Ulaanbaatar, June 6, 2023 /MONTSAME/.  The annual "Erdem Hackathon 2023" competition, a prestigious event organized by the Mongolian Academy of Sciences (MAS) and supported by the Ministry of Education and Science has concluded today. Held as part of the Innovation Week, this competition aims to select and provide financial support to the science-based innovation projects which demonstrate capabilities for introduction into production in the future and foster socio-economic development within the innovation priorities set for the period of 2020-2025.  

The distinguishing feature of the "Erdem Hackathon" lies in its focus on business projects with intellectual property rights, competing across five priority areas of innovation: Information technology, New material technology, Biotechnology/production technology, Renewable energy technology, Cultural innovation with national characteristics, and Creative production. The competition aims to encourage and recognize innovative endeavors that contribute to the advancement of these specific sectors.

Out of the 29 projects presented in this hackathon, five projects were meticulously selected for recognition. The prestigious first place was awarded to the "Mongolian Artimes" project, which ingeniously innovated face masks using locally sourced materials. In recognition of their outstanding achievement, the Grant named after the Minister of Education and Science, worth MNT 20 million was bestowed upon the project.

Securing a well-deserved second place, the visionary "Eco light concrete" project, pioneering the use of cement-free concrete, was bestowed with the MAS President Grant worth MNT 10 million. 

Ingenious "Meta-cock" project, showcasing an AI-powered job interview game, earned third place and was granted a grant of MNT 5 million, presented by other partner organizations.

The organizers were delighted to highlight that the hackathon, which initially commenced exclusively among MAS researchers in 2017, has now expanded its reach, attracting participants from Erdenet City and Darkhan-Uul Aimag, thus fostering a broader platform for innovation and collaboration.

Moreover, as an esteemed facet of the "Erdem Hackathon" competition, the event also featured an exhibition of innovative products that had emerged triumphant in previous years, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy and creative accomplishments born from this remarkable initiative.