Introduction
Welcome to the GirlCode Hackathon 2024, an exciting event poised to celebrate a decade of empowering young women in technology. This article dives deep into the details of this year’s hackathon, highlighting its significance, eligibility criteria, stages, and the overarching theme of leveraging technology for sustainable development.
Define the GirlCode Hackathon 2024
GirlCode Hackathon 2024 is an annual event held across ten African cities, aimed at fostering interest in coding among young women in universities. This year marks a special celebration of a decade of empowering female technologists.
Importance of GirlCode Hackathon
The hackathon aims to equip young women with real-world skills and promote gender diversity in the tech industry. Participants are challenged to innovate and address pressing global issues aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Types and Categories
Participation Criteria
- Age: Participants must be between 18 to 35 years old.
- Team Requirements: Teams of 2 to 4 members.
- Eligible Countries: South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia.
Theme Focus
Participants select one of the 17 UN SDGs to develop a technology-driven solution addressing relevant community challenges.
Symptoms and Signs
Timeline and Deadlines
- Submission Deadlines:
- Stage 1 (Presentations): June 28, 2024
- Stage 2 (Demos): July 19, 2024
- Grand Finale: August 31 – September 1, 2024
Causes and Risk Factors
Hackathon Structure
Stage 1: Presentations
- Objective: Teams present their project ideas via a 5-10 slide presentation on DevPost.
- Judging Criteria: Innovation, technical execution, impact, presentation, feasibility, and scalability.
Stage 2: Demos
- Objective: Finalists showcase a working prototype in a 5-minute demo video on DevPost.
- Selection: Top projects proceed based on demo quality and adherence to judging criteria.
Stage 3: The Grand Finale
- Event Highlights: Includes project refinement, mentor sessions, live demos, networking, and prize distribution.
Treatment Options
Prizes and Recognition
- Prizes: Include Amazon vouchers, laptops, and headphones.
- Mentorship: Opportunities for top participants to receive mentorship from industry leaders.
Judges and Criteria
- Judges: Esteemed professionals including Mbali Mngoma and Murendeni Mukwevho from GirlCode.
- Criteria: Innovation, technical execution, impact, presentation, feasibility, and scalability.
Preventive Measures
How to Participate
Interested participants can register through GirlCode’s official channels and prepare their teams according to the outlined criteria.
Personal Stories or Case Studies
Success Stories
Previous hackathon success stories illustrate the transformative impact of technology-driven solutions on local communities.
Expert Insights
Mentorship Opportunities
Participants can benefit from mentorship sessions with industry experts to refine their projects and presentation skills.
Technical Specifications
Technology and Tools
Participants are encouraged to leverage any tech platforms and programming languages suitable for their projects. There are no restrictions, fostering creativity and innovation.
Applications
Impact Areas
Projects aim to address diverse societal challenges, including but not limited to healthcare, education, environment, and economic empowerment.
Benefits
Hackathon Rewards
Participants stand to gain valuable experience, mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential recognition for their innovative solutions.
Challenges and Limitations
Considerations
Participants must navigate technical, logistical, and time constraints to deliver effective solutions within the hackathon’s timeframe.
Latest Innovations
Emerging Trends
The hackathon encourages exploration of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to push the boundaries of innovation.
Future Prospects
Beyond the Hackathon
Top projects have the potential to evolve into startups or initiatives that make lasting impacts in their communities and beyond.
Comparative Analysis
Industry Insights
Participants gain insights into how their solutions compare with existing technologies and approaches in addressing societal challenges.
User Guides or Tutorials
Resource Availability
Guides and tutorials are available to assist participants in navigating technical tools and platforms effectively.
Judging Criteria and Winner Selection
Evaluation Process
Projects will be evaluated based on criteria including innovation, technical execution, impact, presentation, feasibility, and scalability.
Stage 1: Presentations
Initial Pitch
Teams will present their ideas and concepts through a comprehensive slide deck, highlighting problem statements, innovative solutions, technologies used, and projected impacts.
Stage 2: Demos
Prototype Showcase
Finalists will demonstrate functional prototypes via video presentations, showcasing their project’s features, functionalities, and technological implementations.
Stage 3: The Grand Finale
Event Highlights
Participants will refine their projects, receive mentorship, present polished prototypes to judges and attendees, and compete for prizes.
Prizes and Recognition
Rewards
Top teams will receive Amazon vouchers, laptops, and mentorship opportunities, along with recognition for their achievements in tackling real-world challenges.
Mentorship and Support
Industry Guidance
Participants can benefit from mentorship sessions with industry leaders to refine their projects and enhance their skills in technology and entrepreneurship.
Eligibility and Requirement
Who Can Participate?
The GirlCode Hackathon 2024 is open to young women aged 18 to 35 from specific countries including South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.
Project and Submission Requirements
Stage 1: Presentations
Participants are required to create a 5-10 slide presentation outlining their project’s problem statement, innovative solution, technology stack, and potential impact. Submissions are to be made on DevPost by the June 28, 2024 deadline.
Stage 2: Demos
Finalists will showcase their prototypes through a 5-minute demo video highlighting the functionality, features, and technical aspects of their projects. The submission deadline for Stage 2 is July 19, 2024.
Stage 3: The Grand Finale
Selected teams will refine their projects and present polished versions to judges and attendees during the 30-hour hackathon event held from August 31 to September 1, 2024, across ten African cities.
Prize Structure
Recognition and Rewards
Participants stand a chance to win prizes including Amazon vouchers, laptops, and headphones. The top projects will also receive mentorship opportunities to further develop their ideas.
Judging Criteria
Evaluation Parameters
Projects will be evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, technical execution, impact, presentation quality, feasibility, and scalability, ensuring a fair and rigorous assessment process.
Overview of GirlCode Hackathon 2024
Celebrating a Decade of Innovation
The GirlCode Hackathon 2024 marks a special milestone as GirlCode celebrates its 10th anniversary. This year’s hackathon, spanning over 10 African cities, aims to empower young women in technology and foster innovation aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mission and Goals
Empowering Female Technologists
The hackathon aims to spark and elevate interest in coding among young women, particularly those in university or college, providing them with real-world skills essential for entering the tech industry.
Theme: Driving Positive Change through Technology
Focus on UN SDGs
Participants will align their projects with one of the 17 UN SDGs, aiming to address pressing global challenges through innovative technological solutions.
How to Participate
Eligibility Criteria
Participants must form teams of 2 to 4 members, all female, aged between 18 to 35, and hailing from specific African countries including South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.
Hackathon Timeline
Important Dates
- Stage 1: Presentations
- Submission Deadline: June 28, 2024
- Announcement of Advancing Participants: July 1-5, 2024
- Stage 2: Demos
- Submission Deadline: July 19, 2024
- Announcement of Finalists: August 9, 2024
- Stage 3: The Grand Finale
- Event Date: August 31 – September 1, 2024
- Locations: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Accra, Kigali, Lagos, Nairobi, Kampala, Douala, Lusaka
Project Requirements
Stages and Submissions
- Stage 1: Presentations
- Create a compelling 5-10 slide presentation detailing the problem statement, innovative solution, technology stack, and projected impact.
- Upload presentation on DevPost by the deadline.
- Stage 2: Demos
- Produce a 5-minute demo video showcasing the functional prototype.
- Highlight features, functionalities, and technical aspects.
- Submit demo on DevPost by the deadline.
- Stage 3: The Grand Finale
- Refine and polish the project.
- Present polished prototype to judges and attendees during the 30-hour event.
Judging Criteria
Evaluation Parameters
Projects will be evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, technical execution, impact, presentation quality, feasibility, and scalability. Judges will assess each project rigorously to determine winners.
Prizes and Recognition
Rewards for Excellence
Top teams stand a chance to win prizes including Amazon vouchers, laptops, and headphones. Additionally, they will receive mentorship opportunities from industry leaders to further develop their projects.
Conclusion
Embracing Innovation and Diversity
The GirlCode Hackathon 2024 promises to be an inspiring event, bringing together young female technologists from across Africa to innovate, collaborate, and drive positive change through technology. By empowering these innovators, GirlCode continues to lead the charge towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
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