It was founded to address and solve critical economic and social issues using data. It brings together industry leaders, subject matter experts, and solution providers from various sectors.

• • Historical Context:

The program was founded in response to the rapidly changing technological landscape and the continuous emergence of new business challenges. Recognizing the need for a forum where innovative solutions could be developed and shared, it was created to fill this void. Over the years, it has grown into a premier event that promotes innovation and supports an economic and social cause.

Significance of the Event:

• • Innovation and Competition:

By encouraging healthy competition among participants, the program drives continuous improvement and innovation in technology and business practices.

• • Visibility and Opportunity:

Participants gain visibility among potential investors, partners, and customers, which is crucial for their growth and success.

• • Community and Support:

The event creates a supportive ecosystem that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among innovators, industry leaders, and academia.

• • Adaptation and Resilience:

The program promotes solutions that help businesses and consumers adapt to technological changes and challenges, increasing resilience across sectors.

• • Purpose and Mission:

The program's primary mission is to transform industries through the use of big data and software solutions. The event's goal is to promote cross-functional discussions and provide a collaborative platform for developing solutions that address real-world challenges, improve operational efficiency, and promote business excellence.

Our primary goals include encouraging innovation, advancing industry standards, and creating a collaborative community of data enthusiasts and professionals to find solutions to a given problem. This is to encourage data-driven solutions and technological advancements.

• • Driving Rapid Innovation:

This hackathon encourages data professionals to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems within a limited timeframe. By pushing the boundaries of what data technology can achieve, the event aims to stimulate creative thinking and rapid prototyping, resulting in groundbreaking advancements.

• • Promoting Collaborative Problem-Solving:

The event creates an environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration, enabling data experts to share ideas, skills, and expertise. This collective effort allows diverse teams to tackle complex data challenges, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the solutions developed.

• • Encouraging Skill Development:

Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their technical and analytical skills through hands-on experience and mentorship from industry leaders. The hackathon serves as a practical learning platform, helping individuals to grow and refine their abilities in a competitive setting.

• • Innovation and Creativity:

By focusing on key data-driven fields, the hackathon aims to stimulate the creation and development of cutting-edge applications and solutions that address social and business challenges.

• • Supporting Social Impact:

The event encourages the development of data solutions that address major global issues, including health, education, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on socially beneficial outcomes, the hackathon promotes technology that positively impacts society.

• • Building a Vibrant Tech Community:

The hackathon aims to create a dynamic and supportive community of forward-thinking data professionals and entrepreneurs. This vibrant network is dedicated to continuous innovation and excellence, fostering long-term relationships and collaborative opportunities.

• • Providing Expert Feedback and Recognition:

Participants will present their solutions to a panel of judges and industry experts, receiving valuable feedback and recognition. This process not only rewards excellence but also helps participants improve their projects and gain insights from experienced professionals.

• • Inspiration for Future Generations:

By showcasing successful projects and the transformative power of data technology, the hackathon aims to motivate the next generation of data professionals and entrepreneurs. The event highlights the potential for innovation and excellence, inspiring participants to pursue their ideas and ambitions.

The prizes and benefits for participants are designed to provide both recognition and substantial support to further solutions development and growth. Here’s what participants can expect:

• • Prizes and Certificates:

Winners will receive a trophy and a certificate to commemorate their success. This recognition serves as a mark of excellence and commitment to finding technological solutions to critical economic and social issues.

• • Promotional Exposure:

Winners will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations through various media channels. This includes features on the official website, press releases, and interviews that highlight their achievements and potential impact on the industry. This exposure can significantly enhance their visibility and reputation within the tech community.

• • Exclusive Networking Opportunities:

Participants gain access to exclusive events and webinars where they can connect with industry leaders, potential investors, and fellow innovators. This networking extends to private forums and discussion groups dedicated to winners, building an environment of collaboration and mutual support.

• • Professional Development:

Opportunities for professional growth through workshops, seminars, and training sessions designed to enhance business skills and technical knowledge. Participants also gain access to mentorship programs with industry experts, providing valuable guidance and insights for their career development.

• • Market Access Support:

Assistance in entering new markets and scaling their operations. This includes introductions to potential partners and customers, as well as support in navigating regulatory and market entry challenges. This can be particularly beneficial for startups and emerging businesses looking to expand their reach.

• • Access to Investment Opportunities:

Facilitation of meetings and interactions with venture capitalists and angel investors who are keen to invest in promising technologies. This financial backing can significantly accelerate the growth and expansion of the winning solutions.

• • Usage Rights of the Hackathon Logo:

Winners are entitled to use the Hackathon logo in their marketing and promotional activities, enhancing their brand’s credibility and visibility. This recognition can be a powerful tool in attracting new customers and partners.

• • Extended Resource Access:

Depending on the specific category and needs of the winners, additional resources such as co-working space access, cloud services, or specialized software licenses may be provided. These resources support the ongoing development and deployment of their technology solutions.

• • Feature in Annual Prize Publication:

Winners will be featured in an annual publication that highlights the year's most innovative technologies and success stories. This publication is distributed widely across the industry, offering further recognition and exposure.

• • Long-Term Partnership Opportunities:

The chance to collaborate on future projects with sponsors and partners of the event, opening doors to strategic alliances that can lead to sustainable business growth. These partnerships can provide additional support and resources, helping to ensure the long-term success of the participants' innovations.

To ensure the integrity and prestige of the Hackathon, all entries must meet a set of stringent eligibility requirements. These requirements are intended to maintain high standards and fairness throughout the competition. Participants must meet the following general eligibility criteria:

• • Legal Rights:

Applicants must hold all necessary rights, licenses, permissions, and consents to submit their technology for consideration. This includes intellectual property rights for any software, hardware, or other technology mentioned in the application.

• • Operational Requirement:

The technology or solution entered must have been operational and available in the market for at least three months prior to the application date. Applicants must provide evidence such as sales receipts, active user data, client testimonials, or other relevant documents to verify this.

• • Innovation and Development:

A significant part of the innovation and development of the submitted technology must have been carried out by the applying or nominated entity. Contributions made by external contractors or partners should be clearly stated and justified.

• • Previous Winners:

Entries that have won in any category of the program in the past can only re-enter if there has been a significant enhancement or update to the original winning entry.

• • Compliance with Laws:

All entries must fully comply with the local, national, and international laws applicable to their operations and the functionalities of their technologies. This includes adherence to data protection, privacy laws, and industry-specific regulations.

• • Non-Discrimination:

The competition is committed to fairness and equality. Entries must not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, nationality, or any other prohibited basis.

• • Conflict of Interest:

Entities that are directly affiliated with any of the judges, sponsors, or organizing members of the program may not enter the competition to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

To ensure the integrity and prestige of the Hackathon, all entries must meet a set of stringent eligibility requirements. These requirements are intended to maintain high standards and fairness throughout the competition. Participants must meet the following general eligibility criteria:

• • Legal Rights:

Applicants must hold all necessary rights, licenses, permissions, and consents to submit their technology for consideration. This includes intellectual property rights for any software, hardware, or other technology mentioned in the application.

• • Operational Requirement:

The technology or solution entered must have been operational and available in the market for at least three months prior to the application date. Applicants must provide evidence such as sales receipts, active user data, client testimonials, or other relevant documents to verify this.

• • Innovation and Development:

A significant part of the innovation and development of the submitted technology must have been carried out by the applying or nominated entity. Contributions made by external contractors or partners should be clearly stated and justified.

• • Previous Winners:

Entries that have won in any category of the program in the past can only re-enter if there has been a significant enhancement or update to the original winning entry.

• • Compliance with Laws:

All entries must fully comply with the local, national, and international laws applicable to their operations and the functionalities of their technologies. This includes adherence to data protection, privacy laws, and industry-specific regulations.

• • Non-Discrimination:

The competition is committed to fairness and equality. Entries must not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, nationality, or any other prohibited basis.

• • Conflict of Interest:

Entities that are directly affiliated with any of the judges, sponsors, or organizing members of the program may not enter the competition to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

• • Data Engineers

• • Data Scientists

• • Data Analysts

• • Machine Learning Engineers

• Business Intelligence Analysts

• Cybersecurity Experts

• Data Model

  The data model should demonstrate a well-thought-out structure that organizes and processes information effectively. Scalability is a critical aspect, ensuring that the model can handle increased complexity or data volume without performance degradation. Innovative techniques employed in the design can greatly enhance the solution's uniqueness and effectiveness in solving real-world problems.

• Code Quality

  High-quality code should be easy to understand and follow, with clear naming conventions and logical structuring. Maintainability is key, enabling future developers to make modifications or extensions with ease. Following established coding standards not only ensures consistency but also minimizes potential errors, making the codebase more robust and reliable.

• Model Performance

  A performant model is one that accurately predicts or solves the problem it was designed for, with minimal error rates. Efficiency in terms of computational resources and processing speed is essential, ensuring the model operates smoothly in practical scenarios. Robustness under varying conditions, such as noisy data or unexpected inputs, indicates the resilience of the model.

• Data Quality

  The reliability and accuracy of data are fundamental to achieving meaningful results. The dataset should be comprehensive, covering all relevant aspects necessary to address the problem effectively. Additionally, the data should be highly relevant, ensuring its applicability and value in the context of the intended analysis or application.

• Data Analysis and Visualization

  Thorough data analysis should provide deep insights, uncovering patterns and trends that add value to decision-making. Clear communication of findings through well-structured reports or narratives is crucial. Effective visualizations, such as graphs or charts, enhance understanding by presenting complex information in an easily digestible format.

• User Interface and Experience (UI/UX)

  A visually appealing design creates a positive first impression and increases user engagement. Usability ensures that the interface is intuitive, allowing users to navigate and perform tasks without confusion or frustration. A satisfying experience leaves a lasting impression, fostering continued use and loyalty.

• Functionality and Usability

  The system should perform its intended functions efficiently, delivering quick and accurate results. Usability ensures seamless interaction, minimizing the learning curve for users. Reliability is critical, as consistent performance builds trust and reduces downtime or errors.

• Documentation

  Clear and professional documentation serves as an essential guide for users and developers alike. Comprehensive content should cover all aspects of the project, from installation and usage to troubleshooting. Effective presentation ensures that the information is easy to find and understand, facilitating smooth adoption and implementation.

Our Judges

The judges are a group of seasoned Data Scientists, Solution Architects, Cybersecurity Engineers, Data Analysts, Data Engineers, and other professionals from various data-related fields. They volunteer their time and expertise to evaluate entries for the hackathon, ensuring fairness and impartiality in the process.

Judges are carefully selected based on their industry expertise, leadership skills, and ability to assess the quality of nominated entries. Their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience contribute to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the hackathon.

Why You Should Apply

As a volunteer judge, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of data innovations across industries. By evaluating groundbreaking data solutions and contributing your expertise, you play a critical role in identifying deserving winners and making a lasting impact on their success.

Join our esteemed panel of judges to gain valuable industry insights, expand your professional network, and be part of a global community that celebrates excellence. Judges are expected to allocate sufficient time to complete at least 20 data innovation assessments, with each assessment taking approximately 20 minutes.

We take great care to select judges with extensive industry knowledge and experience. The criteria for selection are based on expertise, experience, qualifications, and achievements in their respective fields. Judges are chosen through a well-defined selection process that evaluates their professional accomplishments and commitment to impartiality and integrity. Applications are accepted and reviewed based on the following criteria:

• • Extensive Industry Experience:

Judges with a wealth of experience in their respective data fields bring valuable insights and expertise to the judging process.

• • Qualifications and Accomplishments:

Judges are selected based on their educational background, certifications, and notable achievements, ensuring they possess the necessary credentials to evaluate hackathon entries effectively.

• • Impartiality and Integrity:

Judges are chosen for their commitment to fairness and their ability to evaluate entries objectively, maintaining the integrity of the judging process.

• • Industry Knowledge and Understanding:

Judges are selected for their deep understanding of the data industry and related technologies, enabling them to assess entries based on industry-specific standards.

• • Commitment to Confidentiality:

Judges are required to adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines, ensuring sensitive information in the entries is handled with care throughout the evaluation process.

• • Diversity and Inclusion:

A diverse panel of judges, representing various backgrounds, perspectives, and areas of expertise, ensures a well-rounded evaluation of entries and promotes inclusivity in the judging process.

Overall, the judges for the Data Hackathon are chosen based on their extensive industry experience, qualifications, accomplishments, impartiality, and integrity. This ensures a fair and credible judging process, with excellence recognized across various data fields.

• • STEP 1:

Click on the “Judges” menu for the hackathon program you want to sign up as a Judge and Industry Expert.

• • STEP 2:

Look for Apply to be a Judge.

• • STEP 3:

Click on APPLY AS A JUDGE HERE NOW! and complete your judges’ profile page on the judging portal. You can use the same user ID and password for all your judging applications. If you are also submitting nominations, then your user ID and password can be the same everywhere.

That’s it. We will evaluate your application and inform you if selected.

Understanding The Steps To Being Approved As A Data Hackathon Judge

Once you have applied to be a judge, the Data Hackathon team will review your application. If you are approved to serve as a judge, you will receive an invitation letter confirming your selection as a member of the panel. The judging period for each hackathon may vary.

Reasons for delays in approval:

• • You did not use a business email:

Email domains such as @gmail, @yahoo, @aol, etc., take much longer to get approved.

• • You did not provide the requested links and proof of your employment/business:

• • You did not provide a professional photo that can be used to create your profile or a professional portfolio:

Application Procedures for The Data Hackathon

To ensure a smooth and organized application process, participants are required to follow a series of structured steps. These guidelines are designed to help applicants successfully submit their entries and ensure that all submissions meet the event’s standards and requirements.

• • Registration:

Online Registration: All participants must complete the online registration form. This form collects basic information about the participant and the data innovation, ensuring eligibility and a record for further communication.

Deadline: Ensure that registration is completed by the specified deadline. Late registrations will not be accepted.

• • Submission of Documents and Information:

Proof of Concept: Submit detailed documentation of the data innovation, including descriptions, technical specifications, and proof of concept or performance data.

Intellectual Property Documentation: Provide documentation asserting ownership or the right to use all intellectual property involved in the data innovation.

Business and Market Analysis: Include a business plan or market analysis that details the data innovation’s viability, target market, and potential impact.

Media Files: If applicable, submit media files such as images, videos, or digital presentations that showcase the data innovation’s functionality and features.

• • Verification of Submission:

Confirmation Email: Upon successful submission, participants will receive a confirmation email. This email will verify that their application has been received and is under review.

Review for Completeness: Submissions will be reviewed for completeness and adherence to the submission guidelines. Participants may be contacted to provide additional information if necessary.

• • Assessment Eligibility:

Initial Review: Submissions will undergo an initial review to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria. This review checks for completeness, adherence to the rules and regulations, and alignment with the showcase’s themes.

Notification of Eligibility: Applicants will be notified of their eligibility status. Eligible entries will be forwarded to the judging panel for further evaluation.

• • Preparation for Judging:

Briefing Session: A briefing session may be held for all eligible participants to explain the judging process, criteria, and any preparations needed for the assessment phase.

Q&A: Provide opportunities for applicants to ask questions and clarify any doubts regarding the competition process, criteria, or their specific submissions.

• • Final Submission and Presentation:

Presentation Preparation: Participants may be required to prepare a presentation or demonstration of their data innovation as part of the final evaluation.

Submission of Final Materials: Ensure that all final materials, including presentations and any updated documents, are submitted by the final deadline.

To ensure a smooth and organized application process for the Hackathon, participants are required to follow these structured steps. These guidelines are designed to help applicants successfully submit their entries and ensure that all submissions meet the event’s standards and requirements:

1. Registration:
   • Online Registration: All participants must complete the online registration form, providing basic information about the participant and the solution.
   • Deadline Compliance: Ensure that registration is completed by the specified deadline. Late registrations will not be accepted.

 

2. Submission of Documents and Information:
   • Proof of Concept: Submit detailed documentation of the solution, including descriptions, technical specifications, and proof of concept or performance data.
   • Intellectual Property Documentation: Provide documentation asserting ownership or right to use all intellectual property involved in the solution.
   • Business and Market Analysis: Include a business plan or market analysis that details the solution’s viability, target market, and potential impact.
   • Media Files: If applicable, submit media files such as images, videos, or digital presentations that showcase the solution’s functionality and features.

 

3. Verification of Submission:
   • Confirmation Email: Upon successful submission, participants will receive a confirmation email verifying that their application has been received and is under review.
   • Review for Completeness: Submissions will be reviewed for completeness and adherence to the submission guidelines. Participants may be contacted to provide additional information if necessary.

 

4. Assessment Eligibility:
   • Initial Review: Submissions will undergo an initial review to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria. This review checks for completeness, adherence to the rules and regulations, and alignment with the hackathon’s themes.
   • Notification of Eligibility: Applicants will be notified of their eligibility status. Eligible entries will be forwarded to the judging panel for further evaluation.

 

5. Preparation for Judging:
   • Briefing Session: A briefing session may be held for all eligible participants to explain the judging process, criteria, and any preparations needed for the assessment phase.
   • Q&A: Opportunities will be provided for applicants to ask questions and clarify any doubts regarding the competition process, criteria, or their specific submissions.

 

6. Final Submission and Presentation:
   • Presentation Preparation: Participants may be required to prepare a presentation or demonstration of their solution as part of the final evaluation.
   • Submission of Final Materials: Ensure that all final materials, including presentations and any updated documents, are submitted by the final deadline.

• • Roy Ikechukwu Okonkwo:

Roy Ikechukwu Okonkwo is a distinguished data scientist renowned for leveraging data to solve complex problems and drive innovation across industries. With a career spanning years of hands-on experience, Roy has a proven track record of developing predictive models and actionable insights that empower organizations to make informed decisions. As a leading expert in data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, Roy is celebrated for his ability to bridge the gap between technical concepts and real-world applications.

• • Austine Unuriode:

Austine Unuriode is a highly skilled data scientist with extensive experience using data to drive decision-making and innovation. Thanks to his broad understanding of statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualisation, he has made significant contributions to various industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. Austine's expertise allows him to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets, allowing organisations to make better strategic decisions.

• • Oyinye Anyamale:

Onyinye Anyamele is a software engineer who is well-known for her ability to create and develop innovative software solutions. With a strong foundation in computer science and considerable experience in the technology business, Onyinye provides a wealth of expertise to the judging panel, as well as an eye for innovation. Her career has been defined by major contributions to high-profile projects, proving her commitment to using technology to tackle complicated challenges.

• • Olayinka Ugwu:

Olayinka Ibidunni Ugwu is an information systems analyst with more than 14 years of experience. Olayinka is well-known for her analytical abilities and adaptability, and she has a track record of successfully managing complex technical projects within budget and time constraints. Her expertise includes system security, database management, and IT infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on comprehensive information security policies and IT risk management. Olayinka is proficient in a variety of programming languages, including Python, Java, and C++, and is skilled at developing and maintaining system documentation as well as implementing quality assurance test plans.

• • Monsuru Olalekan Durojaiye:

Monsuru Olalekan Durojaiye is an accomplished data scientist renowned for his expertise in leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to solve complex business challenges. With a career spanning over a decade, Monsuru has built a reputation as a problem-solver who transforms raw data into actionable insights, empowering organizations to make data-driven decisions.

• • Okeniwun Sodiq Abiodun:

OKENIWUN Sodiq Abiodun is a renowned entrepreneur with an extensive background in business innovation and management. With a sharp eye for identifying captivating technology ideas and a deep understanding of market dynamics, Okeniwun has successfully launched and managed several ventures across various industries. As an entrepreneur, Okeniwun has been instrumental in transforming innovative concepts into thriving businesses.

• • Babatunde Yusuf:

Babatunde Yusuf is a data scientist and computer science expert with a solid academic background and extensive technical knowledge. He has a Master's degree in Computer Science from Austin Peay State University, where he earned a perfect GPA. He is proficient in multiple programming languages, including Python, Java, SQL, and R, as well as data visualisation tools such as Power BI and Tableau. His background includes advanced knowledge of machine learning, big data technologies, and statistical analysis.

• • Yannick Agbor:

Yannick Agbor is a skilled software engineer with a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering and extensive experience in reservoir modelling, data analysis, and cloud computing. His expertise in machine learning and cloud architecture has allowed him to create novel solutions that improve production and team productivity. Yannick is an expert in SQL, cloud services, and high-performance computing, and he has successfully implemented cloud-based SCADA systems, data lakes, and smart grid analytics solutions.

• • Kelechukwu Nwandu:

Kelechukwu Nwandu is a software engineer who holds a Master of Science in Computer Science and Quantitative Methods from Austin Peay State University, where she has a perfect GPA. Kelechukwu is an expert in developing scalable web applications and improving system efficiency using advanced Machine Learning techniques and data analysis. She is fluent in several programming languages, including Python, Java, and JavaScript. She is an expert in ReactJS, Flask, and Django frameworks, as well as cloud technologies such as AWS and GCP. Her expertise in managing CI/CD pipelines and working with cross-functional teams has consistently resulted in increased customer retention and streamlined processes.

• • Adaeze Okoro, Head of Data Science at Medivault:

Adaeze Okoro is the Head of Data Science at Medivault, where she spearheads the creation of data-powered solutions that revolutionize patient care. Leveraging her deep expertise in big data and machine learning, she develops innovative systems that streamline medical research and enhance clinical decision-making.

• • Ifeanyi Onuoha, Lead Data Engineer at QuantaCore Finance:

Ifeanyi Onuoha works as a Lead Data Engineer at QuantaCore Finance, where he architects resilient data infrastructures tailored for high-volume financial analytics. His forward-thinking approach to pipeline development and data integration empowers the company to deliver accurate, real-time insights to clients in the financial sector.

• • Olivia Adeyemi, Chief Data Scientist at Learnlytics Lab:

As the Chief Data Scientist at Learnlytics Lab, she leads the charge in transforming raw educational data into actionable intelligence. Her work has been instrumental in shaping tools that improve learning outcomes and inform data-driven strategies across schools and educational programs.

• • Chinedu Eze, Vice President of Data Analytics at Nexus:

Chinedu Eze is the Vice President of Data Analytics at Nexus, a firm known for its forward-thinking approach to market intelligence. He designs and deploys predictive models that decode consumer behavior and anticipate market trends, enabling brands to make smarter strategic moves.

• • Fatimah Ibrahim, Lead Data Architect at NexaGrid Technologies:

At NexaGrid Technologies, Fatimah Ibrahim serves as the Lead Data Architect, driving the development of secure and scalable data frameworks. Her architectural designs support high-performance systems that power the company’s leading-edge tech solutions across multiple industries.

• • Samuel Uche, Chief Data Engineer at GreenCity:

Samuel Uche is a Chief Data Engineer at Green City, where he pioneers sustainable data practices. He specializes in building environmentally-conscious data systems that reduce the carbon footprint of digital operations, aligning data performance with climate responsibility.

• • Ngozi Okeke, Lead Data Officer at UrbanIQ:

Ngozi Okeke is the Lead Data Officer at UrbanIQ, where she oversees urban data strategy and management. Her insights inform smarter infrastructure planning, traffic systems, and urban development projects, advancing the company’s mission to create more livable, tech-enabled cities.

• • Emeka Nwosu, Senior Business Intelligence Officer at Agrovista Insights:

Emeka Nwosu serves as the Senior Business Intelligence Officer at Agrovista Insights. With a deep understanding of agricultural data, he builds dashboards and models that help farmers and agritech companies maximize productivity, reduce waste, and make data-backed decisions in real time.

• • Zainab Hassan, Head of Data Analytics & BI at Shoplytix Group:

Zainab Hassan is the Head of Data Analytics and BI at Shoplytix Group, a leading retail intelligence firm. She crafts data-driven strategies that optimize inventory, personalize customer experiences, and fuel revenue growth for retail businesses across Africa.

• • Adewale Adebayo, Senior Data Scientist at Enerlogix Systems:

Adewale Adebayo is a Senior Data Scientist at Enerlogix Systems, where he uses advanced analytics to improve energy efficiency. His predictive models help utility companies and enterprises track usage patterns, reduce energy waste, and transition toward more sustainable power solutions.