Marcopolo Holidays at AUS Hackathon: Bridging Industry and Academia to Shape Future Travel Innovators

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

 

On 1st and 2nd November 2025, our team—Kunaal, Alyn, and Perera—participated in a dynamic two-day hackathon hosted by the American University of Sharjah (AUS), in collaboration with the College of Engineering and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.

This event served as a prelude to the Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum 2025, bringing together students, mentors, and industry professionals to explore innovative solutions in travel and tourism. 

Mentorship, Judging, and Real-World Impact 

Our involvement covered multiple roles: 

• Kunaal joined the judging panel, evaluating ideas and final presentations  

• Alyn and Perera mentored student teams throughout the hackathon  

• Provided industry insights to help shape practical, scalable solutions  

  
  

Over an intense 48-hour sprint, participants: 

• Developed ideas from scratch  

• Refined concepts with expert guidance  

• Built and presented solutions addressing real-world challenges  

Aligning Innovation with Tourism Needs 

A key focus of the hackathon was connecting ideas to the tourism industry. Our team worked closely with students to: 

• Explore how solutions could support Sharjah’s tourism ecosystem  

• Identify ways technology can enhance travel experiences  

• Guide discussions on feasibility and real-world implementation  

Through continuous discussions and feedback sessions, students refined their ideas and aligned them with industry expectations. 

A Diverse and Energetic Participation 

The event brought together: 

• 20+ teams from leading universities across the UAE  

• Students from diverse academic backgrounds  

• A vibrant mix of creativity, technical skill, and business thinking  

  
  

The atmosphere was defined by: 

• Collaboration across disciplines  

• High-energy teamwork  

• Forward-thinking ideas aimed at solving modern travel challenges  

Supporting the Next Generation of Innovators

At Marcopolo Holidays, we believe in actively contributing to the future of the travel industry. This hackathon was an opportunity to: 

• Share practical industry knowledge  

• Mentor and guide young talent  

• Encourage innovation within the UAE’s academic community  

  
  

By engaging directly with students, we helped shape their perspectives and provided insights that strengthened their solutions. 

 

Key Takeaways from the Experience 

• Strong interest in technology-driven tourism solutions  

• Increasing focus on sustainability and smart travel experiences  

• High potential among students to solve real industry challenges  

• Importance of mentorship in bridging theory and practice 

  
  

Event Highlights 

The hackathon was filled with energy, creativity, and meaningful collaboration—making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved. 

Helpful Insights 

Why Events Like This Matter 

• Encourage innovation in the tourism sector  

• Build stronger connections between academia and industry  

• Prepare students for real-world challenges  

  
  

What Students Gained 

• Hands-on experience in problem-solving  

• Exposure to industry expectations  

• Mentorship from professionals  

  
  

Our Perspective

• Fresh ideas from students can reshape travel experiences  

• Collaboration is key to building future-ready solutions  

• Supporting young innovators benefits the entire industry ecosystem 

  
  

Final Note

This hackathon was more than just a competition—it was a platform where ideas turned into actionable solutions, guided by collaboration and expertise. We’re proud to have played a role in shaping the next generation of innovators in the UAE. 

The energy, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas we witnessed at the AUS Hackathon are a direct reflection of the values we live by every day at Marcopolo Holidays.

Our commitment to mentoring the next generation of innovators is just one chapter of our larger story in the UAE’s travel and tourism landscape. We believe that by investing in talent and embracing new technologies, we can continue to create world-class experiences for our travelers.

Curious to learn more about the people and the mission behind our brand? 

Visit our About Us page to see how our team’s expertise and passion are shaping the future of travel

About Us