Lots of events have been taking place in Gaza during the past 12 days of December, Gaza busiest month ever of the year. But of course nothing is comparable to this one-of-its-kind 3-day event that took place last week in Ambassador Hall-Roots, The Unforgettable startup Weekend Gaza event.

You won’t know what exactly I’m talking about unless you were lucky enough to be one of the participants. Anyway, I’ll try to describe the unique atmosphere of SWGaza for those who weren’t.

First of all, you should know that Startup Weekend is an intense 54 hour event which focuses on building a web or mobile application which could form the basis of a credible business over the course of a weekend. The weekend brings together people with different skillsets – primarily software developers, graphics designers and business people – to build applications and develop a commercial case around them.

The first day was the ideas pitching day. Everyone had to explain her/his idea only in 60 seconds. With an amazing spirit, people started to stand up on the stage one by one talking enthusiastically about their ideas. After that, it was the voting time. Attendees started to vote for the ideas their liked. By the end of the day, there were 51 different pitches and 16 amazing winners, among them: several social media integrations ideas, a gift registry, a buying guide, a sports social media site and a travel buddy.

The second day, the spirit was amazing. Participants started to arrive to the event hall in the very-early morning, even before the organizers themselves. Everyone was excited to start working on her/his idea with her/his team. There were many talks during the day delivered by some great Entrepreneurs from all around the world who were excited to share their experiences with SWGaza people. There was even a surprise rap show! By the end of the day, people didn’t want to go home! 

As expected, participants started to arrive early in the third day trying to put the final touches on their projects and presentations and getting ready for meeting the judging panel at end of the day.

With a great determination, the final and most exciting round of the competition was announced and teams started their final presentations one by one in front of the jugging panel. By the end of the day, top 5 winners were announced.

1st Place: Take ur Medicine – 5000$

2nd Place: Social Sports – 3000$

3rd Place: Plancer  – 2000$

4th Place: IntroVidz – 1500$

5th Place: Gaza Places – 1500$

In addition to these prizes, every team will get 6 Saving Accounts with 200$ each offered by Bank Of Palestine. PICTI announced that it will incubate the 5 projects as well.

Anyway, speaking for everyone who attended the event, I can tell you that it wasn’t about winning, I mean AT ALL! It was about the unique great spirit everyone shared. It was about discovering what AMAZING things you can do in only 54 hours! It was about team work! It was about creating a new community of enthusiastic young people who knows NO impossible!

NO TALKS! ALL ACTIONS!