A community of innovators working to build a more inclusive, sustainable society that serves us all.
National Hackathon Series 1.0
In the last few decades, Nigeria has been plagued by several socio-cultural problems. These problems have not only taken a toll on her economy, but have managed to
continuously strike at the very core of the Nation. From the incessant communal clashes
in the south-west and middle belt; the issues with piracy and pipeline vandalism from the
Niger-Delta Militants in the south-south; Boko Haram sponsored terrorism and insurgency
in the north; the recent clamour for the actualisation of a Biafran Republic in the South-East;
and, previously unimagined but fatal clashes between herdsmen and farmers across
the
country, the previously unified front that is Nigeria appears to be under immense
pressure.
Based on these challenging scenarios, Vilsquare Makers' Hub in partnership with The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation has designed a Hackathon series aimed at contributing to creating an enabler platform for national cohesion and integration. The series themed “Building the Makers’ Movement” will bring together diverse community members to conceptualize, design, process and document technical solutions to local problems. The hackathons will take place over a period of two years, beginning from Q3 2018, with each of the geo-political zones in Nigeria hosting the programme at least once.
ENERGY EDITION, ABUJA NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA - MAY 2019
THEME: SDG 4 - QUALITY EDUCATION
INTERNET OF THINGS [IOT] EDITION, KANO NORTH WEST NIGERIA - NOVEMBER 2018
THEME: SDG 16 - PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
WEARABLES EDITION, ADO-EKITI SOUTH WEST - JULY 2018
THEME: SDG 3 - GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
SDGs Focused Hackathons Across Six Regions in Nigeria
A Programme for collaboration not competition
Camping Top 5% Makers
Bringing together skilled designers in fashion, software, hardware electronics, creative art and graphics to solve some of the toughest problems in Nigeria. These creatives will work with social advocates, legal experts, CSOs, policy experts and mentors from several sectors.
Building a Platform for the Future
Promoting a movement of creative people and ultimately drive social change towards openness within communities and institutions. This platform will drive continuity and sustainability to study the social impact and peace building in communities.
Unboxing Hidden Networks
Bringing together an ensemble of dispersed groups into a cohesive and self-organized community to achieve Nigeria's SDGs and promote tolerance for diversity among young people. This will explore theoretical frameworks to induce collaboration.
Open Source Projects from National Hackathon Series
Wearable Cigarette Smoke Sensor to Reduce Passive Smoking
At the National Hackathon Series 1.0: Wearables Edition, this project was inspired based on a case study of Mama Bukky… Read More
Wearable Medical Information Logger for Travellers
At the National Hackathon Series 1.0: Wearables Edition, this project was inspired by a case study of Saheed who was… Read More
Wearable Heart Rate Monitor For Pregnant Women
At the National Hackathon Series 1.0: Wearables Edition, this project was inspired based on a case study of Funke Adeyemo… Read More
Hackathon Life-Cycle
Prototyping
With teams of 2 - 3 people, and supported by corporate and industry representatives, hacking & prototyping will occur over the course of 72 hours (with time for meals, networking and so much fun too). Prototypes, Research and Documentations created during the hackathon will be compiled into a resource manual which will guide follow-up initiatives for the movement.
Pitching Sessions
The hackathon will culminate in a pitching/exhibition session, with the participants showcasing their solutions to industry experts, policy makers and other stake holders. This will birth new frontiers for further research, collaboration and new inclusions for the movement.
Networking
The hackathon creates a platform where participants meet new people and hopefully make some lasting connections with possible future business partners. Attendees will also learn to tolerate each other and possibly find a common ground. There will be breakout sessions for networking and sharing background experiences. Each hackathon will close with a social party.