We proudly honour Prof. Carolina Odman-Govender, the visionary founder of Hack4dev. Her passion for harnessing science to drive global development laid the foundation for this initiative. Prof. Odman saw how hackathons could drive impact and bring people together for meaningful change.

Her leadership, kindness, and positive outlook continue to inspire us. As we move Hack4dev forward, we remain guided by the legacy and values she instilled in us.

In this tribute video, Prof. Odman shares her remarkable journey—from a Swiss-trained engineer to an influential astrophysicist in South Africa. She speaks about her love for science, her dedication to the community, and how she remained positive during her battle with cancer. We invite you to watch and celebrate the vibrant spirit of a true pioneer who continues to inspire us all.

Watch the full tribute video below: