Equity Group has partnered with Microsoft to launch a virtual hackathon open to students from the University of Nairobi and Meru University of Science and Technology
The hackathon, which opened for registration on 4 February, saw a total of 663 students from the two universities register to be among the 100 shortlisted participants to take part as innovators.
The hackathon is the first of its kind to be run by the Group and seeks to drive innovation and crowdsource solutions to address business problems and social issues. Students from the two universities will have an opportunity to take part in a competitive event and collaborate to build proofs of concept and minimum viable products for a pre-defined problem.
Speaking during the launch, Equity Group managing director and CEO Dr James Mwangi said, “The hackathon promises to be a truly transformational experience for both universities and our institution, as it will enable us to create products and offerings that are beneficial to our people across the markets we operate in, while at the same time offering the students an opportunity to learn and apply their skills to solve business challenges.”
Microsoft Kenya country manager Kendi Ntwiga noted, “Uncertain times call for solutions that are sustainable; solutions that bridge the gaps and challenges that Africa faces. With an average age of 19.6 in Kenya, our youth have the opportunity to engage and be part of the solution.”
The hackathon is set to run from the 17 February to 17 March this year and has been phased into four stages. The first phase will involve instructor-led and self-paced training of the participants on Microsoft Azure and the Business Problem Statements.
