Overview of the Odoo Hackathon 2025
The Odoo Hackathon, held in late November 2025, brought together 30‑40 teams from across the Middle East and Gulf region to tackle pressing sustainability challenges using the Odoo business‑management suite. Over two intensive workshop days, participants navigated complex system setups, performed custom module development, and iterated design through rapid debugging cycles. The competition culminated in a final showcase judged on innovation, technical execution, and real‑world impact.
MDX Dubai’s Participation Strategy
Middlesex University Dubai (MDX) invited three teams from its Computer Engineering and Informatics (CEI) faculty to compete. The university’s approach combined structured preparation with hands‑on mentorship: workshops on Odoo’s architecture, guided coding sessions, and mock pitching opportunities. Faculty advisors, including Dr. Engie Bashir, provided technical support and shared industry case studies. This preparation ensured the students entered the hackathon with a clear project roadmap and a collaborative mindset.
Key Team Structure
- Team “Hotkeys” – 5 members, led by Eshaal Umir Lodhi, focusing on AI‑driven corporate social responsibility (CSR) modules.
- Team “CodeStream” – 4 members, concentrated on cyber‑security automation within Odoo.
- Team “DataPulse” – 6 members, built a real‑time analytics dashboard for sustainability metrics.
By assigning specific strengths to each team, MDX maximised the diversity of ideas while maintaining coherence across projects. The university’s hackathon preparation framework is now documented as a best practice for future competitions.
Team Performance and Key Achievements
At the final round, “Hotkeys” secured second place, delivering an AI‑enhanced CSR solution that automatically categorised company initiatives, tracked impact against sustainability KPIs, and generated actionable insights for stakeholders. Judges praised the solution’s relevance, scalability, and clean integration with Odoo’s existing modules.
Additionally, participating teams demonstrated rapid prototyping skills, effective time‑management, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration, reflecting the curriculum’s emphasis on problem‑solving and teamwork. The faculty remarked on students’ capacity to translate classroom theory into industry‑ready products.
What the Win Underscores for MDX
- Validation of the CEI curriculum’s alignment with real‑world tech demands.
- Strengthening ties between MDX and Odoo, opening pathways for future projects.
- Showcasing Dubai as a hub for tech innovation to attract international talent.
The hackathon also highlighted the role of AI in solving sustainability challenges – a focus that aligns with MDX’s growing initiatives in generative AI and LangChain certifications.
Skills Developed by Students
Participants gained hands‑on experience in:
- Python and Odoo framework customization.
- Data modelling, AI integration, and automation scripting.
- Agile project management and rapid iteration.
- Stakeholder communication and pitch delivery.
These skills are directly transferable to positions in fintech, SaaS development, and sustainability consulting, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.
Faculty Insights
Dr. Engie Bashir emphasised that the hackathon experience “reinforces the strength of our students’ ability to apply classroom learning into innovative practice and industry‑relevant outcomes.” Similarly, Mukarram Ahmed noted that partnerships with Odoo “create meaningful opportunities that benefit both technical CEI programmes.”
Impact on Academic and Career Pathways
Winning the hackathon positions MDX students favorably when applying to top-tier tech firms and analytics firms. Employers often cite hackathon achievements as proof of initiative and problem‑solving capability.
For students, the exposure leads to networking opportunities with Odoo’s professional community, potential internship offers, and a portfolio of demonstrable work that can be showcased during job interviews.
Beyond career prospects, the event encourages continued academic engagement: students are now more motivated to pursue advanced projects, such as integrating AI into web‑based ERP systems or collaborating on sustainability‑focused research grants.
Future Opportunities for Students and Collaborations
MDX is expanding its partnership with Odoo, planning co‑developed modules for academic use and open‑source contributions. The university is also collaborating with regional tech hubs to host annual hackathons, giving students frequent platforms to showcase their skills.
Students interested in engaging further can apply for the upcoming Odoo Education Program, which offers scholarships for interns and professional development courses. Additionally, MDX’s Insight Lab and Executive Education units are launching a LangChain certification that complements AI‑centric skill sets.
Next Steps for Interested Students
- Apply now to MDX’s Computer Engineering and Informatics programme and gain access to cutting‑edge tools like Odoo and generative AI labs.
- Contact the admissions office for guidance on preparing a hackathon‑style portfolio.
- Explore AI project templates offered by MDX to start building your own solutions.
By integrating project‑based learning with industry‑endorsed platforms such as Odoo, MDX students are paving the way for innovation and employability in a digital future.
