We failed at organizing Africa's Biggest Hackathon but persisted

In this talk, I discussed how I started Africa's Biggest Technology competition and how the team raised money, handled promotion and publicity, recruited participants, judges, speakers, mentors and volunteers and how we failed many times. I conclude by sharing tips that will help anyone looking to start an initiative in Africa.

Transcript

1. Making moves in Africa Uchi Uchibeke, Founder NaijaHacks @UchiUchibeke uchi@naijahacks.com
2. NaijaHacks
3. Why NaijaHacks? • Bring back my Harvard, Stanford, Princeton Hackathon experiences • Inspire young Nigerians with my experience • Enable participants to showcase their skills and start a career Saskatoon || 2015 Montreal || 2018 Stanford || 2018
4. What is NaijaHacks? NaijaHacks is a movement of makers, leaders and disruptors. 1. NaijaHacks Hackathon a. Tech invention competition b. Inspire young Nigerians to build solutions for their communities & the world 2. NaijaHacks Community a. Community for NaijaHacks Hackathon participants, exclusively b. Connect to mentors, build killer profile and connect to opportunities #NaijaHacks2018
7. 2018 NaijaHacks Hackathon • 500+ Hackers • $16,000+ in Prizes • Judges from 4 countries • 32+ Sponsors • Nigeria's biggest Hackathon #NaijaHacks2018
8. Process • Application • Online Hacking • Expo-style demo for top 100 teams • Investor Pitch by top 5 teams as part of #TMES18 #NaijaHacks2018
10. Process • Application • Online Hacking • Expo-style demo buy top 100 teams • Investor Pitch by top 5 teams as part of #TMES18 #NaijaHacks2018
12. Process • Application • Online Hacking • Expo-style demo buy top 100 teams • Investor Pitch by top 5 teams as part of #TMES18 #NaijaHacks2018
14. 2018 Outcomes • Bio-remote is being built out • Job interviews for participants • Participants building the NaijaHacks community • Votera: TV, Prizes #NaijaHacks2018
15. What made the difference? • The team • Friends and Family • Past experience/work
16. The role of NaijaHacks in Africa • Inspire • Develop • Grow #NaijaHacks2018
17. Just Do it. #NaijaHacks2018