About the challenge

The E-NOVATE Expo Hackathon is a multi-stage innovation challenge designed to inspire students, universities, and startups to build practical, future-ready technology solutions. Guided by the theme Future Ready Tech Synergies, the hackathon brings together Africa’s next generation of creators to solve real problems in education, finance, health, agriculture, digital inclusion, and smart services.

Participants compete across three divisions: Schools, Universities, and Startups. Each division progresses through Qualifiers, Semi Finals, and a Grand Finale where solutions must integrate or simulate Econet ecosystem tools such as EcoCash and Akello.

Requirements

Each team must submit the following to qualify for judging:

  1. Project description
    Clear explanation of the problem, your proposed solution, and the target users.

  2. Prototype or simulation
    A functional demo or simulation. This may be:
    • App
    • Website
    • Hardware device
    • Hybrid IoT solution
    • Data or AI-powered system
    Payment features may be simulated for EcoCash-related challenges.

  3. Video demo
    A 2 to 5 minute walkthrough showing how the solution works and what makes it unique.

  4. Pitch deck
    A concise presentation including:
    • Problem
    • Solution
    • Technical Documentation (explain your tech, APIs used, AI models used, etc.)
    • Impact
    • Business or sustainability model (where relevant)

  5. Team information
    Names, roles, school/startup category, and short bios.

 

All work must be created during the hackathon period.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$1 in prizes
placeholder-prize
$1 in cash
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Faith Samera

Faith Samera
Projects Director @ Zim Girls Code

Takudzwa Kamango

Takudzwa Kamango

Bongani Masuku

Bongani Masuku

Kudzai Mundawarara

Kudzai Mundawarara

Quincy Mashava

Tino Zungunde

Judging Criteria

  • Problem Understanding
    Judges will assess how clearly the team identifies, explains, and contextualizes the problem they are solving. Strong entries demonstrate deep insight into user needs and real-world relevance.
  • Creativity and Originality
    Solutions will be evaluated on novelty, fresh thinking, and originality in the chosen approach. Judges look for innovative ideas that stand out from common or predictable solutions.
  • Feasibility
    Judges will consider whether the solution can realistically be built and sustained. This includes technical practicality, resource requirements, and the team’s plan for implementation.
  • Human Centricity / User Experience
    Entries are scored on how well the solution addresses real user needs. Judges will consider simplicity, clarity, usability, and the overall user experience of the prototype.
  • Technical Execution
    Judges examine the working prototype, architecture choices, and the technical depth of the solution. Strong submissions demonstrate clean implementation and reliable functionality.
  • Impact Potential
    Judges will assess the potential economic, social, educational, or community impact of the solution. Higher scores go to solutions with clear, measurable value.
  • Innovation
    This evaluates the unique value the project adds to existing solutions. Judges look for bold thinking, creative combinations, or new approaches that push boundaries.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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