About the challenge Potential Focus Areas for Your Project Combating Rising Islamophobia Islamophobia has reached an all-time high nationwide, with CAIR reporting 8,658 complaints in 2024 alone—the highest number ever recorded since 1996. Consider developing:
Tools to document and report incidents of discrimination
Educational platforms to counter misconceptions about Islam
Community alert systems for safety concerns
Resources connecting victims with legal support
Refugee Support and Humanitarian Aid The Syrian conflict continues to create immense suffering for millions of Muslims. Design solutions that address:
Resource coordination for refugee communities
Digital platforms connecting displaced persons with essential services
Language translation tools for refugees
Skills development and job matching for displaced Muslims
Economic Empowerment and Wealth Distribution Despite representing approximately 25% of the world's population, Muslim-majority countries account for only about 10% of global GDP. Create technologies that:
Facilitate Zakat and Sadaqah distribution systems
Support interest-free microfinancing platforms (avoiding riba)
Develop skills training and job placement for underserved Muslims
Create transparent charity tracking systems
Community Building and Social Cohesion Islam emphasizes the concept of ummah (community) and the importance of unity. Consider projects that:
Connect isolated Muslims with their broader community
Facilitate congregation and prayer coordination
Support Muslim students facing challenges on campus
Create safe spaces for interfaith dialogue
Educational Access and Empowerment Education is highly valued in Islam. Develop solutions that:
Provide accessible Islamic education resources
Support Muslim students facing discrimination in educational settings
Bridge educational gaps for underserved Muslim communities
Create culturally sensitive educational tools
These are all just examples! You're encouraged to think of something new, that even we didn't think of!Project Development Tips
Focus on feasibility - Create something you can demo within the timeframe
Emphasize social impact - Clearly articulate how your solution addresses a real social need
Consider scalability - How might your solution grow to help more people?
Leverage available technologies - AI, blockchain, mobile apps, web platforms, IoT
Design for accessibility - Ensure your solution can be used by people with diverse abilities
Remember that the best hackathon projects often combine technical innovation with meaningful social impact. Good luck, and we can't wait to see what you build! Use code UMICH25 on https://replit.com for discounted Replit Pro Access: this is a no code tool to help you ship faster! *You can cancel your subscription before next month to avoid paying any fee.
April 12, 2025
Muslim Tech Collaborative
419 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
$498