Are you a university student with an interest in data science, artificial intelligence, and solving real-world problems? Do you want to strengthen your technical skills, collaborate with students from different disciplines, and take on an exciting machine learning challenge?
Join the Hack4Dev Data Science Hackathon Programme Regional Hackathons 2026 and be part of a growing network of young innovators using data science to address real-world challenges.
About the Hackathon
Hack4dev, in partnership with the regional hackathon organizers, will host a series of regional hackathons between September and November 2026. Over the course of the hackathon, participants will work in multidisciplinary teams to solve a real-world machine learning challenge focused on building age classification. Teams will develop and evaluate machine learning models capable of estimating the age of buildings from visual data by identifying patterns and characteristics associated with different construction periods.
Rather than simply asking, “What does a building from 1965 look like?”, the challenge encourages participants to think critically about “What characteristics indicate that two buildings are of a similar age?” Throughout the hackathon, participants will receive guidance from trained facilitators and mentors while gaining practical experience in data preparation, model development, evaluation, and presenting technical solutions.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for enthusiastic university students who:
- Are currently enrolled at a university (undergraduate or postgraduate).
- Have an interest in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or related fields.
- Have basic programming experience, preferably in Python.
- Are motivated to learn, collaborate, and contribute actively throughout the hackathon.
- Are available to attend the full duration of the regional hackathon.
- Are able to commute to and from the venue each day.
- Are willing to review the learning materials provided before the hackathon.
Hack4dev is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment and strongly encourages applications from students of all backgrounds.
What to Expect
Successful applicants will:
- Participate in a four-day regional hackathon.
- Work in teams to solve a real-world machine learning challenge.
- Receive technical guidance and mentorship from experienced trainers.
- Gain hands-on experience using industry-relevant data science tools and workflows.
- Network with students, researchers, and professionals from across the Hack4Dev community.
- Develop practical problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation skills.
Prior to the hackathon, participants will receive preparatory resources, including notebooks and learning materials, to help them prepare for the technical challenge.
Regional Dates & Locations
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | 7-10 September 2026 |
| Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | 14-17 September 2026 |
| Catholic University of Mozambique, Mozambique | 16-18 September 2026 |
| Tmcel Conference and Training Facility in Maputo, Mozambique | 21-24 September 2026 |
| Copperbelt University, Zambia | 21-24 September 2026 |
| South Eastern Kenya University, Kenya | 28 September – 01 October 2026 |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa | 30 September -02 October 2026 |
| Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, Zimbabwe | 05-08 October 2026 |
| Maasai Mara University, Kenya | 12-15 October 2026 |
| University of Botswana (UB), Gaborone, Botswana | 12-15 October 2026 |
| University of Nairobi, Kenya | 19-22 October 2026 |
| Mulungushi University Conference Center, Zambia | 20-23 October 2026 |
| Orange Digital Center, Madagascar | 2-5 November 2026 |
| Sol Plaatjie University, South Africa | 9-12 November 2026 |
| National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), Namibia, | 16-18 November 2026 |
| Abu Jaafar Al-Mansour, Baghdad, Iraq-Baghdad | 9-12 November 2026 |
| Arato, Fianarantsoa Madagascar | 24-27 November 2026 |
| The University of Zambia (UNZA), Zambia | 24-27 November 2026 |
| Botswana International University of Science & Technology, Botswana | 01-04 December 2026 |
Ready to Make an Impact?
This is your opportunity to apply data science and artificial intelligence to a real-world challenge while learning from experienced mentors and collaborating with students from across your institution.
Click on the images below to learn more about the hackathons, including dates, locations and how to apply.
