FAQs

1. What is the Hacklab Foundation?

The Hacklab Foundation is an international nonprofit organization headquartered in Ghana with a focus on preparing the youth for future digital jobs through technology education and skills development. We achieve this through bootcamps, hackathons, mentorship and coaching, internships, digital skills training, and job placement. Our footprints currently span across Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and India. Since its inception in 2015, it has directly impacted over 10,000 people, organized hackathons, robotics, and coding bootcamps for kids between the ages of 7yrs – 13yrs supported 500+ women in tech, 300+ youth were placed in jobs and 250+ youth were placed in internships. Through partnership with IBM, the foundation launched the Ghana National Digital Skills Training Program in November 2018, with a goal to reach 100,000 people by 2021.

2. What is a hackathon?

Hackathons have long been staple events in the Technology Industry since the late 1990s. A Hackathon is an intense event that brings together computer programmers like software developers, graphic designers, and user interface specialists along with industry process experts and professionals to identify issues and create software solutions, usually within a weekend.

3. Who hosts the Hacklab Hackathon?

The Hacklab Hackathon is brought to you by the Hacklab Foundation.

The Foundation is known for its Annual Hacklab Hackathon hosted in Ghana which brings together 1000+ participants including developers, engineers, designers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners, and other stakeholders in technology to meet and discuss critical issues impacting the Global South, identify opportunities and develop tech-enabled solutions for emerging economies. With over 800+ developers at one venue, they compete and develop industry-standard solutions to address identified challenges in 36 hours (about 1 and a half days) with support from industry professionals and seasoned experts.

4. Who can attend the Hacklab Hackathon?

The Hackathon participants are a broad, diverse community of technology enthusiasts, programmers, developers, system testers, UI/UX designers, society activists, industry leaders, government representatives, technologists, journalists, academics, volunteers, and creatives. You too can be a part.

5. What issues does the Hackathon cover?

Since our first convening in 2015, the Hackathon has expanded and transformed dramatically to reflect the breadth and depth of technology’s impact on society. At this year’s hackathon we will discuss solutions to address problems under the theme: Accelerating Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Through Edge Computing

Solutions will be streamlined under the following verticals:

• Healthcare at the Edge
• Agriculture at the Edge
• eCommerce at the Edge
• Transportation at the Edge
• Internet of Things at the Edge
• Financial Services at the Edge
• Education at the Edge
• Communication at the Edge