#GapToGrowth Hackathon: Where Creativity meets Code, And Purpose meets Progress
May 15th – 17th, Lagos, Nigeria
Sparked by the impressive success of the LLM X LAW Hackathon held at Cambridge Judge Business School in 2025, AfriRISE-Cambridge Hackathon is an initiative led by University of Cambridge Master’s students from Africa eager to empower African youth to employ tech in crafting homegrown solutions to some of Africa’s biggest challenges.
Homegrown African AI innovation that speaks our language.
From local challenges to global breakthroughs - it starts here.
Central challenge
AFRICA
Rich in talent and resources
but
lacking in tech infrastructure that speaks our language:
Let’s change that.
The digital divide could be ‘just a gap’; or a call to action.
Innovation isn’t imported. It’s homegrown
By transcending outdated frameworks, we catalyse progress through innovation.
Youth unemployment in Africa is not inevitable,
It is a solvable design flaw.
What is it?
A 3-Day sprint to reimagine Africa’s future - one solution at a time.
This hackathon is not just Africa coding; it is Africa collaborating with industry experts from the world best institutions to rewrite the narrative. It is a rallying point for co-authored transformation.
Despite its vibrant youth population, creativity, and rich resources, Africa faces a persistent lag in adopting and incorporating emerging technologies into structural workflow. While global advancements reshape education, healthcare, and governance, many African systems remain outdated, burdening everyday life. This digital divide increases youth unemployment, leaving a generation disconnected from relevant skills and roles in rapidly evolving tech sectors. To engineer a different outcome, the 2026 #GapToGrowth Hackathon is an initiative aimed at centring innovation that speaks our language.
This 3-Day Hackathon is a bold rallying point to turn local challenges into globally relevant breakthroughs, built by us, for us.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The 2026 #GapToGrowth Hackathon aims to:
Solve Africa-Specific Challenges Using AI
Promote Collaborative Learning and Cross-Country Exchange
Build a Sustainable Ecosystem of AI Innovators
Create Pathways to Employment and Entrepreneurship
Cultivate Local Talent
Shift the Narrative
TARGET SECTORS
Healthcare
Agriculture
Education
Climate resilience
Fintech
Law
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
University students
Early-stage Startup teams working with AI or data
Young professionals and developers passionate about solving Africa’s problems
Female innovators and underrepresented groups (specials slots and support)
How to participate
Think you got what it takes to innovate around pressing African challenges? Come join others like you to make it happen!
Your creativity is your superpower. Bring it to the table we have set.
Hack for change. Code for impact.
Schedule
May 15th – 17th, 2026
Landmark Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria
May 15th
Inspiration & Team
Opening Ceremony
Panel Sessions
Workshops
Team Formation & Ideation
Pitch Cocahing Brief
May 16th
Build, Learn, Collaborate
Mentor Office Hours
Hackathon in Full Swing
Pop-up Masterclasses
Mid-Day Check-in
Evening Pitch Practice
May 17th
Final Showcase & Awards
Morning Submission Deadline
Expo & Demo Booths
Final Pitching & Judging Panel
Award Ceremony & Recognition
Closing Remarks & Group Photo
Networking & Collaboration Session
Rewards
To be announced soon.
Sponsors
To be announced soon.
Africa requires partnership, co-creation, infrastructure, and sustained investment - not rescue.
Join as we build together.
FAQs
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University students, early-stage startups, developers within and outside the continent passionate about solving Africa’s problems. Female innovators, underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
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Admission to #GapToGrowth is free. We will provide food for all participants and accommodation for participants from outside Lagos who request it. We DO NOT cover travel.
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There is a map on the website with exact location. Feel free to google the directions from your destination.
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You can form teams of up to 4 people. There are no restrictions for who they can be, so you can team up with hackers from any school, country, or experience level. Teams can be formed before or during the event.
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Yes, we have tech companies coming that will be gifting cloud credits.
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That's okay! A hackathon is a great place to gain valuable experience and #GapToGrowth welcomes participants of all skill levels. There will also be tutorials, workshops and mentors to help throughout the event! Just be eager to learn, and excited to meet lots of awesome people.
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Unfortunately not. While you can submit interesting or sector-specific challenges in your sign up form which might be used to match you with potential teammates, the final challenges to be solved will be revealed during the hackathon. Where possible, however, you can familiarize yourself with any tool or technology you intend to use before hand.
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Applications for #GapToGrowth will open on 10th of November 2025 and will stay open for three weeks.
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Not to worry. Most teams will be formed on the first day of #GapToGrowth. It is expected that most hackers coming will be open to creating teams on the spot.
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Each Challenge has a prize while there will be three overall winners who will walk away with the Bronze, Silver and Gold Prize. Stay tunned for actual prize announcements!