Aramco SMEthon
The Aramco SMEthon is an innovative annual semi-digital online hackathon organized by Saudi Aramco's Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) enablement center under the Taleed program. This event is designed to identify and foster creative business opportunities and address the existing ecosystem gaps and challenges faced by SMEs. The hackathon provides a platform for SMEs to submit their innovative business ideas, which will be evaluated through an online judging process to select the most promising idea.
Participants will engage in a dynamic environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. They will have the opportunity to work on real-world problems, receive mentorship from industry experts, and potentially secure support for their ideas from Saudi Aramco.
Goals
Goals of the challenge
- Crowdsource Innovative Ideas: Gather creative and feasible business ideas from SMEs across various predefined sectors.
- Address Ecosystem Gaps: Identify and propose solutions to existing gaps and challenges within the SME ecosystem.
- Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among SMEs, mentors, and industry experts to stimulate innovation.
- Support SME Growth: Provide a platform for SMEs to showcase their ideas and potentially secure support and funding.
- Enhance Digital Transformation: Promote the use of digital platforms and tools among SMEs for business development and innovation.
- Build a Sustainable Ecosystem: Contribute to the development of a sustainable and resilient SME ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
Categories
The Aramco SMEthon will focus on several key categories that are critical to the development and success of SMEs. These categories include:
- Energy and Sustainability: Innovative solutions in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable practices.
- Technology and Digitalization: Digital transformation ideas, including IoT, AI, big data, and cybersecurity.
- Healthcare and Biotechnology: Innovations in medical technology, healthcare services, and biotechnology.
- Manufacturing and Industry 4.0: Advanced manufacturing techniques, automation, and smart factory solutions.
- Education and Training: New approaches to education, vocational training, and skill development.
- Finance and Fintech: Financial services innovations, including mobile banking, payment solutions, and blockchain applications.
- Retail and E-commerce: Enhancements in online retail, customer experience, and supply chain management.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Solutions for sustainable agriculture, food production, and distribution.
Audience
The Aramco SMEthon is open to:
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Registered SMEs from various sectors looking to showcase their innovative ideas.
- Entrepreneurs: Individual entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas that can address the predefined categories.
- Startups: Early-stage startups seeking to validate and develop their business concepts.
- University Students and Researchers: Individuals or teams from academic institutions with research-based ideas.
- Industry Professionals: Experts from different industries who can contribute their knowledge and experience to the hackathon.
- Mentors and Advisors: Experienced professionals willing to provide guidance and support to participants.
Participants must be legally registered entities or individuals eligible to work in Saudi Arabia, and their ideas should align with the categories and goals of the SMEthon.
Deliverables
Participants in the Aramco SMEthon will be required to submit the following deliverables:
- Executive Summary: A concise summary of the business idea, including its objectives, target market, and potential impact.
- Detailed Business Plan: Comprehensive documentation outlining the business model, market analysis, competitive landscape, marketing strategy, operational plan, and financial projections.
- Prototype or MVP: A functional prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) that demonstrates the feasibility and functionality of the idea.
- Pitch Deck: A visually appealing and informative presentation that highlights the key aspects of the business idea, to be used during the final pitch.
- Technical Documentation: Any relevant technical documents, including architecture diagrams, technology stack, and development plan.
- Video Presentation: A short video (up to 5 minutes) where the team presents their idea, the problem it solves, and its potential impact.
Important Dates
Most important dates for the hackathon
- Launch Announcement: July 1, 2024
- Registration Opens: August 1, 2024
- Registration Closes: September 15, 2024
- Kickoff Webinar: September 20, 2024
- Submission Deadline: October 31, 2024
- Judging Period: November 1 - November 15, 2024
- Finalists Announcement: November 20, 2024
- Final Pitch Event: December 5, 2024
- Winner Announcement: December 10, 2024
Participants are encouraged to adhere strictly to these dates to ensure their submissions are considered for the hackathon.