Applications close TONIGHT: Thursday, 12 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. WAT.
Rise Networks is inviting Nigerian students, developers, researchers, entrepreneurs and electoral experts to the #AI4Elections Hackathon 2026, a national, nonpartisan challenge to build AI solutions for credible, transparent and inclusive elections in Nigeria. Winning teams can share a reported ₦10 million prize pool, plus cloud credits, laptops and other support.
Key Details
- Organiser: Rise Networks, with Nithub and other partners
- Type: national AI hackathon, with an Elections Development Hub and Community of Practice
- Programme period: October 2026 – February 2027
- Open to: innovators in Nigeria
- Prizes (reported): share of ₦10 million, cloud credits, laptops and tech tools
- Deadline: 12 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. WAT
Innovation Tracks
- AI and trustworthy electoral information
- electoral data analysis and decision support
- inclusive and multilingual electoral technology
- electoral cybersecurity and resilience
- election observation and citizen accountability
Climate resilience and environmental innovation is an optional cross-cutting area.
Benefits
- a share of the reported ₦10 million prize pool
- cloud computing credits, laptops and technology tools
- team formation, technical orientation and mentorship
- a path into the Elections Development Hub for promising projects
- membership of the #AI4Elections Community of Practice after the hackathon
Eligibility
- based in Nigeria
- students, software developers, AI and data professionals, designers, researchers, entrepreneurs, young professionals, academics or electoral experts
- interested in responsible, nonpartisan use of AI for elections
You don’t need a finished team: selected participants go through team formation after applications close.
How to Apply
- Go to the official #AI4Elections website and click Apply Now.
- Read the call for applications, technical briefs and FAQs on the site.
- Complete the application form.
- Submit before 11:59 p.m. WAT tonight, 12 November 2026.
Tips
- Follow the organisers’ advice: start with the electoral problem and the people affected, then decide how AI can help.
- Pick one track and show you understand its challenge, such as misinformation or accessibility for voters in local languages.
- Highlight relevant skills: coding, data, design, research or election experience.
- Apply now; the portal closes at midnight.
Dates and tracks are confirmed on the official site; the prize pool is as reported by MSME Africa.
