Nigerian innovators, developers, designers and startup founders have an opportunity to compete for a share of ₦5 million at the Ogun Digital Summit 2026 Hackathon, which will reward teams developing technology solutions to real-world challenges.

The competition will bring participants together to build and demonstrate functional prototypes across six technology categories: education, financial technology, property and real estate, healthcare, agriculture and food security, and artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The three highest-ranked teams will receive ₦2.5 million, ₦1.5 million and ₦1 million, respectively. Winners will also benefit from cloud computing credits, Zoho credits, workspace opportunities and an eight-week mentorship programme to support further product development.

The hackathon forms part of the seventh edition of the Ogun Digital Summit, a technology event that connects entrepreneurs, developers, creatives, investors and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital economy.

It is designed to help participants develop practical solutions to challenges affecting businesses and communities. Shortlisted teams will take part in build activities and mentorship sessions before presenting their solutions at a physical showcase.

The hackathon is scheduled for November 25, 2026, at Ogun Tech Hub, Kobape, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The broader summit will take place from November 25 to 27, 2026.

Applicants must select one of six competition tracks when developing their proposed solutions.

The EdTech category focuses on improving access to quality education and skills development across Africa. Proposed solutions may address learning accessibility, educational delivery or skills acquisition.

Under FinTech, participants are expected to explore challenges in financial services, including access to banking, digital payments and credit for underserved individuals and businesses.

The PropTech and Real Estate track welcomes technology products designed to improve property ownership, access to housing and real estate services.

For HealthTech and Telemedicine, applicants can develop solutions that improve healthcare delivery, remote consultations, diagnostic support and access to health services.

The AgriTech and Food Security category targets innovations that enhance farming, agricultural productivity, food distribution and food security.

Meanwhile, the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning track invites applicants to develop AI-powered products addressing practical challenges affecting African communities, businesses and industries.

Eligibility and team requirements

The competition is open to students enrolled in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, as well as early-career and experienced technology professionals.

Startup founders, entrepreneurs with early-stage ideas, developers, designers, product managers, data professionals and domain experts who can contribute to technology development are also eligible.

Applicants must form teams of two to five members. Each participant may belong to only one team, and every team must have a name and a designated leader.

The organisers encourage cross-functional teams that bring together people with different skills to develop and demonstrate their proposed solutions.

Evaluation criteria

Participating teams should be ready to demonstrate five key elements during the competition.

First, applicants must clearly identify the problem their product addresses and support their explanation with evidence or credible insights from prospective users.

Second, they must present a practical solution that responds to the identified challenge while accounting for the needs of intended users and the realities of the target market.

Third, teams must demonstrate a working prototype with core functional features rather than relying exclusively on a presentation or concept note.

Judges will also assess the solution’s potential impact and sustainability, including who will use it, how it could be adopted and how the project could remain viable over time.

Finally, participants must demonstrate that their team understands the product, can explain its technical and business decisions, and has a clear understanding of the next steps required to advance development.

How to apply

Interested applicants should register their teams through the official Ogun Digital Summit Hackathon website.

The application process requires candidates to form a team of two to five members, appoint a team leader and visit the official application page.

Applicants must complete the registration form with their team details and explain the problem their proposed solution seeks to address, the people affected and how their product will help. They should review the information provided before submitting their applications.

Shortlisted teams will receive further instructions regarding the build activities, mentorship and physical showcase.

The application portal is available at https://www.ogundigitalsummit.com/hackathon.

Application deadline and event details

The published application information does not clearly specify a closing date. Interested teams are therefore advised to check the official portal for confirmation of the registration deadline and submit their applications as early as possible.

The key event details are as follows:

• Hackathon date: November 25, 2026.

• Venue: Ogun Tech Hub, Kobape, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

• Main summit dates: November 25–27, 2026.

• Total cash prizes: ₦5 million.

• Additional benefits: Cloud computing credits, Zoho credits, workspace opportunities and an eight-week mentorship programme.

• Team size: Two to five members.

Technology innovators with practical solutions for African businesses and communities can use the competition to showcase their products, compete for funding and access support for further development. Prospective applicants should review the eligibility criteria and team requirements before registering.

Source: Ogun Digital Summit