6 months ago

E-NOVATE EXPO HACKATHON CHALLENGE BANK

E-NOVATE EXPO HACKATHON CHALLENGE BANK

Future Ready Tech Synergies

HACKATHON GRAND CHALLENGES

The goal is to Build real world applicable solutions aligned with Econet’s ecosystem including Ecocash and Akello.

1. Schools Challenge

Akello Learning + Digital Wallet Fusion – EcoCash Simulation allowed.

You’re building the future of learning where knowledge unlocks value. Your mission is to create a hybrid learning experience that combines Akello Learning content with a digital rewards or micro-payment system powered by EcoCash (you may simulate transactions)

The Challenge (What to Build/ Concept Generation)

Design and prototype a solution that integrates:

· Learning (Akello style content: lessons, quizzes, revision packs, tutoring)

· Wallet powered incentives (EcoCash style: payments, rewards, transfers, vouchers simulation is permitted)

Your solution must answer:

· How can a student pay, earn, or be rewarded through learning using a digital wallet?

· Core Mechanics (Gamification Requirements)

· Include at least 3 of the following game mechanics:

· XP & Levels: earn points for completing modules and quizzes

· Streaks: rewards for learning consistently

· Missions/Quests: weekly challenges (e.g., “Master Algebra”)

· Badges/Achievements: milestones for performance and consistency

· Leaderboards: class/school competition (optional fairness mode)

· Unlockables: unlock revision bundles, past papers, or tutoring

· Marketplace: students buy/sell tutoring time or notes (moderated)

EcoCash Integration (Simulation Permitted)

Include at least 1 wallet feature:

· Pay-per-module (small fee unlocks premium content)

· Learn-to-earn (micro-rewards for progress, quizzes, or streaks)

· Vouchers/Sponsorships (teachers/partners fund student access)

· Tutoring marketplace payments (peer tutoring paid via wallet)

· Revision bundles (buy packs for exam prep)

· Note: Teams can simulate payments using mock APIs, QR codes, or transaction logs.

2. Universities Challenge

· Final Challenge Youth Financial Fitness App Powered by EcoCash APIs

Design a simple student friendly solution that helps young people save, budget, or learn about finances using EcoCash features (simulated API based features allowed).

3. Startups Challenge

Future Work Zimbabwe– Build a Digital Skills to Earnings Platform for Zimbabwe’s Next Generation Workforce (Concept or Prototype Allowed)

Zimbabwe like most African economies is racing toward a digital future where AI, fintech, e-commerce, data analytics, green tech, and digital services will define the next wave of employment. Your mission is to design a solution that prepares Zimbabweans for tomorrow’s jobs, connecting skills → opportunities → income through technology.

Your team may present:

· A working prototype

· A clickable demo, mock ups, technical architecture, or concept model - This ensures teams without full coding time can still compete strongly.

The Challenge (What to Build / Concept Generation)

Design and outline a Digital Future Workforce Platform that integrates:

1. Micro learning for Digital Skills

· Short modules, nano courses, assessments, or revision packs for skills such as:

· Coding and software development

· AI, robotics, automation basics

· Digital marketing, content creation

· Data analytics

· Green energy tech

· Entrepreneurship & business basics

2. Job & Gig Matching Engine

A mechanism that links users to:

· Entry level digital jobs

· Freelance gigs

· Part time projects

· Internships & apprenticeships

· Remote global work opportunities

3. Mentorship & Talent Development

A structured system for:

· Pairing learners with mentors or industry experts

· Peer learning circles

· Career guidance and skills roadmaps

· Portfolio building support

4. Digital Wallet Powered Incentives (Simulation Allowed)

· The platform may integrate a wallet simulation allowing:

· Micro rewards for learning progress

· Payment for gigs or micro tasks

· Sponsorship vouchers (companies fund learners)

· Token based rewards for completing modules

· Peer to peer payments for tutoring

Your Solution Must Answer

✔ How can Zimbabweans be upskilled quickly and affordably for future digital jobs?

✔ How does a young person move from “learning” → “practice” → “earning”?

✔ How does the platform validate skills? (Badges, tests, portfolios, endorsements)

✔ What makes this solution scalable for all provinces — including rural learners?

✔ How does it support start-ups, SMEs, and corporate partners needing talent?

Expected Outputs from Teams

You may deliver concepts, prototypes, or mock-ups. Judges will evaluate the thinking, innovation, and design quality.

Your final submission should include:

1. Concept Overview

A summary of:

· Target audience(s)

· Problem statement

· Proposed solution

· Unique innovation

2. User Journey Mapping

Show how a user moves through the platform:

· Sign up

· Skills assessment

· Learning & earning

· Matching or mentorship

3. System Architecture (Even simple diagrams)

Show major components, e.g.:

· Learning engine

· Matching algorithm

· Wallet simulation

· Admin dashboard

· Mentor portal

4. Screens / Wireframes / Mock Ups

Simple clickable slides are acceptable.

5. Basic Tech Feasibility

Explain how it could be built using tools examples

APIs for chat, payments, AI tools, etc.

(No need to code fully — just show technical thinking.)

6. Value Proposition for Zimbabwe

Explain:

· Economic impact

· Youth empowerment

· How it helps SMEs hire digital talent

· Potential government or private partnerships

3. SCORING CRITERIA PER CATEGORY

FINAL ROUND SCORING x100 points

SCORING CRITERIA

Integration with EcoCash / Akello 25 How well the solution uses the ecosystem

Scalability 20 Market fit and growth potential

Technical Strength 20 Reliability and depth

Value to Econet Ecosystem 20 Partnership, monetization and synergy

Pitch Quality 15 Storytelling, clarity and confidence

Winner… Highest scoring in each category

Each category carries a total prize pool of $10,000, with an overall total of $30,000 across all categories.

Awards per category are as follows:

🥇 1st Place: $5,000
🥈 2nd Place: $3,000
🥉 3rd Place: $2,00

4. GENERAL RULES FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

1. Teams must be 2–3 members.

2. Solutions must be original and teams must own the intellectual property

3. Use of AI tools is allowed only for brainstorming not full solution generation

4. Prototypes can be app based, web based, hardware or hybrid

5. All work must be completed within the official hackathon timelines

6. Final demos must be functional simulation allowed for payment APIs

7. Plagiarism or code theft leads to instant disqualification

8. Judges decisions are final

9. All finalists consent to showcasing their solutions at the Expo

10. Solutions must align with the Expo theme Future Ready Tech Synergies