Open data Hackathon 2025

The Open Data Hackathon has come to an end

After kicking off on July 1st, the Open data Hackathon 2025 brought together 133 participants from all over the world, 29 teams who dedicated a full month of hard work and innovation. From this incredible effort, 12 finalists across 3 teams earned their place in the grand finale - the Innovators Arena - at Norrsken, Kigali, Rwanda.

The finalist teams were

Agrilo

Kaleab Hilawie, Yonatan Yishak Yifat, Abrham Yishak Yifat, Fraol Bacha Megersa and Biruk Geremew Abza.

Flood Guardian

Shirsha Sonsghoptak, Imranul Islam Adnan, Tasmin Mamun and Sayed Jobaer.

Agripulse

Misganu Abetu, Dukundimana Toussaint and Marcella Maques Lopes.

Innovation Arena Workshop

The finale wasn’t just about competition, it was a true Innovation Arena. Over two days, participants engaged in workshops covering both technical and business-focused topics. Sessions ranged from scaling AI and communicating software architecture, to Isidore Iradukunda's talk about Communicating for Impact, insights into what VCs look for when investing by Serge Priam Nsanzineza from Higa Capital, and an inspiring conversation about starting up with Vivens Uwizeyimana, the CEO of Umurava, a Rwandan startup company.

Pitching Finale

The climax of the event was the pitching competition, where each team had five minutes to present their ideas and face questions from a panel of judges and the audience. After a highly engaging round of pitches, Agrilo was crowned the winner of the Innovators Arena Finale Pitch.