AfriCities “#HacktheCity” Winners Feted for their Contribution in Creating Innovative Solutions
By Purity Akoth
The “Hack the City” hackathon took place at the LakeHub in Kisumu from May 17–19 to find innovative technological solutions to the main challenges facing intermediary cities. These solutions revolve around five thematic areas which include: Feeding the city, designing and building a sustainable city, maintaining assets,Cooperate Towards African Integration, managing infrastructure and facilities in a smart and efficient way for the benefit of citizens.
LakeHub through this hackathon seeks to tap the potential of the local youth, encouraging them to be innovative, collaborate and create new design thinking. The aim of this hackathon was to involve local populations, and in particular young people, in a process of co-creation and innovation in order to make their city better and collaborative. Through this linkage, the partnership created by LakeHub, 01 Talent and Jokkolabs, will ensure that the youth will attain mutually compatible goals of technological innovation, enhancing global competitiveness and performing as an engine for economic growth.
Hackathon Layout
This hackathon attracted over 70 applicants out of which 34 participants were shortlisted to present their innovative solutions to a jury. The #HacktheCity hackathon was based on the values of 01Talent: teamwork, collaboration and creativity. During the two days, 34 participants were grouped into 10 teams and were supervised by the members of the 01Talent, LakeHub and Atos team, 10 projects were developed and presented during a 5-minute pitch.
The 3 winners were selected by a panel of six judges including: Nicolas Sadirac — co-founder and head of education at 01Talent, Kenza Halima Dahmani — head of global operations at Atos, Christophe Lumsden — director of strategy at UCLG Africa, Dorcas Owinoh— Programs Director at Lakehub and Karim Sy — Africa strategic manager at 01Talent and founder of Jokkolabs.
Other than the cash prizes of $1,500 for the winning team, $1,000 for second prize, and $500 for third prize, the remaining teams were also awarded $200 each for their participation. Additionally, the winners will also benefit from the support of coders trained by 01Talent in the UK and 01Talent partner companies to further develop their prototype.
Here is a sneak peak of the top 3 #HacktheCity hackathon winners:
- AfricaOps (AfriOps) — a platform that connects African Investors in Diaspora with local startups in order to accelerate their growth and sustainable scalability.
2. Kadana — A platform to help casual workers get descent employment
3. Faminika — A mobile application linking farmers with agricultural experts
