The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), is organising the Youth4Climate Services Innovation Hackathon 2026.
The regional initiative aims to identify, test and promote youth-led digital innovations that can improve the delivery, accessibility and practical use of climate information across the IGAD region.
The hackathon will bring together young entrepreneurs, technology developers, data scientists and multidisciplinary innovators to demonstrate how their existing solutions can address challenges in the climate services value chain.
The event is scheduled to take place from December 8 to 10, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya.
What the Hackathon Seeks
The initiative focuses on practical solutions that help translate climate information into useful advice and support climate-sensitive decision-making.
Relevant innovations may address areas such as:
- Climate information and advisories: Tools that translate climate data into practical information for farmers, businesses and communities.
- Climate risk communication: Digital platforms that make weather and climate risks easier to understand and respond to.
- User-centred climate services: Solutions that make climate information more accessible and relevant to local users.
- Decision-support tools: Technologies that help individuals, organisations and communities make informed decisions using climate information.
- Climate data applications: Digital products that improve how climate information is delivered, interpreted and used.
Applicants must demonstrate how their solutions address a practical need within climate services.
Benefits of Participating
The hackathon offers innovators an opportunity to present their solutions to technical experts, evaluators and potential partners.
Potential opportunities include:
- Financial awards for outstanding innovations.
- Technical mentorship and expert feedback.
- Possible connections to incubation and acceleration programmes.
- Opportunities to connect with organisations interested in partnerships or piloting solutions.
- Regional visibility and opportunities to explore pathways for scaling innovations.
Additional support and partnership opportunities will depend on participating partners' commitments.
Who Can Apply?
The hackathon is open to young innovators who meet the following requirements:
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- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Geographical eligibility: Applicants must be nationals of, or based in, an IGAD member state, subject to the final eligibility guidelines.
- Existing solution: Applicants must have a climate-related digital tool, platform, product or solution that is already functional or at the pilot stage.
- Demonstration: Applicants must be able to demonstrate how their solution works, identify its intended users and explain its current development stage.
- Participation: Applicants must be available to attend the hackathon and present their innovations.
Important: Concept-only proposals without a demonstrable solution will not be accepted.
The IGAD member states are Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. Applicants based in Nigeria should note that Nigeria is not among these member states and should confirm eligibility with the organisers before applying.
What Should Applicants Prepare?
Applicants should be ready to provide information demonstrating the value and development of their innovations, including:
- A description of the solution and the problem it addresses.
- An explanation of how the innovation contributes to climate services.
- Details of the intended users and how the solution meets their needs.
- Evidence of development, such as a working demonstration, prototype, screenshots, video or pilot results.
- An explanation of the solution's distinctive features and potential value.
- Information about the innovator or team, including relevant skills and motivation.
- An outline of the solution's potential for further development and wider application.
Applicants should consult the official announcement and concept note for the complete requirements.
Hackathon Details
- Event: Youth4Climate Services Innovation Hackathon 2026
- Organisers: IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), in partnership with AGRA
- Date: December 8–10, 2026
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Eligible age range: 18–35 years
- Application deadline: November 6, 2026
How to Apply
Interested and eligible innovators should complete the official online application form.
To apply:
- Visit the official ICPAC hackathon announcement.
- Review the eligibility requirements and the accompanying concept note.
- Prepare the required information and evidence demonstrating your existing climate-related solution.
- Follow the application form link on the official announcement and submit your application before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is November 6, 2026.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Applicants should confirm all eligibility requirements, application conditions and programme details.
