Innovation Challenge Bootcamp 2025
The Innovation Challenge Bootcamp 2025, organized by the American University of Kurdistan (AUK)'s Center for Academic and Professional Advancement (CAPA), brought together 42 participants from across Iraq to develop technology-based solutions to real-world problems. Over two weeks, six interdisciplinary teams worked in the areas of GreenTech, EdTech, TourismTech, AgriTech, FinTech, and HealthTech. The program concluded with a PitchFest where teams presented their Minimum Viable Products to a panel of expert judges.
The winning AgriTech team created MooTag, a livestock health monitoring system using smart ear tags and digital records to improve farm productivity and sustainability. The EdTech team developed a platform to improve communication between parents and teachers, while the FinTech team designed an app to promote student financial literacy. The GreenTech team proposed an eco-friendly air conditioning system powered by solar energy and algae filters. The HealthTech team built an app to help patients locate medicines, and the TourismTech team created a platform to improve travel experiences in Kurdistan.
Prize money was awarded to the top three teams, and all participants received mentorship support through the Impact Duhok co-working space at AUK.