A Write-up on the Industrial Technology Hackathon 2026 at UTAS-Ibri

Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Abdul Aziz bin Hamdan Al Balushi, Member of the Shura Council representing the Wilayat of Ibri, the 2026 Industrial Technology Hackathon was successfully organized at UTAS-Ibri. The event was conducted by the Scientific Club, represented by the Information Technology Group, in collaboration with the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, and in partnership with Shams Al Dhahirah Power Generation Company.

A group of Bachelor students from the Department of Computing and Information Sciences actively participated in the Hackathon Industrial Challenge held on 5 May 2026. The competition brought together teams from various colleges and universities across the Sultanate, all working intensively within a limited time frame to develop innovative and practical solutions to real-world, industry-based challenges.

The primary objective of the hackathon was to identify and develop technological solutions for challenges in the industrial and renewable energy sectors. This year’s central problem, presented by the industrial partner, focused on designing an advanced robotic system for cleaning solar panels. The challenge addressed key issues such as the inefficiency of current cleaning methods and the limitation of cleaning only one side of panels, despite the increasing use of bifacial solar panels that generate energy from both sides.

The event witnessed remarkable participation, with a total of 42 teams—21 from universities across Oman and 21 from schools within the Al Dhahirah Governorate. Altogether, 124 students took part, typically forming teams of three members each. Throughout the competition, participants demonstrated strong collaboration, creativity, and technical expertise while working on innovative prototypes and concepts.

Many teams focused on developing smart cleaning systems aimed at improving energy production efficiency, reducing operational losses, and ensuring better economic returns from maintenance processes. These solutions reflected a deep understanding of sustainable practices and the growing importance of renewable energy technologies in the region.

In addition to technical development, the hackathon provided students with valuable exposure to real industry practices. Participants engaged in rapid prototyping, critical problem-solving under pressure, and effective presentation of their ideas. Mentors from both academia and industry offered continuous guidance and constructive feedback, enhancing the quality and feasibility of the proposed solutions.

The event also created meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning, strengthening students’ confidence in applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. It fostered teamwork, innovation, and professional networking among participants, encouraging a culture of creativity and collaboration.

At the conclusion of the hackathon, the top-performing teams were recognized and honored for their outstanding achievements. Their innovative solutions highlighted the potential of young minds to contribute to solving pressing industrial and environmental challenges.

Overall, the Industrial Technology Hackathon 2026 at UTAS-Ibri served as an enriching and impactful experience. It successfully bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world applications, motivating students to explore emerging technologies and prepare for future careers in the evolving fields of technology, energy, and industry.

Students Details:

Group 1 :

• 26j22124 Shahd Abdullah Albusaidi
• 26s218 Khalsa Khamis Alamri
• 26j2167 Al Safaa Saleh Altoubi

Group 2 :

• 26s2199 Fatma Omar AL-Abri
• 26j2134 Amna Saleem AL-Saqri
• 110s2118 Hawaa Khaild AL-Azri

Writeup by: Mrs. Malarvizhi Aravindan