In April 2024, the city was abuzz with energy and innovation as TechNest Hackathon 1.0 brought together some of the brightest minds in technology for a two-day competition that pushed boundaries, tested creativity, and celebrated the power of collaborative problem-solving. The event stood as a landmark for the region’s growing tech ecosystem, blending youthful energy with professional excellence to deliver a truly transformative experience.
From the outset, TechNest Hackathon 1.0 set a bold tone. Teams from various institutions, startups, and independent circles gathered to compete in what would become a showcase of technical prowess, innovative thinking, and real-world impact. Participants were tasked with solving pressing challenges using technology as a tool for societal improvement, with a strong focus on feasibility, sustainability, and execution.
The judging panel comprised some of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s tech and innovation landscape. Onyinyechi Onyenaucheya brought a wealth of insight and a sharp eye for engineering. Abdullateef Abdul offered a keen understanding of user-centric design and technology implementation. Oluwatobi Oni, the Co-Founder of VezzaPay, contributed his entrepreneurial expertise and deep understanding of fintech innovation. Chukwudi Nwachukwu’s contributions were grounded in his experience across software development and systems design, while Ayomide Adebisi, a DevOps Engineer with AILabs, evaluated entries through the lens of automation, scalability, and system robustness. Also judging were Leke Ayodele, whose background in digital transformation brought fresh perspectives, and Olaoluwa Ogundeji, known for his hands-on approach to innovation and product development. Adewale Ogundinmu, a Cloud Engineer at BOA, added crucial insight into cloud infrastructure and deployment strategies, and Sefinah Hussein offered thoughtful evaluation rooted in both technical expertise and community impact.
The stakes were high, and the competition intense. Over the course of the hackathon, teams worked tirelessly, designing prototypes, writing code, validating concepts, and preparing pitches that captured not just functionality but vision. After rigorous evaluation, three standout teams emerged victorious, each offering unique, impactful solutions to real-world problems.
Claiming the grand prize of ₦4,000,000 was Stud-AI, whose intelligent education assistant demonstrated the power of AI in transforming learning experiences, personalizing education pathways, and improving academic outcomes. Their innovation resonated deeply with both the judges and the audience, earning them the top spot.
StudyHack secured the second prize of ₦3,000,000. Their project focused on streamlining academic workflow for students through a robust platform that integrated productivity tools, study planning, and peer-to-peer support in a cohesive and user-friendly interface. It was a compelling example of technology meeting the everyday needs of students.
In third place was Health Guardian, whose solution, an accessible, real-time health monitoring and alert system, impressed judges with its potential to revolutionize preventive healthcare, particularly in underserved communities. Their innovation earned them a well-deserved prize of ₦2,000,000.
Beyond the competition, TechNest Hackathon 1.0 was also a celebration of community. It offered attendees workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. The event served as both a launchpad for bold ideas and a bridge between aspiring innovators and seasoned professionals.
As the curtains closed on this inaugural edition, one thing was clear: TechNest Hackathon 1.0 wasn’t just about who won, it was about what was built, what was learned, and what lies ahead. With its success, TechNest has set a powerful precedent for future editions, reinforcing the message that when creativity, technology, and collaboration converge, transformative change is inevitable.
