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Ugandan developer building live
Date rescheduled · Buildfest will happen in August — exact date to be communicated · Applications still open

Youth in Tech
Build Fest 2026

A 3-hour live rapid prototyping arena demonstrating the technical power of Ugandan tech talent.

70% Women-Led Teams PWD Inclusive
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180+
Community Members
3 hrs
Live Build Window
4
Sector Tracks
70%
Women-Led Teams
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Developers collaborating
Tech Community
Builders. Operators. Engineers.
The Format

A time-bound innovation segment.

Buildfest is a high-intensity Build showcase. Industry sponsors release sector briefs ahead of the event, giving teams a focused window to research and plan — but not to write code beforehand.

On the day, teams have exactly 3 hours to code a functional MVP live during the event, watched by sponsors, delegates, and a Technical Panel. It's discipline, speed, and craft — measured in real time.

Judging Criteria
  • 01
    Problem Relevance
    Sharpness of fit to the sector brief.
  • 02
    Technical Execution
    Code quality, architecture, working MVP.
  • 03
    Usability
    Clarity, accessibility, end-user experience.
  • 04
    Innovation
    Originality of approach and insight.
Sector Tracks

Four tracks. One Uganda.

Sponsored sector briefs aligned to the country's most consequential growth engines.

AgriTech

AgriTech

  • Farmer access platforms
  • Market linkages
  • Logistics & supply chain
Real gorilla photo for TourismTech

TourismTech

  • Discovery platforms
  • Booking systems
  • Smart tourism AR/VR
Real windmill photo for EnergyTech

EnergyTech

  • Data systems
  • Workforce management
  • Compliance tooling
Digital Public Infrastructure

Digital Public Infrastructure

  • Payments rails
  • Identity-linked services
  • Open data systems
Challenge Flow

From brief to demo.

Step 01
2 Weeks Prior

Registrations

Teams sign up, confirm participation, and secure their place in the challenge.

Step 02
Preparation & Learning

Sector Deep-Dives

Teams join Human-Centered Design training and sector deep-dives to prepare for the challenge.

Step 03
3 Hours Live

Build Phase

Live rapid development on the event floor with mentor support.

Step 04
Final Round

Demo & Pitch

Live solution walkthrough to the Technical Panel and sponsors.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Who can participate?
Teams of 5 to 7 members from the broader tech community. Each team must include at least one Frontend Developer, one Backend Developer, one UI/UX Designer, and one Team Lead. Female-led teams and participants with disabilities are strongly encouraged to join.
Can we write code beforehand?
No. Pre-event preparation is limited to research and architecture sketches. All code must be written live during the 3-hour build window at the event.
What tech stack can we use?
Any stack — choose what makes your team fastest. Bring your own laptops, accounts, and any open-source libraries.
How are sponsors involved?
Sector sponsors define the briefs, mentor teams during the build, and join the Technical Panel for final demos.
Is there a prize?
Yes — cash prizes, sponsor opportunities, and direct talent placement pathways for top teams.
Applications Open · Date rescheduled to August

Build live. On the floor. In front of Uganda.

Submit your team for the Youth in Tech Buildfest. Spots are limited and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Register Your Team
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Open to registered participants · Teams must have 5 to 7 members · Each team needs a Frontend Developer, Backend Developer, UI/UX Designer, and Team Lead · Female-led teams encouraged · Participants with disabilities welcome

Note: The Buildfest has been rescheduled to August; the exact date will be communicated. Applications remain open.