and the region’s net-zero ambitions a reality, faster,” he added. Echoing the idea, Andrew Dunnett, Group Senior Vice President of Sustainability, e&, commented: “Meeting net-zero targets cannot be about incremental change; it’s all about accelerating the best ideas to full-scale adoption. And this Sustainability Hackathon brings our industry together to do exactly that.”
Dunnett concluded: “It gives innovators a platform to deliver solutions that pull innovation through procurement, standardize what ‘good’ looks like, and give startups a pathway from pilot to portfolio, proving that sustainable networks are a performance advantage, not a trade-off.”
The hackathon stems from the GCC Sustainability Innovation Hub by e&, Beyon, du, Ooredoo, Omantel, stc, and Zain.
The hub was formed after COP28 to establish green technology procurement standards and accelerate renewable adoption across 39 subsidiaries in 33 countries.
By convening regional networks and innovators, the hackathon aims to set a global benchmark for sustainable telecom solutions.
In the six-month period that ended on 30 June 2025, e& recorded 60.70% year-on-year (YoY) higher net profits attributable at AED 8.82 billion, compared with AED 5.49 billion.
