Building a Stronger, Connected Palestinian Tech Ecosystem

At its core, the Palestine Launchpad is about creating a stronger, more connected local tech ecosystem in Palestine. This event underscored the power of collaboration by bringing together graduates, current students, and industry professionals from across the tech landscape. It provided an invaluable opportunity for individuals to build relationships, share experiences, and collaborate on projects, ensuring that everyone in the community thrives and strengthens it together.

By fostering a sense of unity and collective growth, the event reinforced the idea that strengthening Palestine’s tech community is not only about personal achievements but about growing together, supporting each other and doing it together. The networking sessions, panel discussions, and mentoring opportunities helped ensure that Palestine’s tech professionals are more connected, informed, and empowered to make a lasting impact.

Real-World Career Advice from Real-World Recruiters

For many tech professionals, the real challenge isn’t just acquiring technical skills, it’s learning how to effectively showcase those skills to potential employers. In a new workshop, where tech hiring managers guided attendees through the nuances of marketing their abilities in today’s competitive job market. These included:

• Nadia Sabaneh, Managing Partner at FINOMENA
• Huda Ebeid, HR Manager at GGateway
• Ghada AlHindi, Head of Recruitment and Organizational Development at Bank of Palestine
• Mohammad Mowas, AI Technical Lead at Ideal Innovation House

A career panel featuring top executives from leading Palestinian companies also took place. Moderated by career and leadership coach Razan Jalajel, the panel provided valuable insights into how hiring decisions are made in Palestine’s growing tech industry and included:

• Hasan Hajasa’d, Head of Data Analytics at Bank of Palestine
• Dr. Muna Dmeidi, AI Expert and Dean at AAUP
• Bara’ Isbeih (Director of Talent & Culture at ITG)

These industry executives shared personal stories from their experiences both as job seekers and as recruiters. They provided actionable advice on how to ace job applications and interviews, offered guidance on career growth, and equipped graduates with the strategies they need to navigate the job market with confidence. The panel gave attendees a direct understanding of what it takes to succeed in Palestine’s competitive tech industry, making the insights shared incredibly valuable for graduates as they take the next step in their careers.

Realistic Career Planning That’s Actionable

Career planning was also a key focus of the event. AbdelRahman Hadidee, a career guidance specialist, led an introspective session designed to help graduates assess their current career path and set clear goals for their next steps. This personalized guidance allowed participants to visualize where they stand in their careers and where they want to be in the future. By helping graduates align their skills with their aspirations, the session equipped them with a strategic roadmap for ongoing professional development for what happens once they’ve upskilled themselves and envisioned their career as a journey with actionable steps.

Building Career Connections (yes, genuine ones!)

Graduation day wasn’t just talk – it was also a chance to have fun, show off skills, and forge deeper connections. Graduates went head-to-head in a high-energy competition to support ice-breaking activities to get to know each-other over the shared passion for tech. The trivia game not only tested participants’ tech knowledge but also encouraged lighthearted interactions between peers, mentors, and hiring managers. These moments of friendly competition were an excellent way to break the ice and build meaningful relationships within the tech community beyond exchanging business cards.

Career Support Beyond Graduation 

While graduates left the event with in-demand tech skills, a globally recognized Udacity Nanodegree, the event equipped them with additional confidence on how to navigate the job market. Many have already secured interviews, connected with potential employers, and made significant strides toward their next steps in their career. In addition to the skills they gained, the event provided them with career resources, ongoing mentorship, and a supportive community to help them succeed in the job market.

Being part of this community gave me more than tech skills. It gave me the confidence to go out to the world with the support of peers, friends and tech experts I got to meet along the way

Building a Stronger Tech Ecosystem for Palestine’s Future

The Palestine Launchpad is more than just a program; it is a catalyst for change in Palestine’s tech landscape. The connections, insights, and mentorship provided during the event will continue to support the community as it grows, ensuring that Palestine’s tech talent is prepared to compete globally while contributing to the development of the local industry.

With over 1,000 graduates in fields such as AI, Data Science, and Web Development, the Palestine Launchpad is making a significant impact, helping Palestine’s tech professionals thrive both locally and globally. The program’s focus on fostering a connected, collaborative community ensures that its graduates are not only well-equipped with technical skills but also supported by a strong network of peers, mentors, and industry leaders. This event was a powerful reminder that the success of individuals and the success of the tech community go hand in hand – together, they are creating a more innovative, competitive, and sustainable tech ecosystem in Palestine.

Ready to Join as a Student?

Gain recognized credentials in AI, Data Science, and Web Development while connecting with a supportive, thriving community. You’ll receive the tools, resources, and guidance you need to thrive in your career. Click here to get notified once applications are open.

Looking to Hire Tech Talent?

Excited to meet the future of Palestine’s tech scene? Our talented graduates are ready to bring their expertise in AI, Data Science, and Web Development to your organization. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with these passionate professionals. Contact s.barghouti@spark-online.org.