Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie (PTUK) achieved a notable academic accomplishment by winning first place at the Hash Code Palestine competition, in addition to securing the fifth and sixth places. The competition brought together 40 teams from five Palestinian universities: Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, Birzeit University, An-Najah National University, the Arab American University – Jenin, and Palestine Polytechnic University.

The event was hosted at Birzeit University and fully organized and sponsored by FootHill Software Company, in partnership with computer science departments and computer engineering clubs at the participating universities. The competition was held in a highly competitive academic atmosphere that reflected the strength of the universities’ academic programs and the students’ abilities in algorithmic thinking and complex problem-solving.

Teams competed over five continuous hours in a challenge based on NP-type problems, consisting of a single complex task. Participants were required to present the best possible solution, with evaluation based on how close the solution was to the optimal answer, even if incomplete, provided that the idea, methodology, and logical steps were clear. This approach placed emphasis on creativity, deep analysis, and sound reasoning rather than solely on producing a final technical solution.

In this context, PTUK President Prof. Hussein Shanak stated that this achievement reflects the university’s strategic vision, noting that the success of PTUK students in advanced programming competitions is a clear outcome of the university’s commitment to academic excellence, strong educational methodologies, and the effective integration of theory and practice. He emphasized the university’s confidence in its students and staff, and its continuous efforts to foster a competitive learning environment capable of producing innovative and highly skilled technical graduates.

He added that this success is the result of integrated efforts between academic and administrative staff and students, sustained investment in high-quality programs, and strong support for student initiatives, particularly in the fields of computing, artificial intelligence, and algorithmic thinking.

This achievement further affirms PTUK’s position as a leading institution in technical and applied education in Palestine and strengthens its presence in competitive academic arenas, in line with its clear path toward excellence, quality, and international standing.