Competitions that bridge academic theory with real-world industry challenges are critical for student development. For students at Middlesex University Dubai, this connection was recently demonstrated at the MENA Digital Forum & Hackathon 2025. The event, powered by META and hosted by Starbucks, provided a platform for students to apply their technical skills to a complex, industry-relevant problem.
Eight undergraduate and postgraduate teams from Middlesex University Dubai participated in the hackathon, competing against 18 teams from across the MENA region. The challenge was to design innovative digital solutions to enhance the Starbucks customer experience in Dubai. The winning team, Nova Nexus, developed a concept that incorporated AI-powered chatbots, intelligent data analysis, and personalized recommendations. Their solution also considered the diverse, multicultural community of Dubai by including multilingual support, such as Arabic.
Applying Classroom Knowledge to Industry Challenges
The hackathon theme, ‘Create the Future Starbucks Digital Experience for Dubai,’ required more than just coding skills. It demanded an understanding of user experience, data analytics, and emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR). The winning team, Nova Nexus, comprised students from the BSc Business Computing and Data Analytics and BSc Information Technology programs. Their victory highlights the practical application of the curriculum offered at the university.
Dr. Engie Bashir, Undergraduate Campus Programme Coordinator and Associate Professor of Computer Engineering and Informatics (CEI), noted the value of such events. “We were honoured to participate in an event that offers young people a platform to demonstrate their skills in technology and digital disciplines,” Dr. Bashir stated. “Taking part in the MENA Digital Hackathon 2025 enabled our students to develop the future-focused capabilities they learn at university, enhancing their opportunities in the working world.”
The Role of Mentorship in Student Success
Success in a hackathon is rarely a solo endeavor. It requires collaboration, strategic thinking, and guidance. The participation from Middlesex University Dubai was led by Dr. Chinnu Mary George from the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics, with support from Dr. Engie Bashir. Faculty members, including Dr. Sumitra Kotipalli (mentor for the winning Nova Nexus team), Jaspreet Sethi, Madhumita Das, and Kashfi Rahman, provided mentorship across eight teams.
This level of faculty involvement is a cornerstone of the student experience at Middlesex University Dubai. It ensures that students are not only learning theoretical concepts but are also guided on how to apply them effectively in competitive, high-pressure environments. The strong mentorship provided by the faculty was a key factor in the university’s overall achievement at the event.
Building a Portfolio of Practical Experience
For students in technology and business programs, participation in events like the MENA Digital Hackathon 2025 is more than a single competition. It is an opportunity to build a portfolio of practical experience. Employers in the UAE and globally are increasingly looking for graduates who can demonstrate problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to work in a team to deliver a tangible product or solution.
The concepts developed by the MDX Dubai teams—incorporating AI, data analysis, and AR—are directly relevant to the current digital transformation trends in the region. By tackling a brief from a major global brand like Starbucks, students gained insight into industry expectations and the standards required for professional digital solutions.
Developing Future-Focused Capabilities
The focus on emerging technologies within the hackathon theme aligns with the strategic direction of many academic programs at Middlesex University Dubai. The Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics, for example, emphasizes practical skills in areas such as software development, data analytics, and network security. Events like this hackathon serve as a practical testing ground for these skills.
For prospective and current students, this achievement underscores the importance of engaging with extracurricular opportunities that complement academic studies. It demonstrates that the university environment actively facilitates these connections between learning and application.
Connecting Academic Achievement to Career Readiness
The victory at the MENA Digital Forum & Hackathon 2025 is a testament to the technical expertise, creativity, and teamwork fostered at Middlesex University Dubai. It reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence on a regional stage. For students, such accomplishments are a valuable addition to their academic records and CVs, signaling to future employers their capability and initiative.
The event also highlights the collaborative nature of the tech industry in the UAE, where academia and major corporations like META and Starbucks come together to nurture the next generation of innovators. Students who participate in these forums gain not only skills but also valuable networking opportunities and a clearer understanding of their career pathways.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the ability to quickly adapt and develop innovative solutions will remain a critical skill. The success of the Middlesex University Dubai teams at this hackathon provides a clear example of how academic programs can prepare students for these future challenges.
For those interested in exploring programs that emphasize practical application and industry engagement, Middlesex University Dubai offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses designed to build relevant, future-focused skills.
Explore the Computer Engineering and Informatics programs at Middlesex University Dubai to learn more about how you can develop your technical expertise.
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