AI Solutions for
Everyday Life in Kigali
A one-day hackathon to build AI tools to solve for urban challenges
1,000,000 RWF
Grand prize for the most impactful AI solution developed.
Closed
Registration is now closed. No late entries will be accepted.
40–60 Spots
Highly selective participation to ensure quality mentorship.
Developer Value Proposition
Three direct reasons why this hackathon is worth your time.
Real-World Project Build
Move beyond basic tutorials. You'll spend 12 high-intensity hours shipping a functional AI prototype that addresses actual urban challenges in Kigali. From data ingestion to UI deployment. Lyftathon is a full-stack sprint.
Technical Portfolio Asset
Build a significant technical case study for your GitHub. This is a demonstration of your ability to apply AI models (LLMs, NLP, or Vision) to solve specific, local problems with a polished frontend using Chakra UI.
Cash Prizes
Direct financial rewards for technical excellence. We value your time and skill, providing substantial cash injections to the winning teams to help fuel further development or personal growth. No fluff, just rewards.
Build Tracks
Focus your innovation on these key everyday areas.
City & Community
Solve urban challenges using AI: smart waste management, traffic flow, or community safety tools tailored for Kigali neighborhoods.
Urban Tech
Logistics
Small Businesses & Work
Empower local vendors and freelancers. Think AI inventory for Umudugudu markets or productivity tools for the growing remote workforce.
SaaS
Retail AI
Tourism & Language
Leverage Kinyarwanda NLP or AI travel assistants to boost Rwanda's tourism sector and make cultural navigation effortless.
NLP
Hospitality
The Rewards
Cash Prize Pool
Runner Up
Second Place
500,000
RWF
First Place
1,000,000
RWF
Direct bank transfer upon announcement
Finalist
Third Place
250,000
RWF
One Day. Maximum Impact.
09:00 AM
Check-in & Kickoff
Welcome, team registration, and opening remarks.
10:30 AM
Coding Phase 01
Architecture, data preparation, and initial AI integration begins.
01:00 PM
Lunch Break & Networking
Refuel and chat with peer and mentors.
02:30 PM
Deep Build & UI Design
Connecting the AI backend to the frontend using Chakra UI.
07:00 PM
Demos & Judging
5-minute pitches followed by Q&A with the expert panel.
08:30 PM
Winners Announcement
Celebrating the top solutions and networking mixer.
How We Score
Judging Criteria
Projects will be judged on five key areas.
Relevance to Kigali
Does the solution address a real local problem or need?
Use of AI
Is AI used in a meaningful and practical way?
Real-World Usability
Is the product clear, useful, and easy to understand?
Product Quality
How well is the solution designed and built?
Demo & Storytelling
Did the team clearly explain the problem, solution, and product?
Innovation & Creativity
Does the solution take a unique or original approach to solving the problem?
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but you should have a solid foundation in software development or UI design. We welcome teams with diverse skills as long as there is an AI component in the final product.
No. We prioritize pre-formed teams of 4–5 people. Individual applicants may be placed on a waiting list or paired if spots are available, but team applications are guaranteed priority.
Bring your laptop, chargers, and an open mind. We provide the power, high-speed internet, and refreshments for the entire duration of the hackathon.
Applications are reviewed, and selected teams will receive a confirmation email with next steps and event details.
If applications exceed capacity, teams will be selected based on experience, team composition, and overall fit for the event. This ensures a diverse mix of skills and backgrounds as our aim is to create balanced teams that can effectively tackle the hackathon challenges.
You can discuss ideas as a team, but all building must happen during the event.
Let's Go, Lyftathon!
Registration is closed. Let's look forward to a great Lyftathon Kigali 2026!