Unlocking Access, Fueling Innovation
This hackathon invites participants to explore emerging technologies like AI and blockchain where they can meaningfully enhance functionality, trust, or scalability. It also challenges participants to develop impactful solutions that expand access, empower people, and solve real-world challenges—whether through software, hardware, or hybrid innovations.
Innovation with Purpose
Creating technology that makes a real difference
The Challenge
Develop innovative solutions that expand access, empower people, and solve real-world challenges across financial access, learning, future-ready skills, and everyday impact.
Our Approach
We believe in human-centered design. Your solutions should be developed with a deep understanding of the needs and constraints of the communities they aim to serve.
The Impact
The most promising solutions will have the opportunity to be developed further with support from our industry partners and potential funding opportunities.
Choose Your Impact Area
Participants can choose to focus on one of the following challenge tracks. Each track addresses a critical area where technology can make a significant impact.
Earning & managing money
Transfer & growth solutions
Underserved communities
Learning resource access
Mental well-being support
Lifelong development
Job opportunity access
Skill certification tools
Entrepreneurship support
Health & safety innovations
Mobility & accessibility
Sustainability solutions
How Projects Will Be Evaluated
Each track has specific judging criteria to ensure solutions are evaluated based on their relevance to the challenge and potential for real-world impact.
Financial Access & Innovation
- 1
Access & Inclusion
Does it meaningfully expand financial access for underserved communities?
- 2
Economic Impact
Can it improve economic participation and resilience for users?
- 3
Trust & Transparency
Does it create more transparent and trustworthy financial systems?
- 4
Innovation
Does it offer novel approaches to earning, managing, transferring, or growing money?
Learning & Personal Development
- 1
Learning Access
Does it improve access to learning resources or reduce participation barriers?
- 2
Well-being Support
Can it support mental well-being and personal growth effectively?
- 3
Lifelong Impact
Does it foster lifelong personal development?
- 4
User Experience
Is it engaging and accessible to diverse learners?
Future-Ready Skills & Empowerment
- 1
Career Readiness
Does it effectively prepare students and graduates for post-school life?
- 2
Skill Verification
Does it simplify earning and verifying skill certifications?
- 3
Empowerment
Can it provide pathways to economic independence and empowerment?
- 4
Innovation
Does it use creative approaches to skill development and career support?
Everyday Impact (Hardware or Hybrid Track)
- 1
Real-World Relevance
Does it solve practical problems that improve everyday life?
- 2
Thoughtful Design
Is it well-designed with user needs and constraints in mind?
- 3
Long-term Usability
Is it built for durability and sustained use?
- 4
Innovation
Does it demonstrate creative use of technology or novel approaches?
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the hackathon theme and challenges.
Can I work on a challenge that spans multiple tracks?
Yes! We encourage interdisciplinary solutions. You can work on a project that addresses challenges across multiple tracks, but you'll need to specify a primary track for judging purposes.
How should I incorporate AI and blockchain technologies?
Use these technologies where they meaningfully enhance functionality, trust, or scalability. Don't force them into your solution—focus on solving real problems first, then consider if these technologies add genuine value.
Do I need to have a technical background to participate?
Not necessarily. We welcome participants with diverse backgrounds, including design, business, and domain expertise. Teams with a mix of skills often create the most innovative solutions.
What technologies can I use for my solution?
You can use any technology stack or platform of your choice. We encourage you to use technologies that best address the problem you're trying to solve, whether that's mobile, web, AI, blockchain, or hardware.
Will there be mentors available during the hackathon?
Yes, we'll have mentors from various technical and domain backgrounds available throughout the hackathon to provide guidance, feedback, and support to all teams.
What happens to the intellectual property of my project?
You retain all intellectual property rights to your project. However, we encourage open-source development and sharing of solutions that can benefit the wider community.