How Egypt’s Tourism Future is Being Revolutionized by Capgemini’s AI Hackathon, Empowering Young Innovators to Lead the Change!

In a remarkable event during the AI Everything Middle East & Africa 2026 Summit, Capgemini hosted the “Hack the Future of Tourism in Egypt” hackathon. The two-day competition, part of Egypt’s largest AI gathering, aimed to fuel innovation and tackle the country’s tourism sector challenges using artificial intelligence (AI). With 24 university students and young graduates participating, the event demonstrated the growing connection between technology and tourism, while highlighting Egypt’s potential as a digital transformation hub in the region.

Participants were divided into six multidisciplinary teams, tasked with creating AI-powered solutions that would enhance the visitor journey to Egypt—from trip planning to on-site experiences. By combining AI with design thinking principles, the teams sought to develop prototypes that addressed real-world challenges, offering scalable and practical applications for the tourism industry.

The hackathon’s results were impressive, producing prototypes such as AI-driven tour guides, itinerary optimization tools, augmented reality (AR) storytelling, predictive demand insights, and real-time translation services. These applications are designed to address the increasing need for efficient and personalized tourist experiences.

Capgemini’s initiative aims to nurture future-ready talent and foster collaboration between young innovators and the global tourism sector. It is an important milestone in Egypt’s digital journey, showing how emerging technologies can shape the country’s future.

Supporting Egypt’s Digital Transformation and Workforce Development

The hackathon aligns with Capgemini’s commitment to skills development in the region. The top three teams from the event were awarded enrollment in Capgemini’s Young Professionals Program (YPP)—a structured career accelerator designed to prepare Egypt’s youth for the challenges of the future workforce. The YPP offers advanced training, mentorship, and exposure to international projects, empowering the participants to grow into technology leaders.

By connecting young talents with real client challenges, Capgemini aims to bridge the skills gap and boost the country’s competitive edge. The Egypt AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) in Cairo also played a key role in organizing the event, positioning itself as a national innovation engine that supports Egypt’s digital transformation priorities.

Mentoring and Problem-Solving at the Heart of the Hackathon

Before the hackathon, participants were introduced to design thinking principles during a workshop held at Capgemini’s Cairo office. This session allowed the participants to understand user needs, brainstorm ideas, and prototype rapidly within a creative problem-solving framework. Capgemini mentors supported the participants throughout the event, ensuring that they stayed focused and adhered to human-centered design methods.

Capgemini’s involvement in the hackathon goes beyond just offering guidance; it serves as a volunteering initiative to foster a culture of innovation. The company’s mentors helped participants transition their concepts into working prototypes, which made the event a practical learning experience. This hands-on mentorship created a pathway for the teams to make tangible contributions to Egypt’s evolving tourism landscape.

Real-World Applications for Egypt’s Tourism Industry

The prototypes developed during the hackathon were not just theoretical concepts—they are practical solutions to enhance Egypt’s tourism offerings. With the world moving towards more data-driven and personalized travel experiences, these AI applications have the potential to reshape how tourists interact with Egypt. For example, AI tour guides can provide visitors with personalized narratives based on their interests, while itinerary optimization tools can ensure that tourists make the most of their time in the country.

Additionally, AR-led storytelling can bring Egypt’s rich cultural heritage to life, allowing tourists to experience historical sites in new and immersive ways. By offering predictive demand insights, the prototypes can also help tourism operators make informed decisions, optimizing their services to meet the ever-changing needs of travelers. Meanwhile, real-time translation can break down language barriers, making Egypt an even more accessible destination for international visitors.

Capgemini’s Vision for Egypt’s Digital Future

Hossam Seifeldin, CEO of Capgemini Egypt, emphasized the significance of the AI Center of Excellence as a critical part of the country’s national innovation strategy. He stated, “Through this hackathon, we are empowering young talent to develop practical, scalable solutions with real impact.” This initiative demonstrates how advanced AI capabilities are being developed locally to align with Egypt’s digital transformation goals.

Capgemini’s hackathon is just one of many steps the company is taking to bolster Egypt’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation. The event also highlights the importance of nurturing homegrown talent, ensuring that the next generation of Egyptian tech leaders is equipped to tackle the challenges of an increasingly digital world.

Looking Ahead: Digital Talent as the Key to Tourism’s Future

As Egypt strives to expand its tourism sector and attract a greater number of international visitors, digital innovation will be crucial in shaping the future of tourism. Capgemini’s hackathon, with its emphasis on AI, design thinking, and hands-on mentoring, is a prime example of how young talent can contribute to the digital transformation of the tourism industry. This initiative not only supports the development of AI-driven solutions but also empowers future professionals with the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly technology-oriented world.

By focusing on practical applications of emerging technologies, Capgemini has made significant strides in connecting Egypt’s digital future with its tourism goals. As the hackathon’s participants move forward with their careers, they will undoubtedly continue to shape the country’s digital landscape, contributing to Egypt’s long-term growth and innovation in the global tourism market.

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