Call for Water Resources Modeling and Erosion Control Hackathon (Rwanda)

Deadline: 19-Dec-2025

The Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) and the ARCOS Network are hosting the 3rd Water Resources Modeling and Erosion Control Hackathon for university students in Rwanda. The competition focuses on data-driven water modeling, erosion control, and sustainable environmental management using advanced tools and programming languages. Cash prizes, training, and national recognition are awarded to the top participants, with submissions due between December 2025 and February 2026.

The Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), in partnership with the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS Network), invites university students to participate in the third edition of its national hackathon focused on sustainable water management and erosion control. This competition encourages innovative, data-driven solutions that support biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in Rwanda.

Objectives of the Hackathon

The hackathon aims to:

• Promote innovative solutions for sustainable water use and water resource management

• Strengthen biodiversity conservation in Rwanda

• Encourage digital innovation using modeling tools, programming, and geospatial data

• Build technical capacity among students in environmental and computational fields

Key Focus Areas

Participants work within disciplines such as:

• Water resources and hydrology

• Climate and environmental science

• Urban planning and ecosystem management

• Software engineering and computer science

• Data science, programming, and geospatial analysis

Hackathon Categories

1. Water Resources Modeling

Participants use hydrological modeling tools, including:

• HEC-HMS

• QSWATplus

• HEC-RAS
  RWB provides satellite or LiDAR data for analysis.

2. Erosion Control Solutions

Participants use:

• R or Python for scripting and data analysis

• Techniques to extract and analyze radical terraces
  RWB supplies relevant geospatial datasets.

Award Prizes

Each category offers the following cash prizes:

• 1,000,000 RWF – First Place

• 750,000 RWF – Second Place

• 500,000 RWF – Third Place

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is open to:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students

• Students from public and private universities, Rwanda Polytechnic, and other higher learning institutions

Age Requirements

• Undergraduate: no age limit

• Master’s students:

  • Up to 25 years old for males

  • Up to 28 years old for females

Not Eligible

• Students who won awards in the 2024 or 2025 editions

Important Dates

• Registration Deadline: 19 December 2025

• Pre-selection Notification: 24 December 2025

• Online Induction: 30 December 2025

• Mid-term Report Due: 1 February 2026

• Online Presentation: 2 February 2026

• Final Submission Deadline: 20 February 2026

• Evaluation Period: 23–27 February 2026

• Top 10 Hybrid Presentations: 3 March 2026

• Award Ceremony: World Water Day

Submission Requirements

Category 1: Water Resources Modeling

Participants must submit:

• A PDF report covering:

  • Sub-catchment details

  • Data sources and quality

  • Model parameterization

  • Calibration approach

  • Results and flood risk maps

  • Recommended interventions

• A zipped folder containing the full model file

Category 2: Erosion Control

Participants must submit:

• A PDF report detailing:

  • Workflow and methodology

  • Tools and imagery used (with sources)

  • Maps and visualizations

• Well-organized R or Python scripts

• A README file listing:

  • Required libraries

  • Software versions

• Terrace shapefiles for analysis

Evaluation Criteria

Water Modeling

• Data source reliability

• Model setup and parameterization

• Calibration quality

• Flood hazard and risk maps

• Interpretation of results

• Quality of recommendations

Erosion Control

• Code clarity and structure

• Reproducibility

• Methodological rigor

• Accuracy and validation of results

How to Apply

1. Complete the official registration form by 19 December 2025

2. Select your preferred category

3. Begin work once datasets and guidelines are provided

4. Submit mid-term report and attend online presentations

5. Finalize your submission by 20 February 2026

6. Present (if selected) during the hybrid session on 3 March 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete reports or missing required files

• Using unverified or low-quality data sources

• Poor code organization or missing dependencies

• Weak calibration or insufficient explanation of results

• Late submissions, which lead to automatic disqualification

FAQ

1. Is there a participation fee?

No, the hackathon is completely free.

2. Can teams participate?

The hackathon primarily targets individual students, although institutions may clarify team policies.

3. Are previous winners allowed to apply?

No, winners from the 2024 and 2025 editions are not eligible.

4. What tools will be provided?

RWB will supply satellite or LiDAR data for both categories.

5. Can international students studying in Rwanda apply?

Yes, as long as they are enrolled in a recognized institution in Rwanda.

6. Can I apply for both categories?

Participants should select one category to ensure quality work.

7. How will winners be announced?

Winners will be honored during the World Water Day ceremony.

Conclusion

The Water Resources Modeling and Erosion Control Hackathon is a major national platform for young innovators in Rwanda to develop impactful, science-based solutions for water sustainability and erosion management. With strong institutional backing, valuable datasets, and high-value awards, the competition offers students the opportunity to strengthen technical skills and contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s environmental future.

For more information, visit RWB.