By ; Islam Tawfik 

The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) is supporting the participation of 15 Egyptian innovators in the Open Innovation Challenge, hosted by Copenhagen, Denmark. The challenge aims to encourage young people to develop innovative solutions for reusing plastic waste and transforming it from an environmental problem into a valuable resource within the circular economy.

The challenge is organized by the DTU Skylab, affiliated with the Technical University of Denmark, as part of the Innovation Exchange 2026 program within the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI). It is implemented in partnership with ITIDA's Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center and Digital Egypt Innovation Centers, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt.

During the challenge, the Egyptian innovators will collaborate with their counterparts from Denmark and other countries to design solutions that reimagine how cities manage plastic waste. The challenge integrates several technologies and concepts, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), circular design, and community engagement, with the goal of creating solutions that reintegrate resources into the cycle of use.

Through this participation, ITIDA aims to connect Egyptian talent with international expertise and open practical opportunities for innovators to develop solutions that address shared sustainability challenges. This will enhance the exchange of knowledge and experiences between Egypt and Denmark in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

It is worth noting that the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative is a joint project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Egypt in cooperation with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its goal is to strengthen cooperation and the exchange of expertise between the two sides in several areas, including innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.