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Pillar II · Innovation Hackathon

Build real solutions to real challenges

Young innovators, developers, researchers and entrepreneurs are challenged to create practical technology solutions to problems affecting individuals, businesses, communities and government.

How to joinSee the schedule

About the hackathon

Where research becomes innovation, and innovation becomes enterprise

The Hackathon is one of four pillars of the Summit. It gives young innovators a stage to turn ideas into practical technology solutions that create value for the people, businesses and institutions of the SouthEast.

Event
NCS SouthEast Innovation Summit & Awards
Dates
12–14 November 2026
Venue
International Conference Centre, Awka, Anambra State
Showcase
Hackathon / STEM presentation, Dinner & Award Night
Team size
To be announced
Prizes
To be announced
A packed hall at the Summit

Challenge areas

Solve problems that matter

Choose a real problem affecting one of these groups and build a practical solution for it.

  • 01

    Individuals

    Tools that make everyday life easier, safer and more productive for people across the SouthEast.

  • 02

    Businesses

    Solutions that help businesses and startups grow, operate efficiently and compete in the digital economy.

  • 03

    Communities

    Technology that solves local problems in education, health, agriculture, safety and beyond.

  • 04

    Government

    Digital tools that improve public services, governance and citizen engagement.

Eligibility

Who can take part

  • Open to young innovators, developers, researchers and entrepreneurs.
  • Your solution must address a real problem faced by individuals, businesses, communities or government.
  • Solutions should use technology, including Artificial Intelligence where it adds value, in line with the Summit theme.
  • Selected teams present their solutions at the Summit in Awka.

Judging

How entries are judged

  • Relevance

    How clearly the solution addresses a real, regional problem.

  • Innovation

    How original and creative the approach is.

  • Feasibility

    How well the solution works, or could work, in practice.

  • Impact & enterprise value

    Potential to grow into a sustainable enterprise that creates economic value.

  • Responsible technology

    Awareness of the pros and the cons of the technology used.

  • Presentation

    How clearly the team communicates the problem, solution and impact.

How to join

Four steps to the stage

  1. 1

    Review the brief

    Read the challenge areas, eligibility and judging criteria on this page.

  2. 2

    Register

    Complete the registration form. It opens in Google Forms in a new tab.

  3. 3

    Build

    Develop a practical solution to a problem you care about.

  4. 4

    Present

    Showcase your solution at the Hackathon / STEM presentation on the final evening of the Summit.

Ready to build?

Registration is handled through a Google Form. You will leave this site when you continue.

Continue to the registration form

Team size, prizes and the submission deadline will be announced. Watch this page and the Summit channels for updates.