#BuildwithAT #WeloveNerds #WomenInTech

Overview:

Clean Energy Solutions Hackathon is a hackathon designed to help developers, innovators, startups, and clean energy companies to build innovative solutions for Africa's clean energy challenges using Africa's Talking APIs. With a focus on renewable energy, especially solar, participants will use SMS, USSD, Voice, Airtime, Insights, and Chat APIs to create real-world applications that promote energy access, efficient management, and affordability.

Participants will focus on key areas like affordable payment solutions, smart energy management, and improving energy access in off-grid areas. The hackathon presents a unique opportunity to use Africa's Talking’s powerful API and other existing platforms to build solutions that not only address current challenges but also pave the way for a more sustainable energy future across the continent. 

Why Attend?

• Make a Global Impact: Contribute to the fight against climate change by developing innovative clean energy solutions that promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.

• Empower Communities: Create technology that provides affordable and clean energy to underserved regions, improving quality of life and fostering economic growth.
• Learn and Innovate: Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies in renewable energy, AI, IoT, and sustainable design practices.
• Network with Professionals: Connect with industry experts, mentors, and like-minded women in technology who are passionate about clean energy and innovation.
• Showcase Your Skills: Present your innovative ideas and solutions to experts and potential users and investors, opening doors for future opportunities.

Key Focus Areas:

• Renewable Energy Solutions: Develop applications or devices that harness renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, or geothermal power for everyday use.

• Energy Efficiency Technologies: Create systems that optimize energy consumption in homes, businesses, or industries, promoting efficient use of resources.
• Smart Grid and Energy Storage: Innovate in smart grid technologies and energy storage solutions to enhance the reliability and efficiency of electricity distribution.
• Clean Energy Access: Design solutions to improve access to clean and affordable energy in remote or underserved communities.
• Sustainable Transportation: Develop technologies supporting electric vehicles, alternative fuels, or public transportation systems to reduce carbon emissions.
• IoT in Energy Management: Utilize IoT devices and sensors to monitor, analyze, and optimize energy usage in real-time.
• AI and Data Analytics in Energy: Apply AI and machine learning for energy forecasting, demand response, and efficient resource management.
• Education and Awareness: Create platforms or tools that educate the public on the importance of clean energy and sustainable practices.

Target Attendees:

• Software Developers
• UI/UX and Product Designers
• Data Scientists and AI/ML Engineers
• Experts in Renewable Energy Sectors
• Educators and Researchers in Sustainable Technologies
• Government and NGOs

These diverse groups of attendees will bring a range of skills, perspectives, and ideas to the hackathon, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for innovation.

All developers, from all fields, are welcome for the hackathon.

What to Expect as an Attendee:

• Cutting-Edge Tools and Technologies: Gain access to Africa's Talking APIs and SDKs, specifically designed to streamline implementation and ensure a seamless experience.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Collaborate closely with seasoned experts from Africa's Talking, who will serve as mentors throughout the hackathon. Benefit from their guidance, insights, and support as we build together.
• Expand Your Network: As a member of our community, you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, potential collaborators, and industry professionals. Build valuable relationships that can propel your career or projects to new heights.
• Exciting Rewards and Recognition: Get a chance to win cash prizes and earn recognition for your innovative solutions. Get to receive accolades for your contributions through our social media, potential collaborators and other platforms.
• Qualify for the Marketplace Program: By participating in the hackathon, you become eligible to join our exclusive Marketplace Program. Unlock opportunities to further develop and monetize your solutions, making a lasting impact on Africa's economic growth and development.
• Exposure to other women in tech opportunities.

Solution Criteria:

• Use of Africa's Talking APIs: How effectively the project utilizes one or more of the Africa's Talking APIs i.e. SMS, USSD, Airtime, Voice.
• Innovation: The originality and creativity of the project idea and implementation.
• User Experience: How well the project meets user needs and provides an intuitive and seamless experience.
• Functionality: How well the project performs the intended functionality and handles errors and edge cases.
• Presentation: The clarity and effectiveness of the project demonstration and pitch.

New to Africa's Talking? Get started here.

Developer Documentation (We welcome feedback)

THEME: Clean Energy Solutions

The winning solution will receive cash prizes as follows:

• Winner - $100
• 1st Runners Up - $50
• 2nd Runners Up - $25

Social Media give-aways too!

More exclusive prizes and giveaways to attendees.

Contribute to open-source.

Agenda:

1. Introductions

2. Overview

• Technical hands-on session

3. Ideation

• Form teams where need be.
• Feedback

4. Building/hacking: Code in GitHub/GitLab/BitBucket and deploy in Docker/Automated CI/Travis CI/Bamboo

5. Demonstration and Wrap-up

• Teams or individuals will demonstrate what they have hacked for feedback or adoption.

Note: Carry a laptop

Opportunities:

• Network
• Innovate
• Access to our Talent bench (You can get a job or a gig on the spot)

Submit your Idea:

• Hackathon idea submission form

Join our community channels:

• Community Page:
• Join Africa's Talking Women In Tech Community here

• Twitter (X):
• Follow Our Page on X here

Africa's Talking powers communications solutions across Africa with simplified access to telco infrastructure, developers use our powerful SMS, USSD, Voice, Airtime and Data, Insights, and Chat APIs to bring their ideas to life, as they build and sustain scalable businesses.

Africa's Talking community allows developers to learn skills for the modern-day African Developer. We are language and framework agnostic. All developers are welcome. This is where Africa's Talking developers community meets to build, learn and exchange knowledge.

We are helping software developers and businesses to bring their ideas to life through easy-to-use APIs quickly.

Everyone is welcome!

Transport:

• We will provide transport to and from Jeevanjee Garden.
• Note that Jeevanjee Garden Departure time is 7:45 AM (kindly be on time).