Ninth-grade students at AMIT Gwen Straus Jr. & Sr. Science High School for Boys took part in a special hackathon for budding entrepreneurs this week.
The students are all part of a program about technology and entrepreneurship, in which they are exposed to innovative new ideas and real-life experience in the world of research and development. Throughout the year, they went on tours at high-tech firms and met with industry insiders.
They also worked on various projects, including an app that provides real-time information about open seats on public transportation, a pedal boat that collects litter from lakes, a virtual wallet for children, and a warning system for motorcycle riders that alerts them to obstacles on the road.
The intensive hackathon lasted for five hours, during which the students met with mentors from various high-tech fields and some from the defense establishment: engineers, software developers, UX experts, project managers, and marketing professionals. They helped the boys advance their ideas to the next steps—realization and profitability.
“This unique program opens a window for students to the world of research and development,” said Rabbi Yoni Berlin, the head of Gwen Straus. “These young entrepreneurs proved that when they collaborate and work as a team, and exhibit curiosity and a desire to learn, there is no limit to their innovation.”