Prizes and judging

What you are competing for, and how it is judged.

Prizes matter, but the bigger return is a prototype you can keep building, judges who have seen it, and partners who can open doors afterwards.

The 2027 prize pool will be published here once sponsor commitments are confirmed. Winners in every category also receive mentorship support after the event.

A winning team receiving their prize at Hackathon Mbarara 2026
Prize handover, April 2026.

1st

To be announced

Best overall solution across all tracks: strongest demo, clearest problem, most credible path to real use.

2nd

To be announced

Strong execution, a clear problem-solution fit and a solid pitch.

3rd

To be announced

A promising prototype, a clear pitch and a team that worked well together.

Track awards

One award per track

Alongside the overall placings, the best solution in each track is recognised on its own.

  • Best AgriTech solution
  • Best HealthTech solution
  • Best Trade and Micro-SME Tech solution
  • Best AI solution

Judging criteria

Four questions every judge asks

01

Local relevance

Is the problem clear? Are the users real? Does the team understand the context they are building for?

02

Execution

Does the prototype work? Can someone use it without the team explaining every screen?

03

Innovation

Is the approach creative and practical, or a copy of something that already failed here?

04

Viability

Could this grow? Is there a plausible way for it to sustain itself and reach more people?

Sponsor a prize category.

Put your organisation's name on an award and be part of the judging. We will brand the category and recognise you before, during and after the event.

Talk to the organisers