Are you a digital entrepreneur using technology to expand access to work, training, and better opportunities? #HacktheDivide is your chance to take your ideas further—starting with a two-day hackathon in Nairobi, and continuing with incubation support in Italy.
Requirements
Applications are open to young digital innovators (aged 18-35) based in the following countries:
Whether you are already building solutions that help people gain skills, access decent work, or grow their businesses, -or working in related areas like education, digital inclusion, migration, fintech, or data innovation-, we’re looking for young entrepreneurs with the ideas and drive to help shape a more inclusive digital future. Selection criteria:
Relevant experience: you or your startup work in one or more of the hackathon’s focus areas.
Commitment to inclusion: your work aims to expand access and opportunity, especially for underrepresented groups.
Thematic areas
#HackTheDivide is built around six core themes, priority areas where digital innovation can make a meaningful contribution to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world of work in Africa. Each theme is drawn from priorities shared by governments, social partners, training institutions, and local authorities, reflecting key areas where digital innovation can strengthen Africa’s skills and employment landscape.
1. TVET and youth employment
2. Labour mobility and migration
3. Entrepreneurship and business development
4. AI for the public good
5. Gender equality, inclusion and the transition to formal work
6. Local innovation and governance
Benefits
You’ll spend two days in Nairobi collaborating in teams, supported by expert mentorship, and interacting directly with global institutions and policy leaders shaping Africa’s digital future. Travel, accommodation, and meals will be covered for all selected participants.
On the final day, you’ll have the opportunity to present your solution live during the broadcast event Skills for Fair Digital Transitions in Africa in Turin, connecting you with key decision-makers in Italy and linking local innovation to global decision-making.
At the end of the hackathon, each team will present their idea to a panel of experts. One winning team will be selected based on the quality, relevance, and potential of their solution.
The winning team will receive a tailored incubation experience with I3P, the incubator of the Politecnico di Torino, and the first public incubator in the world. This includes:
A fully funded trip to Italy at the end of the incubation process.
Ongoing mentorship to further develop the idea.
Access to Italy’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Shape digital solutions in Nairobi
Spend two days working in dynamic teams with expert mentors to design inclusive solutions.
Connect with a global network
Work side-by-side with peers from 25 African countries, and engage with global institutions and policy leaders.
Step into the international spotlight
Present your solution live during a global broadcast linking African innovation with decision-makers in Italy.
Grow your idea in Italy’s leading tech incubator
The winning team will access a tailored incubation experience with I3P, including a funded trip to Italy.
