The 11th Annual ICT Exhibition at St. Mary’s University, held from May 21 to 23, 2026, was a vibrant three-day celebration of innovation under the theme “Think. Build. Innovate.” Organized by the Department of Computer Science in collaboration with the SMU CS Club, the event successfully brought together university leaders, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and students to showcase Ethiopia’s growing digital ecosystem.
The opening day featured inspiring speeches from Executive Vice President Ato Tedal Haile and Dean Tibebu Tulu (PhD), followed by project showcases where students demonstrated practical software and digital solutions. Day two shifted to hands-on learning with advanced training sessions on blockchain and artificial intelligence, alongside a competitive hackathon that challenged students to collaborate and innovate under pressure. The final day highlighted entrepreneurship and mindset growth through a panel discussion with prominent ICT business leaders, who shared personal journeys, insights on the future of technology, and practical advice for students.
The exhibition not only inspired students but also emphasized the importance of bridging academic knowledge with real-world applications. Recommendations for future events include establishing incubation programs for standout projects, expanding training spaces to meet demand, and strengthening industry linkages to create internship and sponsorship opportunities.
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