KaDAI Summit Pre-Event • Saturday, August 29, 2026

KaDAI Summit Mini-Hackathon

Bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world business impact. Solve localized challenges with Kaduna data, gain expert mentorship, and compete for scholarships, cash prizes, and recognition in Data Analysis or Machine Learning.

Date

Sat, Aug 29, 2026

Venue

360° MaaaS Hub

Tracks

DA & AI/ML

Briefing

Fri, Aug 28 (2PM)

KaDAI Hackathon 2026 Official Flyer
Official Event Flyer
Organized by MannieLytics & 360° MaaaS Hub August 29, 2026
Concept Note

Hackathon Structure & Overview

Comprehensive details on background, schedule, tracks, AI policy, and evaluation metrics.

1

Executive Summary & Background

In recent times, Kaduna has witnessed a surge in data talent training through local tech hubs, online bootcamps, and government-backed initiatives like the 3MTT program. However, a significant gap remains: many learners struggle to translate theoretical knowledge into actionable, real-world business insights and rarely get platforms to showcase their capabilities.

To bridge this gap and officially herald the upcoming KaDAI Summit, we are hosting a high-impact, 1-day practical mini-hackathon on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Designed for data analysts and AI enthusiasts alike, this event emphasizes project-based learning, problem-solving, and direct exposure to industry experts and regional policymakers.

2

Event Objectives

Promote Project-Based Learning

Move learners away from passive video tutorials into active, hands-on real-world problem solving.

Bridge Skills-to-Insight Gap

Test participants' ability to turn raw datasets into compelling business stories and functional ML models.

Talent Discovery

Expose top regional data and AI talent to potential employers, partners, and the tech ecosystem.

Community Engagement

Serve as the official pre-summit anchor event to build momentum for the upcoming KaDAI Summit.

3

Event Details & Timeline

Opening Briefing (Virtual/Hybrid)

Friday, August 28, 2026 • 2:00 PM

Confirm availability, clarify rules, walk through closed sample datasets, and explain deliverables.

Hackathon Day Timeline

Saturday, August 29, 2026
09:00 AM – 01:00 PM

Hackathon Execution

4 hours of intense active building.

01:00 PM – 02:00 PM

Submission Lock & Lunch

Submission freeze, refreshments & networking.

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM

Pitch Presentations & Judging

Simultaneous presentation rooms.

03:30 PM – 04:00 PM

Award Ceremony

Winner announcements & Summit unveiling.

Venue: 360° MaaaS Hub

On-site physical space with guaranteed power & high-speed internet.

4

Tracks & Deliverables

The hackathon is completely tool-agnostic. Participants work in their preferred track supported by on-site physical mentors.

Track 1

Data Analysis

The Challenge:

Solve a localized business or civic problem using datasets sourced directly from the Kaduna Bureau of Statistics (KDBS).

Deliverables:
  • Cleaned data outputs
  • Analytical findings
  • Interactive dashboard / Visual report presentation
Track 2

AI & Machine Learning

The Challenge:

Build predictive or generative solutions tackling a specific domain problem statement.

Deliverables:
  • Clean, well-annotated notebook
  • Trained Machine Learning model
  • Functional prototype / deployment (Optional)
5

AI Tool Policy

Permitted
Generative AI Policy & Guideline:

Participants are permitted to use generative AI tools (LLMs, GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT) for code debugging, syntax assistance, and workflow acceleration. However, the core analytical narrative, logic, feature engineering, and live defense must be driven entirely by the participant.

6

Submission & Presentation Structure

Format

Live physical presentation starting promptly at 2:00 PM.

Time Limit

Strict 5-minute pitch per participant/team across simultaneous presentation rooms.

Q&A Defense

Immediate technical Q&A by judges testing participant understanding of their work.

7

Judging Criteria Breakdown

Data Analysis Track

Technical Execution (Data cleaning & transformation) 30%
Insight & Business Value 30%
Data Visualization & Storytelling 20%
Presentation Pitch & Defense 20%

AI / Machine Learning Track

Model Performance & Technical Rigor 30%
Problem Relevance & Innovation 30%
Notebook Annotations & Deployment 20%
Presentation Pitch & Defense 20%
Registration

Participant Intake Form

Please complete the official intake form below to secure your participation spot.

Google Form Intake • KaDAI Hackathon Open in Google Forms ↗