Irembo, in partnership with the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), are set to host the highly anticipated AI Connect Hackathon from September 27 to 29, 2024, at the Irembo Campus in Nyarutarama. This pioneering event will bring together some of the brightest minds in AI and technology to create solutions that address real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact in Rwanda. About the AI Connect Hackathon The AI Connect Hackathon will unite 20 teams of AI developers, data scientists, and problem-solvers, challenging them to harness the power of artificial intelligence to create innovative solutions for public services, healthcare, education, customer service, agriculture, financial inclusion, education, and cybersecurity. In under 48 hours, participants will work to build functional, AI-driven applications that address critical issues affecting Rwandan society. “This hackathon goes beyond coding prototypes; it’s about unlocking the transformative power of AI to ignite real change where it’s needed most,” said Patrick Ndjientcheu, Irembo’s Chief Product and Engineering Officer. “We are committed to leveraging AI’s boundless potential to address critical societal challenges, empower communities, and spark innovations that leave a lasting, meaningful impact on people’s lives.” Event structure and highlights Throughout the three-day event, participants will leverage large language models (LLMs) and locally built technologies to develop practical AI solutions. Teams will have the opportunity to access IremboPay APIs to integrate cutting-edge digital payment solutions into their projects. Pindo, a partner of the event, will also provide access to its latest speech-to-text and text-to-speech AI model for voice-enabled applications. Irembo AI experts will guide participants, helping them refine their ideas and push the boundaries of what AI can achieve. On the final day, teams will pitch their solutions to a panel of distinguished judges, with the top innovations receiving prestigious recognition. Judging Criteria: Solutions will be evaluated based on: Impact: What is the project’s long-term potential for growth and ability to improve people’s lives? Creativity: How original and creative is the AI application? Technical Implementation: How well-executed is the technology behind the solution? Presentation: How compelling and clear is the team’s final pitch? Prizes for the Winning Teams: First Place: Rwf5million, and VIP passes to the Global AI Summit on Africa in April 2025. Second Place: Rwf2million Third Place: Rwf1million In addition to cash prizes, the winning teams will gain invaluable exposure and recognition for their contributions to using AI for social good. Key Partners and Sponsors: This landmark event is co-organized with C4IR and supported by prominent sponsors, including Pindo, GIZ, Andela, and QT Global Software. RSSB will also offer internships to the winning teams, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and an opportunity to apply their solutions in real-world scenarios. For more details about the AI Connect Hackathon, visit here: https://irembo.com/hackathon/ About Irembo: Irembo is Rwanda’s leading technology company, committed to driving digital transformation and using technology as a tool to build products that meaningfully impact people’s lives. Irembo empowers citizens, enhances access to public services, and supports the development of impactful technologies that improve lives.
