AUK’s CAPAi Bootcamp Concludes on Demo Day with the Civic Tech Team’s Victory
The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) recently hosted the CAPAi Design Thinking Tech Bootcamp, an initiative by the Center for Academic and Professional Advancement (CAPA). This two-week program aimed to nurture young entrepreneurs and incubate their projects. The program culminated in Demo Day on July 30th.
During the Bootcamp, three teams of young entrepreneurs from different universities across Kurdistan focused on finding solutions to problem statements representing Kurdistan’s pressing issues. Solutions were to meet social impact objectives and spanned the civic, educational, and health sectors. The participants engaged in collaborative workgroups, presentations, and guest speaker sessions.
On Demo Day, the teams presented their projects to a panel of judges. The winning team, Civic Tech, presented a novel product: a smart container that utilizes algae to produce oxygen in order to improve the air quality.
Dr. Randall Rhodes, President of AUK, highlighted the Bootcamp’s significance for the university’s agenda in empowering the youth to drive innovation for the benefit of regional, econmic development. CAPA’s Director Loucine Hayes commended the participants, emphasizing the importance of their adoption of the design thinking process to address real-life problems. Bahaaldeen Yasir Abdullah, a member of the Civic Tech team, expressed how the product idea emerged during Bootcamp discussions. This outcome demonstrates the power of collaboration and expert guidance in an educational setting.
CAPAi 2023 showcased AUK’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and inspiring future generations. The success of all three teams serves as an inspiration for future participants to use technology and their creativity to make a positive impact on Kurdistan’s future.
Young entrepreneurs can now apply for the 2024 CAPAi Bootcamp through this link:
CAPAi Design Thinking Tech Bootcamp – Scholarship Application
See the below links for more about CAPAi bootcamp and related articles: