By Patricia Okumu

In partnership with Microsoft, Equity Group has launched a virtual hackathon open to students from Meru University of Science and Technology and The University of Nairobi.

The Hackathon which opened for registration on 4th February saw a total of 663 students from the two universities registered to be among the 100 shortlisted participants to take part as innovators.

Speaking during the launch, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi said the Group seeks to explore the use of Hackathons as a tool to drive the discovery of new technologies and process improvement solutions for the Bank.

“We are indeed very happy to be launching our first-ever Equity Hackathon in partnership with Microsoft, The University of Nairobi, and Meru University of Science and Technology. The Hackathon promises to be a truly transformational experience for both universities and our institution, as it will enable us to create products and offerings that are beneficial to our people across the markets we operate in, while at the same time offering the students an opportunity to learn and apply their skills to solve business challenges,” said Dr. Mwangi.

The Hackathon is set to run from the 17th February to 17th March this year and has been phased into 4 stages. The first phase will involve instructor-led and self-paced training of the participants on Microsoft Azure and the Business Problem Statements. In the second stage, the students will go through the coding with mentorship from representatives from Equity, University of Nairobi, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Microsoft. Their solutions will then go through a 1st and 2nd knock off stage, that will culminate in the selection of the 3 winners.

Microsoft Kenya Country Manager, Kendi Ntwiga noted that the country stands a chance to be a global player in innovations through a collaborative effort on the part of University and industry linkage.

“Uncertain times call for solutions that are sustainable; solutions that bridge the gaps and challenges that Africa faces. With an average age of 19.6 in Kenya, our youth have the opportunity to engage and be part of the solution,” she said.

This collaboration is the first of its kind that is aimed at creating lasting change through technology. It also brings together like-minded organizations that drive innovation and crowdsource solutions to address business problems and social issues.