AI for Connectivity Hackathon II: Building Resilient Networks ($5k prize pool!)
Join a Global Hackathon to Revolutionize Public Sector Networks with AI!
About Giga
Giga is a joint initiative by UNICEF and ITU that aims to connect every school worldwide to the internet, providing young people with access to opportunities and knowledge. It focuses on bridging the digital divide by building and optimizing public sector connectivity networks, particularly in underserved regions, to support equitable access to education, healthcare, and governance.
Hackathon Challange
The AI for Connectivity Hackathon II: Building Resilient Networks challenges participants to develop open-source AI solutions for managing public sector networks, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable operations for schools and healthcare facilities in underserved regions. The goal is to improve planning, procurement, operations, and maintenance using AI, addressing challenges like high costs, energy inefficiency, and network failures while enhancing access to critical services. Winning teams get mentorship, resources, and technical credits to develop their solutions further.
Prizes
🏆 Winner
💰 Cash: $3,000
🥈 2nd Place
💰 Cash: $1,500
🥉 3rd Place
💰 Cash: $500
🏆Acceleration Opportunity
The top teams from this hackathon will secure a spot in the exclusive 6-week GIGA & lablab NEXT incubator program.
Important Info ❗️
Final project submissions will be hosted on lablab.ai platform.
On-site Speakers
Industry experts from our partner organizations will be on-site to share insights, provide mentorship, and help you make the most of the latest tech tools. Enjoy exclusive talks, workshops, and guidance to elevate your project!
Charlotte Arribe - Community Builder @Giga
Maria Antonia Bravo - Technology Programme Manager @Giga
Sergey Nuzhnyy - Head of Developer Relations @AI/ML API
Event Schedule
Day 1 (Feb 28th)
3:00 PM – Doors open (Registration)
4:00 PM – Hackathon Kick-off (On-site & Online)
4:05 PM – GIGA Welcoming Words (Naroa Zurutuza – CTO, Giga)
4:10 PM – lablab.ai Opening Words (Pawel Czech – President, New Native)
4:15 PM – Hackathon Walk-through (Joanna Slupczewska – Marketing Manager)
4:25 PM – AI/ML API Introduction (Sergey Nuzhny – Head of Developer Relations)
4:30 PM – Opening Panel: The Future of Networks in Open Source
5:10 PM – Networking & Snacks (On-site)
6:30 PM – Mentor Brainstorming Sessions (Q&A on Discord & In-person Breakouts)
9:00 PM – Doors close
Day 2 (Mar 1st)
9:00 AM – Doors open (Breakfast + Coffee)
11:00 AM – AI & Network Infrastructure Workshop (Maria Lema – CEO & Co-Founder, Weaver Labs)
11:30 AM – Edge AI & Federated Learning Talk (Rasool Seyghaly – AI Researcher at UPC & CEO, TECHWICH)
12:00 PM – Lunch
4:30 PM – Building Giga’s GeoDB Workshop (Utku Can Öztürk – Data Scientist, UNICEF)
5:00 PM – Refreshments
9:00 PM – Doors close
Day 3 (Mar 2nd)
9:00 AM – Doors open (Breakfast + Coffee)
1:00 PM – Lunch
4:00 PM – End of Submissions!
5:00 PM – Doors close