Innovators across Uganda have a narrow window to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions as applications close on April 22, 2026, for the Future Makers Hackathon.
- Innovators across Uganda have a narrow window to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions as applications close on April 22,...
- Backed by the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, the initiative is calling on multidisciplinary teams to tackle pressing economic challenges...
- Whether improving public services or enabling private-sector growth, entries must demonstrate how they can be deployed and expanded across sectors.
- Funding, Mentorship, and Opportunity Three winning teams will each receive up to UGX 300 million, alongside mentorship from industry experts and...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Future Makers Hackathon — everything you need to know is covered below.
Backed by the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, the initiative is calling on multidisciplinary teams to tackle pressing economic challenges with practical, scalable innovations.
Driving Solutions for Economic Growth
The Future Makers Hackathon is designed to push beyond theory and deliver working solutions that address real bottlenecks in Uganda’s economy.
Organisers are targeting innovations that can accelerate productivity, strengthen service delivery, and unlock new industries. The programme also aims to build resilience by encouraging locally driven ideas that reflect the country’s unique economic realities.
Participants are expected to focus on efficiency, scalability, and measurable impact. Whether improving public services or enabling private-sector growth, entries must demonstrate how they can be deployed and expanded across sectors.
What Participants Must Build
Unlike many innovation contests, the hackathon requires more than just ideas. Teams must submit a functional prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP), alongside a concept note and a clear demo pitch. The concept note should outline the problem, proposed solution, and expected outcomes, while the pitch must explain how the innovation works and its potential economic value.
Solutions are expected to be practical and ready for real-world application. Examples include digital tools that enhance service delivery, platforms that boost productivity, or tech-enabled systems that support industry growth. Judges will assess entries based on feasibility, innovation, scalability, and impact potential.
Funding, Mentorship, and Opportunity
Three winning teams will each receive up to UGX 300 million, alongside mentorship from industry experts and access to partnership opportunities. Beyond funding, the programme is structured to help teams refine and scale their solutions, bridging the gap between prototype and implementation.
Eligibility is broad but team-based. Applicants must form groups of two to five members, bringing together skills in development, design, data science, research, or entrepreneurship. Students and professionals alike are encouraged to apply, provided they can deliver a working solution.
Application Process and Requirements
Applicants are required to submit their entries via email, sending a detailed proposal of their innovation to info@sti.go.ug before the deadline. Organisers specified that the subject line must read “FUTURE MAKERS HACKATHON 2026” to ensure proper identification and processing of submissions.
Each proposal must include a functional prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) demonstrating the practicality of the idea; a short concept note describing the solution; a demo pitch as a written summary; and team details comprising 2 to 5 members.
Submissions should go beyond concept-level thinking, showing clear evidence that the solution can be tested and deployed in real-world scenarios.
The hackathon reflects a growing push to harness local talent for national development. By prioritising practical innovation, it supports the growth of technology-driven industries and encourages solutions tailored to Uganda’s economic needs. It also highlights a shift toward results-orientated programmes that emphasise execution over ideas alone.
Final Call for Entries
With the deadline fast approaching, organisers are urging teams to finalise their submissions and avoid common pitfalls, such as unclear problem definitions or incomplete prototypes. Strong entries will combine simplicity, clarity, and a clear path to scale.
As the clock ticks down, the Future Makers Hackathon offers innovators a chance to transform ideas into tangible impact—while competing for funding and long-term support that could shape Uganda’s economic future.