Nigeria’s next generation of AI builders took center stage at the Nigeria National Hackathon 2025, a large-scale innovation challenge that brought together hundreds of young developers, researchers, and problem-solvers to build real-world AI solutions with social impact.

Designed as a nationwide initiative and culminating in a high-energy Grand Finale in Lagos, the hackathon went beyond competition. It became a movement — connecting talent from across Nigeria around a shared mission: using artificial intelligence to solve real problems and shape the future responsibly.

The hackathon was supported as part of a broader effort to strengthen community-driven AI innovation and identify promising early-stage ideas with real-world potential. By creating an accessible entry point for young builders, the initiative aligns with the mission of DEEP Funding to support responsible, decentralized AI development through open collaboration and long-term ecosystem growth.

A Nationwide Effort with Real Reach

The hackathon engaged participants from universities and innovation communities across the country, resulting in:

• Over 300 registered teams
• More than 700 participants
• Dozens of AI-powered solutions developed
• Representation from all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria — North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West — ensuring national inclusion

Teams worked intensively across focus areas such as healthcare, education, security, and the green economy, alongside other AI-driven challenges relevant to local and global contexts.

Throughout the program, participants received structured support through mentorship, peer collaboration, and evaluation checkpoints — transforming early ideas into working solutions under real-world constraints.

Evaluation Focus and Selection Criteria

Projects were assessed through a rigorous evaluation process, with emphasis on:

• Clear and well-defined problem statements
• Technical quality and execution
• Responsible and ethical use of AI
• Practical paths toward real-world application

Following this process, five standout teams were selected as winners and finalists for their innovation, impact potential, and execution excellence.

Meet the Winning Teams: 

• Doctor Robot
  An AI-powered medical companion supporting healthcare delivery in multiple Nigerian languages, expanding access to care and improving communication between patients and healthcare providers.
• Team Sophia
  A solution focused on smarter care systems, designed to strengthen community health outcomes through proactive, data-driven decision-making and improved system coordination.
• Team Eusate
  An AI-powered customer support platform for businesses, supporting major Nigerian languages and Pidgin English, making digital services more accessible and inclusive.
• Team SOAT
  An automated AI medication dispensing system that improves accuracy, safety, and patient adherence, addressing critical challenges in healthcare delivery.
• Path Pilot (Judges’ Special Award)
  An AI-powered visual navigation system for the visually impaired, enhancing independence and accessibility through intelligent, real-time guidance.

From Hackathon to Long-Term Impact

The Nigeria National Hackathon 2025 was designed not as a one-off event, but as an entry point into a broader innovation ecosystem.

Selected teams and standout projects are now positioned to:

• Continue refining their solutions
• Receive visibility and mentorship support
• Explore pathways toward real-world deployment and long-term impact

Beyond the event itself, the hackathon also served as a gateway for selected teams to engage with broader Deep Funding initiatives, opening pathways for continued collaboration within a global, decentralized AI ecosystem.

“Nigeria has one of the most vibrant and fast-growing tech communities in Africa,” said Ubio Obu, AI researcher and contributor. “By bringing this hackathon to Nigeria, we aim to create opportunities for young innovators to connect with a global ecosystem, accelerate their ideas, and shape the future of decentralized AI.”

By linking grassroots talent with global infrastructure, the hackathon reinforced a powerful message:

Nigeria is not just consuming AI — it is building it.