​Cursor AI Hackathon Ethiopia

​Ethiopia's largest AI hackathon is here.

​Join us July 25–26, 2026 at the Adwa Museum for two days of building, collaboration, and startup creation — in partnership with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT).

​This is not just a hackathon. It is a launchpad for AI-based startups.

​What We're Building

​The goal is simple: turn bold ideas into real AI products.

​Teams will use cutting-edge AI tools to design, build, and pitch startup concepts with real commercial and social potential. Whether you are a developer, designer, product thinker, or founder-in-the-making, this is your chance to build something that could grow beyond the weekend.

​Important: Projects must be at the idea stage. This is our main screening criteria. We are looking for fresh startup concepts — not finished products. Come with a problem worth solving, a clear vision, and the energy to build an MVP over two days.

​Building something for Adwa Museum?

​If your idea is focused on Adwa Museum, like a virtual tour, AI tour guide, interactive history experience, visitor assistant, or anything similar, apply first, then message @alphityy on Telegram.

​This helps us coordinate with teams working on Adwa-related projects early.

​Who Can Join

​We are accepting 60 teams.

• ​Registering individually? We will match you with a team of 5 based on skills, interests, and alignment.

• ​Registering as a team? Create a unique 10-digit group code, then have every team member register individually using the same code. If your team has fewer than 5 members, we will fill the remaining spots with strong individual applicants.

​Every participant should be ready to collaborate, move fast, and think like a founder.

​What You Get

​We are removing as many barriers as possible so you can focus on building:

• ​Food throughout the event

• ​AI credits and tools, including:

  • ​Cursor credits

  • ​ElevenLabs credits

  • ​Addis AI credits

  • ​Fal

  • ​Whisperflow

  • ​And more

​You will have the resources to prototype, test, and demo a compelling AI product in 24 hours.

​Startup Support & Partners

​This hackathon is built for founders. Beyond the weekend, strong teams will get real pathways to grow their startups.

​We are proud to partner with:

• ​Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT)

• ​Addis Ababa University Startup Center

• ​Gheero

​Together, these partners will support promising projects through:

• ​Incubation opportunities

• ​Workspace and startup space

• ​Mentorship from experienced builders and operators

• ​Further startup support to help teams continue after the hackathon

​If your idea has potential, this event is designed to connect you to what comes next — not leave you at the pitch deck.

​Investors On Site

​Investors will be present during the hackathon to visit teams, review projects, and invest in promising startups.

​This is a rare opportunity to get your idea in front of people who can help you scale it. Build something worth funding.

​Why You Should Apply

• ​Be part of Ethiopia's largest AI hackathon

• ​Build an AI startup from idea to MVP

• ​Access premium AI tools and credits

• ​Get mentorship, incubation, and startup support from leading Ethiopian institutions

• ​Meet investors looking for the next generation of AI founders

• ​Work with a curated team of 5 aligned to your strengths

​Registration Notes

• ​Apply with a clear idea-stage startup concept

• ​Individual and team registrations are both welcome

• ​If you already have a team, create a unique 10-digit group code with your teammates

• ​Every team member must register individually and enter the same 10-digit group code

• ​Selection will prioritize strong ideas, team fit, and readiness to build

​Come with an idea. Leave with a startup.

​See you at Adwa Museum.