NextGen Builders Hackathon
About This Event
The NextGen Builders Hackathon 2026 is a 24-hour, in-person innovation sprint hosted in Kigali, Rwanda at FabLab Kacyiru. Powered by Africa Gen AI, this hackathon brings together AI builders, developers, designers, students, beginners and technology enthusiasts with one mission: build what matters.
In 2026, building has evolved. The distance between idea and execution has collapsed. With AI-powered tools like Cursor, Bolt, Lovable and modern emerging stacks, participants will tackle real challenges across healthcare, agriculture, finance, education, IoT, robotics, DevOps and Generative AI.
What Makes This Hackathon Different
- Build a working, deployed product in 24 hours — not just a concept.
- Work on real African challenges that once felt impossible.
- Learn directly from industry mentors and expert speakers.
- Collaborate in teams and join a global community of builders.
Prizes & Recognition
- Grand Prize: Best Overall Project
- Runner Up: Second Place Winner
- Innovation Award: Most Innovative Solution
- Company Sponsored Awards: Special Partner Recognitions
Who Can Participate?
Open to:
- University and high school students
- Developers, designers, builders
- Beginners with ideas but no code skills
- Tech enthusiasts and innovators
There is no restriction on technology — creativity is welcome!
Logistics & Requirements
- Free registration
- Meals and refreshments provided at the venue
- Mentors available throughout the hacking period
- Transport and personal logistics not covered
Participants are strongly advised to bring laptops, as some workshops and hacking sessions may be technical.
Event Details
- Dates: January 9–10, 2026 (Friday 5:30 PM → Saturday 7:00 PM)
- Duration: 24 hours
- Venue: FabLab Rwanda, 44 KG 548 St, Kacyiru, Kigali
- Prize Track: Best Use of the Gemini API
What You Will Walk Away With
- A working AI-powered product deployed online
- A pitch-ready demo for investors or employers
- A global builder network and community access
No sessions available yet. Please check back soon.
Important Logistics & FAQs
It is a 24-hour, in-person hackathon in Kigali where builders use AI and emerging technology to create real, deployed products that solve Africa biggest challenges.
Yes, registration is completely free. Meals and refreshments are provided at the venue, but transport and personal logistics are self-covered.
No. Beginners with ideas are welcome. AI tools can now turn plain English into working applications. If you can code, AI will amplify your speed. If you can not code, AI becomes your bridge.
You can join alone and form a team at the venue. Team formation and registration happens on Friday evening after icebreakers and dinner.
You must bring a laptop, since some sessions are technical. Internet, snacks, meals, mentors, and infrastructure will be provided at the venue.
No. Transport is not covered. All participants handle their own movement and personal logistics, except meals which are fully provided at the venue.
