Tracks
Pick a problem worth solving.
Every project enters one track. Sponsor tracks and their prizes will be added before the event.
AI and agents
Assistants, automations and tools that use AI to save people real time.
- A study buddy that quizzes you from your notes
- An agent that handles small business bookkeeping
- Voice assistants in local languages
Fintech and payments
Better ways to send, save, spend and manage money.
- Group savings (ajo, esusu) made transparent
- Simple invoicing for freelancers
- Spending insights for students
Web3 and open source
Onchain apps, public goods and open tools anyone can build on.
- Cross-border payments for creators
- Open tools that help contributors get paid
- Verifiable certificates and records
Developer tools
Things that make building software faster, easier or more fun.
- CLIs that remove boring setup
- Better docs or API playgrounds
- Editor extensions and bots
Design and UX
Products that look great and feel effortless to use.
- Redesign a service everyone struggles with
- Accessible apps for people with disabilities
- Design systems for local startups
Social impact
Solutions for education, health, agriculture and local communities.
- Market prices for farmers over SMS
- Clinic queue and appointment tools
- Learning tools that work offline
These ideas are only examples. Bring your own.
Prizes
Real prizes for real builds.
Prize amounts will be announced as sponsors confirm. Every team that ships a working demo is in the running.
Special awards
Judging
What the judges look for.
Judges score every project on the same four things. You don't need the most complex project to win.
Does it matter?
It solves a real problem for real people, and you can explain who it helps.
Does it work?
A working demo beats a perfect slide deck. Show it running live.
Is it easy to use?
Clear, thoughtful and pleasant to use, even in an early version.
Can you tell the story?
Explain the problem, your solution and what you'd build next.
Rules
Play fair, build boldly.
These keep the competition fair for every team. Organisers may update them before the event.
- Teams of 1 to 4 peopleBuild solo or with up to three teammates. You can form teams at the event.
- Build during the hackathonIdeas, sketches and research are fine beforehand, but write your project's code during the event.
- Use any tools you likeOpen-source libraries, APIs, templates and AI tools are all allowed. Mention the big ones in your submission.
- One project per teamEach team submits one project to one track.
- Submit before the deadlineLate submissions can't be judged, so leave time to package your project.
- Demo it liveEvery team demos to the judges. Pre-recorded videos are only a backup.
- You own what you buildYour project belongs to your team. Sponsors don't get any rights to it by default.
- Follow the code of conductBe respectful to everyone. Read the code of conduct.
- Judges' decisions are finalOrganisers can disqualify teams that break the rules.
Submitting
What to hand in.
Have these ready before the deadline. Full submission steps will be shared at kickoff.
- Project name and a one-line description
- Link to your code repository
- The track you're entering
- Names of everyone on your team
- A short demo video as a backup (2 minutes or less)
- Screenshots or a live link, if you have one