Telecommunications giant Orange Group, operating in 18 countries across Africa and the Middle East, is ramping up its efforts to accelerate digital transformation through technology competitions. These initiatives aim to support promising projects and foster innovation in its markets. 

Jordanian healthcare technology startup OptiGuide emerged victorious at the first international Orange Summer Challenge (OSC) grand finale on Tuesday, February 20.

The competition saw national winners from eleven African and Middle Eastern countries compete for the top prize, awarded during a ceremony organized by Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) in Casablanca, Morocco.

OptiGuide's six-member team impressed the jury with their proposal: an intelligent assistance bracelet designed for the visually impaired. This assistive technology, paired with an AI-powered mobile application, improves user safety by providing real-time identification of obstacles and potential dangers.

The OSC is a three-month internship program organized by Orange Digital Centers. Young talents compete by proposing technological projects within various sectors, aligned with a specific theme. This year's theme, "Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things: a winning duo to meet tomorrow's challenges," attracted 253 participants across the region with a total of 46 innovative tec projects proposed, tackling challenges in sectors like environment, health, education, and agriculture. Notably, all participants had access to Orange Digital Centers, free-access infrastructures offering training and support for those seeking to develop their digital skills or pursue digital career paths.

Adoni Conrad Quenum