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Imagine a hall buzzing at 3 A.M., screens aglow and minds alight. Teams of students huddle around laptops, fueled by caffeine and creativity, turning bold ideas into working prototypes against the clock. This electric atmosphere captures the spirit of TuniHack 11.0, one of Tunisia’s most popular hackathons[1]. For 24 thrilling hours, participants brainstorm, build, and bond – all in the name of innovation and open collaboration. Organized by the student-driven OSSEC club at ENSI (National School of Computer Science), TuniHack isn’t just an event; it’s the culmination of a community’s passion for open-source technology and collective problem-solving[2]. In this blog post, we dive into what makes TuniHack special – from its energetic hackathon culture and rich eleven-year tradition, to the big goals of this 11th edition, the secret theme buzz, and why sponsors and students alike are eagerly onboard.
The Hackathon Spirit: Creativity, Coding, and Collaboration
Walk into TuniHack and you’ll feel an infectious energy in the air. This 24-hour marathon brings together talented students from across Tunisia to create innovative solutions for a surprise challenge set by industry experts[3]. The format is simple: form a team, code like crazy, and craft a prototype, all within a single weekend. By the hackathon’s end, bleary-eyed but excited participants get up on stage to present their creations to a panel of professional judges[3]. It’s a thrill like no other – a crash course in creativity, rapid problem-solving, and teamwork under time pressure.
What makes the TuniHack vibe truly special is the culture of camaraderie and fun that goes hand-in-hand with the intense coding. Throughout the night, you might find teams taking short breaks to play games or watch live music performances set up by the organizers. Indeed, hacking is balanced with play: there are gaming sessions to help everyone unwind and interact, and even musical shows that keep the atmosphere festive and upbeat[4]. These touches ensure that even at 2 or 3 A.M., spirits remain high and new friendships are forged over pizza slices and debugging sessions. By fostering an environment where collaboration is just as important as competition, TuniHack embodies the true hackathon spirit – one where everyone learns from each other and no idea is too crazy to try.
Eleven Editions of Innovation: From Campus Tradition to National Event
TuniHack has come a long way since its humble beginnings. What started as a campus event in 2015 at ENSI has blossomed into a national hackathon tradition that attracts participants from universities all over Tunisia[5]. In fact, “de nombreux étudiants provenant de différentes écoles d’ingénieurs” – many students from different engineering schools – join in every year[5]. Backed by OSSEC (Open Source Software ENSI Club), a student club founded in 2012 to promote open-source culture and knowledge sharing[2], TuniHack quickly grew beyond the ENSI community. It created a network of tech enthusiasts united by the motto of “dare to share” and a love for innovation[6].
Each edition of TuniHack has introduced a new theme or problem domain, often reflecting the pressing tech trends and societal challenges of that time. This tradition of diverse themes has pushed participants to step out of their comfort zones and hack solutions in fields ranging from data science to healthcare. For example, past TuniHack themes have included “Data Science” in 2016, “Smart Government” in 2017 (tackling bureaucracy through digital automation), “Pandemics and Crisis Management” in 2020, “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare” in 2022, and “Hacking the Future of Education” in 2024[7]. One year you might be building a fintech app, the next you’re gamifying an education platform – the challenges are always fresh and exciting. This rich variety of domains not only keeps the hackathon interesting, but also underscores TuniHack’s larger purpose: to inspire tech solutions for real-world issues across industries.
Crucially, the hackathon has retained its youthful, innovative spirit even as it evolved. From the first edition aptly themed “So You Think You Can Code” back in 2015 to this 11th edition today, TuniHack has been a launchpad for creativity and ingenuity. It has become known as “Tunisia’s hackathon”, a beloved event where students, entrepreneurs, and even professors come together to push the boundaries of what they can create in a day. With each passing year, the projects have grown more ambitious and the community bigger – proof that TuniHack is not just an event, but a yearly milestone for the country’s tech community.
The Buzz of a Secret Theme and Diverse Challenges
One of the most anticipated moments of any TuniHack is the big theme reveal. In true hackathon fashion, the exact challenge prompt for each edition is kept secret until the kickoff. This means teams walk in with plenty of buzz and speculation about what problem they’ll be asked to solve. Will it be a theme around fintech security? A challenge related to smart cities or climate change? Nobody knows until it’s go-time, and that mystery is part of the thrill. The “secret theme” tradition ensures a level playing field – no one can prepare solutions in advance – and it sparks a surge of adrenaline and creativity once announced. Participants have to think on their feet and quickly brainstorm innovative approaches within whatever domain is unveiled.
The diversity of challenges that TuniHack has explored over the years fuels this excitement. Because the theme changes every year (and has ranged so widely, from Open Data and AI to social media trust and gamification[7]), participants know that TuniHack 11.0 could take them into uncharted territory. This keeps veterans coming back for more – each edition is a chance to learn about a new field or apply their skills to a different kind of real-world problem. Newcomers, too, are drawn by the promise that no matter your background or tech stack, there’s a place for your ideas at TuniHack. The hackathon’s challenge diversity is a big reason why a biology student interested in healthtech might team up with a computer science major and a business student one year, and the next year that same CS major could be collaborating with an art/design student on an educational game. It’s all part of the TuniHack experience – bridging disciplines and perspectives to tackle whatever challenge is thrown down.
And let’s not forget the hype leading up to the 11th edition’s theme – it’s palpable! The OSSEC organizers love to drop hints and build suspense, teasing participants and even sponsors about the impactful problem area that will be addressed. This buzz not only gets creative juices flowing early, but also highlights TuniHack’s core belief: that innovation can come from anywhere when people are excited and curious. When the theme is finally revealed, you can practically feel the jolt of energy in the room as everyone immediately starts sketching out ideas and scouting skills within their team. It’s a magical moment of collective inspiration that sets the tone for the next 24 hours.
Goals of TuniHack 11.0: Inspiring Innovation with Impact
As TuniHack enters its 11th edition, the organizers have big aspirations that go beyond just running another hackathon. TuniHack 11.0 is being crafted with a purpose: to inspire innovation that makes a real-world impact, and to strengthen the bridge between students and the tech industry. In practice, this means the event will continue to champion the open-source, knowledge-sharing ethos that OSSEC stands for – encouraging participants to collaborate and learn from each other – while also bringing in more industry mentorship and problem statements that address actual community needs.
“En soutenant TuniHack, vous ne vous contentez pas de financer un événement : vous investissez dans l’avenir technologique et économique de la Tunisie.” – “By supporting TuniHack, you’re not just funding an event: you’re investing in the technological and economic future of Tunisia.”[8]. This quote from the TuniHack sponsorship dossier underlines the broader vision of the hackathon. The goal is to create an ecosystem where innovative ideas born at TuniHack can continue beyond the event, potentially evolving into real solutions, startups, or open-source projects that benefit society. The organizers hope that the best ideas won’t just win prizes – they’ll win support. Plans are in place for follow-up support and mentorship for standout projects, so that promising prototypes might turn into something more. In short, TuniHack 11.0 aims to be a launchpad for innovation with lasting impact, not just a 24-hour sprint.
Moreover, this edition is emphasizing the connection between students and industry professionals like never before. The hackathon has always had judges and guest speakers from tech companies, but TuniHack 11.0 is doubling down on that interaction. There will be more networking sessions, chances for students to rub shoulders with engineers and entrepreneurs, and industry-defined challenges that give participants a taste of real workplace problems. The message is clear: whether you’re a student or a sponsor, TuniHack is a place to come together, exchange ideas, and light the spark of innovation. By inspiring young talent and actively involving experienced professionals, the 11th edition hopes to ignite collaborations that might continue well after the hackathon ends.
And of course, underlying all these goals is the continued focus on open source and community. True to OSSEC’s mission of spreading open-source culture[2], TuniHack 11.0 encourages participants to share their knowledge, use open technologies, and maybe even open-source the projects they create. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and where the community grows stronger through each project demo, each workshop, each mentor interaction. After 11 years, TuniHack’s goal remains what it was in the beginning: bring people together to innovate, learn, and make a difference – and have an absolute blast doing it.
Why Sponsors Join the TuniHack Journey
From a sponsor’s perspective, TuniHack 11.0 offers a unique opportunity to engage with the next generation of tech talent and showcase leadership in innovation. It’s more than a branding exercise – it’s about actively participating in a vibrant tech ecosystem. Here are some key reasons why companies and organizations are excited to sponsor TuniHack:
- Access to Bright Talent: The hackathon attracts brilliant students, passionate developers, and budding entrepreneurs from all over Tunisia. It’s an ideal hunting ground for spotting future interns, new hires, or even startup partners, as these young innovators demonstrate their skills under pressure. In many ways, TuniHack serves as a 24-hour live audition where sponsors can see talent in action[9].
- High-Visibility Branding: TuniHack commands attention in the student community and tech scene. Sponsors gain targeted exposure to a young, connected audience through active social media campaigns and on-site branding throughout the event[10]. Supporting such a beloved event shines a positive light on the sponsor’s brand, associating it with youth, innovation, and community engagement.
- Active Ecosystem Involvement: Sponsors don’t have to sit on the sidelines – they are invited to be part of the action. Many sponsors take on roles as jury members, mentors, workshop hosts or challenge partners during TuniHack[11]. This hands-on involvement allows companies to directly engage with participants, share expertise, and even guide projects. It’s a chance to be thought leaders and to connect with the community on a personal level, rather than just as logos on a banner.
- Investing in the Future: By backing TuniHack, sponsors contribute to something greater than a one-off event. They’re investing in the country’s tech future and entrepreneurial spirit[8]. Many sponsors see this as an opportunity for corporate social responsibility – nurturing innovation and education in Tunisia. Plus, when a sponsor helps a hackathon project blossom into a real product or startup (for example, by offering mentorship or resources post-event), it showcases a genuine commitment to growing the ecosystem.
In essence, TuniHack offers sponsors a win-win: immediate benefits like visibility and recruitment, and long-term benefits like community goodwill and a stronger tech industry to operate in. It’s no surprise that each year, a mix of big tech firms, startups, and even non-tech companies (like banks or telecoms) line up to be part of the TuniHack story. As one sponsor tagline puts it, “empowering innovation and emerging tech talents”[12] – that’s what supporting TuniHack is all about.
A Playground and Launchpad for Participants
For student participants, TuniHack 11.0 is nothing short of a thrilling adventure – one packed with learning, creativity, and personal growth. It’s often said that in a hackathon you’ll learn more in one day than in an entire semester, and TuniHack proves it true every time. Here’s what participants can look forward to at this 11th edition:
- Hands-On Experience: This isn’t theory or homework – it’s real problem-solving on real-world challenges. TuniHack gives you a platform to test your skills by building a working solution to a surprise problem that could be from any domain[13]. Whether you’re coding an app, designing a UI/UX, or engineering a hardware prototype, you get to apply your knowledge in a practical, fast-paced setting. The experience of working on a project from scratch under a tight deadline teaches you pragmatism and creativity that textbooks can’t.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: You’ll work in a small team (usually 3-4 people) where communication and collaboration are key. Brainstorming ideas at 1 AM, debugging someone else’s code, dividing tasks based on each member’s strengths – these teamwork skills are forged in the heat of the hackathon and are immensely valuable in any career. Many participants say the camaraderie built during TuniHack is one of their favorite parts – you’re not just coding, you’re bonding with friends (old or new) over a shared goal.
- Mentorship & Networking: At TuniHack, you’ll rub shoulders with industry professionals and experienced mentors who volunteer their time. It’s common to have tech experts wandering around offering advice, or even formal mentorship sessions where you can ask questions about your project. There are also workshops and tech talks running as part of the event[14] – so you might attend a quick session on a new JavaScript framework or AI API that you then use in your hack. And let’s not forget the networking: chatting with sponsors and judges can open doors (like internship offers or at least a LinkedIn connection). Being surrounded by like-minded peers and supportive pros creates a rich learning environment you won’t find elsewhere.
- Creativity & Fun: TuniHack is as much about having fun and unleashing your imagination as it is about competition. The free-form nature of hackathons means you can try that crazy idea you’ve been thinking about – the one that doesn’t fit into a class assignment. Maybe you’ll build a VR game to help kids learn math, or a drone that delivers medical supplies. The sky’s the limit. And because the event includes gaming breaks, music, and a generally upbeat atmosphere[4], it never feels like “just work.” You’ll laugh, you’ll get silly at times, and you’ll definitely make memories (and probably a few inside jokes) with your team.
- Personal Growth: Perhaps the biggest value is confidence. After 24 hours at TuniHack, you’ll have taken a project from idea to prototype. You’ll present in front of a crowd, articulating and demoing something you and your team built under extreme pressure. That experience is empowering – it shows you what you’re capable of. Win or lose, participants come out of TuniHack with new skills, new friends, and a new perspective on what they can achieve when they set their mind to something. It’s a huge boost to your problem-solving ability and resilience. Plus, it’s a standout story to tell in job interviews or personal statements (“Let me tell you about the time I built an app overnight with two people I just met…”).
In short, TuniHack 11.0 is a playground for experimenting and a launchpad for careers. It’s the kind of event where a first-year student and a final-year student can collaborate and both learn from each other. It’s where failures are just lessons in disguise, and every crazy pivot or late-night epiphany is celebrated. If you’re a student in tech (or even a non-tech student with big ideas), TuniHack is the place to be. You’ll come for the challenge, but you’ll stay for the experience – the mentorship, the teamwork, and the sheer excitement of creating something new in a single day.
Beyond a Competition: The Community OSSEC Built
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of TuniHack is the community that has grown around it. This hackathon is the flagship event of OSSEC (Open Source Software ENSI Club), a student club founded in 2012 with the goal of spreading open-source culture and knowledge sharing among students[2]. Over the past 11 years, OSSEC has done exactly that – it has built a thriving community of young developers, designers, and innovators who believe in collaboration and in using tech for good. TuniHack is a natural extension of that philosophy. It’s not just a contest to see who can code the fastest; it’s a gathering of friends and peers excited to learn from each other. Alumni of the event often return as mentors, judges, or simply cheerleaders, keeping that circle of knowledge-sharing going strong.
The tradition of TuniHack has become a cornerstone of the OSSEC community. Each edition is like a reunion and a welcome party rolled into one – alumni come back to see what the next generation is up to, and newcomers are welcomed into the fold with open arms. The organizers (all student volunteers in OSSEC) pour their hearts into making the hackathon special, from curating interesting themes and challenges to arranging those fun activities that keep everyone energized. Over time, this has created a family-like atmosphere where everyone feels they belong. It’s common to hear participants refer to fellow hackers from other universities as friends made through TuniHack. There’s a shared pride in being part of “the TuniHack crew,” a pride that comes from knowing you’ve contributed to 11 years of innovation and creativity in Tunisia.
For sponsors and industry partners, tapping into this community is hugely rewarding. It’s not just about one weekend; it’s about connecting with a movement of passionate youth who are likely to become the country’s future tech leaders. Many sponsors continue relationships with the community year-round – hosting tech talks on campus, inviting students to visit company offices, or supporting OSSEC’s other events that promote open source and coding literacy[6]. The OSSEC ethos of “Dare to Share” really permeates everything: after the hackathon, project source code might be shared on GitHub, knowledge gained is circulated via club workshops, and everyone lifts each other up. This spirit of openness and community is what sets TuniHack apart from just any hackathon.
In the end, TuniHack 11.0 is more than a 24-hour coding contest – it’s a celebration of a community and culture. As the organizers put it, this edition isn’t just an event; it’s an “anniversary” of eleven years of passion, innovation, and talent coming together around inspiring projects. The story of TuniHack is the story of students who dared to innovate and share, and in doing so, caught the attention of an entire nation’s tech industry. It’s the story of collaboration between academia, industry, and enthusiastic youth, all meeting at this one crazy, sleepless, wonderful event each year.
So whether you’re a potential sponsor looking to make a real impact and meet outstanding talent, or a student hacker eager to learn and shine, TuniHack 11.0 invites you to be part of the story. Come join the buzzing crowd at midnight, the brainstorming at dawn, the applause at demos, and the collective cheer as we celebrate innovation in the heart of Tunisia. After all, TuniHack’s greatest hack is that it has managed to hack growth, learning, and community into one exhilarating experience – and everyone involved comes out a winner.
Get ready to hack, share, and inspire – TuniHack 11.0 is on the horizon, and it’s going to be legendary![15]
[1] [13] [14] TuniHack 10.0 is the latest edition of Tunisia’s popular hackathon, organized by the National School of Computer Science (ENSI). Scheduled for December 7-8, 2024, it’s designed to give software… | Sami Belhadj
[2] OSSEC
https://ensi.rnu.tn/Anniv40ENSI/Clubs/OSSEC/index.html
[3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] tunihack.11.pdf
file://file_00000000ada871f4891540d75f3568e2
[12] We’re proud to have Talan as a sponsor …
https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlTmOWCBly
[15] TuniHack added a new photo — at ENSI. – Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1134218846715429&id=697569557047029&set=a.1134218350048812