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Capitec launching virtual hackathon at the end of June with a R100k grand prize

We’ve seen a number of events get cancelled in 2020 as a result of COVID-19, and in some instances turn digital in order to offer an alternative online or virtual experience. The latest initiative from Capitec, however, is digital through and through, with the financial institution announcing a new virtual hackathon that kicks off later this month.

Capitec’s Life 2.0 Hackathon, as it has been christened starts on 29th June, and the aim of the competition is to find locally created technology solutions that will help South Africa post-COVID-19.

The 29th June kick off date will also coincide with a live streamed event, where the chosen teams introduced, as well as all the prizes that will be up for grabs alongside the R100 000 grand prize for the winning technology solution.

From the start of the hackathon, teams will have 21 days in order to bring their idea to fruition with the help of their mentors, with the winners being announced on 17th July.

Speaking of the mentors, Capitec has enlisted the help of the following tech insiders to help guide teams:

  • Baratang Miya – CEO of GirlHYPE
  • Annette Muller – founder of FlexyForce
  • Charl Greeff – head of engineering at One Day Only
  • Stuart Ntlathi – founder of the Stuart Ntlathi Science, Engineering and Technology Institute
  • Tumi Sineke – head of the OfferZen Foundation
  • Luvuyo Rani – founder of Silulo Ulutho Technologies
  • Francois Dempers – innovation manager at Capitec.

“This initiative focuses on finding new tech and new talent to help solve many of the collective challenges we’ll be facing post-COVID-19. South Africans are famed for our ingenuity. We want to harness this to foster the collaborative creativity required to help our people live better in the aftermath of this pandemic,” explains Dempers.

“We know the world is going to be changed by COVID-19. This is about Life 2.0. Adapting in smart ways with intelligent, tech-led solves. For us, it’s about providing a platform to let our brightest minds lead the way. The solution does not need to be banking related and all intellectual property remains that of the inventors,” Dempers concludes.

To enter teams will need a computer, webcam and mic, along with a fast, stable internet connection.

Teams can enter by emailing hackathon@capitecbank.co.za, with a description of the team, the motivation behind entering and an explanation of their big idea.

[Image – Photo by NESA by Makers on Unsplash]

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