Applications open for Future Makers Hackathon (Uganda)

Deadline: 22-Apr-2026

The Future Makers Hackathon by the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat invites teams to build scalable solutions addressing economic challenges in Uganda. Teams of 2–5 members must submit a working prototype or MVP with a concept note and pitch. Three winners will each receive up to UGX 300 million, along with mentorship and partnership support.

What is the Future Makers Hackathon?

The Future Makers Hackathon is an innovation challenge designed to generate practical, scalable solutions that address real economic bottlenecks.

Core Objectives

• Accelerate economic growth and productivity
• Improve service delivery systems
• Support new industry creation
• Build economic resilience
• Leverage local innovation and talent

Key Focus Areas

Participants are encouraged to develop solutions that:

• Address real-world economic challenges
• Improve efficiency and productivity
• Enhance public or private service delivery
• Enable scalability across sectors
• Foster innovation-driven industries

What Types of Solutions Are Expected?

Submissions must be:

• Functional prototypes or Minimum Viable Products (MVPs)
• Practical and ready for real-world application
• Designed for scalability and expansion
• Focused on measurable impact

Examples include:

• Digital tools for service delivery
• Productivity-enhancing platforms
• Tech-enabled solutions for industry growth

Funding and Benefits

पुरस्कार (Awards)

• 3 winning teams
• Each receives up to UGX 300 million

Additional Support

• Mentorship from experts
• Access to partnership opportunities
• Support for scaling and implementation

Who is Eligible?

Team Requirements

• Teams of 2 to 5 members

Eligible Participants

• Developers
• Designers
• Data scientists
• Entrepreneurs
• Researchers
• Students
• Industry professionals

Key Requirement

• Ability to build and submit a working prototype or MVP

Submission Requirements

Participants must submit:

1. Working Prototype or MVP

• Functional and demonstrable solution

2. Concept Note

• Problem statement
• Proposed solution
• Expected impact

3. Demo Pitch Summary

• Clear explanation of:
  • How the solution works
  • Its scalability
  • Its economic impact

How the Hackathon Works

Step 1: Form a Team

• Assemble a diverse, multidisciplinary team

Step 2: Identify a Problem

• Focus on a specific economic bottleneck

Step 3: Build a Solution

• Develop a functional prototype or MVP

Step 4: Prepare Documentation

• Write:
  • Concept note
  • Demo pitch summary

Step 5: Submit Entry

• Ensure all components are complete and clear

Step 6: Evaluation and Selection

• Solutions are assessed based on:
  • Feasibility
  • Scalability
  • Innovation
  • Impact potential

Why This Hackathon Matters

This initiative supports:

• Local innovation ecosystems
• Solutions tailored to Uganda’s economic realities
• Growth of technology-driven industries
• Practical approaches to national development challenges

It bridges the gap between ideas and real-world implementation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting ideas without a working prototype
• Lack of clear problem definition
• Overly complex solutions with low feasibility
• Weak explanation of scalability
• Poorly structured pitch or concept note

Tips for a Strong Submission

• Focus on real, high-impact problems
• Build a simple but functional MVP
• Clearly explain how your solution scales
• Highlight economic and social impact
• Use clear, concise communication in your pitch

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the prize for winning teams?
Each of the three winning teams can receive up to UGX 300 million.

2. Who can participate?
Teams of 2–5 members including developers, designers, researchers, students, and professionals.

3. Is a prototype mandatory?
Yes. A working prototype or MVP is required.

4. What documents must be submitted?
A prototype, concept note, and demo pitch summary.

5. What kind of solutions are expected?
Scalable, practical solutions addressing real economic challenges in Uganda.

6. Are individuals allowed to apply?
No. Applications must be submitted as teams.

7. What additional benefits are provided?
Mentorship and partnership opportunities for scaling solutions.

Conclusion

The Future Makers Hackathon is a major opportunity to develop impact-driven, scalable innovations that can transform Uganda’s economy. With significant funding and post-hackathon support, it enables teams to turn ideas into real-world solutions.

For more information, visit STI.