Ebonyi State made history with its first-ever tech hackathon, Ebonyi Hackathon 2024, held on the 22nd and 23rd of November, 2024. Organized by CodeFest International, the event highlighted the critical importance of digital awareness for students and provided a platform for young innovators to showcase their skills and creativity.
Preparing the Next Generation of Tech Innovators
In the months leading up to the event, CodeFest International created digital awareness by conducting workshops in schools and leveraging social media to invite participation. These efforts culminated in over 50 teams applying to compete across the Junior and Senior categories. Participants were required to submit project proposals in video format, showcasing their innovative ideas.
To further prepare participants, a three-day workshop was hosted, focusing on digital skills training and project development. This workshop provided teams with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the digital world effectively and refine their project ideas.
Day 1: The Hackathon Kicks Off
The first day of Ebonyi Hackathon 2024 saw teams from across the state converge to present and screen their projects. The Junior Category featured teams such as Tech Titans, Dynamic Devs, Ultimate Tech, Robo Genesis, XTech, Beis Group, and Code Breakers. In the Senior Category, Team Shedrach, Team CodeFest, Team Geeks, and Team Ace It took center stage.
Following an intense day of presentations, eight teams advanced to the finals:
Junior Category:
1. Dynamic Devs – Weather/Location App
2. Tech Titans – Learning Management System
3. Beis Group – Ebonyi GPT (AI)
4. Code Breakers – E-voting Website
Senior Category:
1. Team CodeFest – EduFlow (School Management System)
2. Team Shedrach – Loan Website
3. Team Ace It – Exam Tracker
4. Team Geeks – Tech Solution for Environmental Concerns
Day 2: A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration
The final day of the hackathon transformed the Ebonyi Convention Center into a hub of creativity and collaboration. Teams worked tirelessly, fueled by determination, to refine their projects and present them to a panel of judges comprising industry leaders and tech experts.
The hackathon wasn’t just about competition—it fostered a vibrant community of learners and innovators. Participants exchanged ideas, formed lasting connections, and shared knowledge, embodying the collaborative spirit that defines successful hackathons.
The Winning Moment
The event culminated in a tense yet exhilarating final judging ceremony. Judges assessed projects based on their innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. The standout team, Dynamic Devs, emerged as the winner for their Weather/Location App, receiving a grand cash prize of ₦500,000.
While Dynamic Devs took home the top honor, every participant walked away with valuable experience, sharpened skills, and expanded professional networks.
A Vision for the Future
Ebonyi Hackathon 2024 was more than a competition; it was a celebration of creativity, achievement, and the transformative potential of technology. The impressive projects presented during the event underscored the power of dedicated individuals working together to address global challenges.
As the curtains fell on Ebonyi Hackathon 2024, one resounding message emerged: the future of innovation is bright, driven by the passion and ingenuity of young minds committed to creating a better tomorrow.
