The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) yesterday launched the 2024 Yackathon, a three-day innovation contest, aimed at encouraging students from technical universities to provide creative solutions to societal challenges, using data.
The competition involves 72 participants from six technical universities, with winners set to receive cash prizes and medals.
The Hackathon Coordinator, Dr Francis Kweku Siripi, explained that the competition focuses on harnessing the talents of technical university students, to solve pressing national issues.
“We have selected six technical universities and the top three students from each school to compete.
The winner will take home GH¢20,000, with the second and third receiving GH¢15,000 and GH¢10,000, respectively.
Mentors will also be recognized for their contributions,” he added.
This year’s edition shifts attention from traditional universities, following the 2023 contest won by the University of Cape Coast.
Dr Siripi noted that participants have already displayed impressive innovation, with products addressing critical national problems.
He emphasised the 36-hour time-frame within which contestants must develop solutions, highlighting the urgency and creativity required for the event.
The 2024 Hackathon centres on leveraging data from the GSS’s StatsBank to address cyclical developmental challenges and emerging issues at the sub-national level.
According to Mr Siripi, the initiative seeks to expand the use of data in evidence-based decision-making to transform livelihoods and achieve sustainable development goals.
Assistant Chief Statistician at GSS, Dr Korina Abaka Ansah, underscored the significance of the competition in bridging the gap between academia and industry.
“This platform encourages students to utilise census data and surveys to create products that meet Ghana’s needs. For example, a recent group developed a product to test water quality, showcasing the practical impact of these innovations,” he said.
The six participating institutions are Dr Hilla Limann Technical University, Bolgatanga Technical University, Sunyani Technical University, Accra Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, and Koforidua Technical University.
Last year, the top students were sponsored by the Danish government to compete globally, a testament to the competition’s potential for international exposure.
He hoped that the Hackathon will inspire students to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, reducing unemployment and creating opportunities.
Dr Ansah encouraged all participants, including women, to seize the moment and demonstrate their capabilities.
The event runs from Wednesday to Friday, culminating in the selection of the overall winner.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU