The Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat delivered a speech during the Egyptian Engineering Day 2019

Bridging the gap between industry and academia is an issue concerning many, but also IEEE. There are numerous examples of the times that has been mentioned the importance of getting closer with industry in conversations between IEEE members.

The answer comes from EED – Egyptian Engineering Day

EED is an annual engineering forum aiming to provide graduating students with an exclusive chance to market their projects, and explore the latest top-notch technologies that fit the current market needs. EED 2019 organized by the IEEE Young Professionals (YP) Egypt, in collaboration with the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), over two days, at Al-Azhar Conference Center (ACC), under the theme of “A New Era of Transformation”. Marking its 18th edition this year, EED during all these years has hosted more than 81.800 visitors, and 12.700 exhibitors, making it a top of mind event in Egypt.

The important role of EED marks the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, who supported it by delivering a speech, underlining the significance of promoting technological innovation, and providing young people with the skills needed to meet the digital revolution requirements. During his speech he also referred to the efforts that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) exerts to empower innovative young entrepreneurs in different ICTs.

The IEEE Egypt Section Chair Samir Shaheen, also attended the event, giving a speech during the opening ceremony. In the exhibition area, the visitor could engage with representatives of IEEE Egypt Section Affinity Groups or Initiatives, such as WiE Egypt (Women in Engineering) or IEEE SIGHT Egypt Section. 

Including a variety of covered topics in speeches on Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies, Machine Learning, Data Science, and other technologies, EED visitor could fulfill its expectations. Moreover, two major competitions were included in EED’s program, organized by the IEEE YP, EED Competition and “Made in Egypt”.

EED Competition: During this competition, a jury evaluates graduation projects from the faculties of engineering, and computers and information in different engineering areas. Such areas could be electronics, communications, computers, systems, computer science, medical, mechanical, petroleum and aviation engineering.

“Made in Egypt”: Made In Egypt or MIE is a University-Industry linkage program founded and organized by IEEE Egypt YP affinity group, that aims at bridging the gap between the academic community – including both research and educational sectors – and the industrial community. Our contribution lies mainly in creating suitable models of cooperation between both communities that enrich the national industry and production and lift up the academic standards to create a better impact on the industrial and economical development in Egypt.

MIE is a one year running competition. During this period, training courses and right guidance is given to the participants depending on the demands and needs of each team, but also the phase of each project. Such training is based on the designing and production of a technological product, from the economic and feasibility studies of the project, to specialized technical courses in the production process. This aims to qualify all teams to present their final project as a prototype product under the label “Made in Egypt”. During the closing ceremony of EED, the competition’s finals and delivery of awards are being held.