AI for the Visually Impaired Hackathon 2026: Win Up to ₦2.5 Million

Data Science Nigeria has opened applications for the AI for the Visually Impaired Hackathon, a national innovation competition calling on Nigerian developers, researchers, designers, students and other technology enthusiasts to build artificial intelligence solutions that improve the lives of people who are blind or have low vision.

The hackathon focuses on developing practical and affordable AI technologies that address accessibility challenges in Nigeria, including difficulties with mobility, education, financial services, communication and employment.

Participants will compete for cash prizes totalling ₦2.5 million. Selected teams will also receive mentorship and opportunities to develop their solutions towards real-world deployment

Hackathon Track

Applicants can develop solutions under any of the following five tracks:

1. Multilingual Voice Assistant

AI-powered voice solutions that help people with visual impairments access information and services in Nigerian languages.

2. Independent Mobility and Navigation

Technology that supports safer and more independent movement, navigation and understanding of physical environments.

3. Accessible Financial Services

AI solutions that make financial information, documents and digital financial services easier for people with visual impairments to access.

4. Employment and Livelihoods

Solutions that improve access to employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and work-related services.

5. Inclusive Education and Learning

AI tools that make educational materials, learning resources and educational experiences more accessible.

Who Can Apply?

The hackathon is open to people living in Nigeria.

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

- Participants aged 18 and above can apply.

- Applicants below 18 may participate with written consent from a parent or guardian.

- Students, graduates, developers, researchers, designers, product professionals, startups and accessibility practitioners are welcome.

- Applicants do not need to be university students.

- People with lived experience of blindness or low vision are strongly encouraged to participate.

Applicants can register as a team or individually.

Teams must consist of three to five members. Individuals who apply independently may be placed into teams if selected.

What the Organisers Look For

The selection process will consider:

- Verifiable skills in AI, data science, software, hardware, design or product development.

- A combination of complementary skills within the team.

- At least one member who understands the accessibility problem being addressed.

- Commitment to participating throughout the programme.

Applicants may demonstrate their skills through GitHub, Kaggle, Zindi profiles or previously completed projects.

The organisers intend to select participants across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, with attention to gender balance and the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Hackathon Prizes and Benefits

The competition offers the following cash prizes:

Position| Prize

First place| ₦1,200,000

Second place| ₦800,000

Third place| ₦500,000

Total| ₦2,500,000

Every team selected to proceed to the building stage will also receive:

- A dedicated mentor throughout the development period.

- A certificate of participation.

- Opportunities to engage with relevant funders, schools and institutions working in accessibility.

- Recognition through Nigeria AI Collective channels.

- Opportunities for pilot deployment for the strongest solutions.

The strongest solutions may receive support towards real-world pilot deployment from February 2027.

What Participants Must Submit

Teams that reach the building stage will be required to submit:

1. A working prototype with a basic interface that judges can test.

2. Documentation of the solution using the organisers' template.

3. A pitch and demonstration video of no more than five minutes.

4. A short accessibility note explaining who tested the solution, the feedback received and the improvements made.

The organisers will assess submissions based on relevance, accessibility and inclusion, usability, performance, value sensitivity, data quality, reproducibility, testability, changeability and documentation.

Programme Schedule

Stage| Date

Applications open| 22 October 2026

Applications close| 27 November 2026

Selected teams announced| 4 December 2026

Compulsory online briefing| 9 December 2026

Building and mentorship period| 10 December 2026 – 15 January 2027

Final demonstrations and judging| 18–29 January 2027

Pilot deployment support begins| February 2027

Is the Hackathon Free?

Yes. According to the organisers, participation is free at every stage. No application or participation fee is required.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can register either as a team or individually.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official hackathon webpage.

2. Read the challenge areas, eligibility requirements and application instructions.

3. Decide whether to apply as a team or individually.

4. Complete the relevant application form.

5. Submit the application before the deadline.

Apply as a team:

https://bit.ly/AI4VIPTeam

Apply individually:

https://bit.ly/AI4VIPIndividual

Official hackathon webpage:

Data Science Nigeria – AI for the Visually Impaired Hackathon

https://datasciencenigeria.org/ai-for-visually-impaired-hackathon/

Applicants who need an accessible version of the application form or assistance can contact the organisers at NigerianAICollective@datasciencenigeria.ai.

Application deadline:

27 November 2026