Listers This might be of interest to some of you. AfriLabs is excited to invite *Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups* to apply for the *Llama 3.1 Impact African Hackathon *funded by *Meta and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).* Offering a chance to win up to *$100,000* in funding, this fully sponsored, in-person event will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 8-10, 2024. We are seeking AI developers, software engineers, tech enthusiasts, students in technical fields, gender studies professionals, and startup founders from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda to participate. *About the Hackathon* The hackathon is focused on fostering AI innovation that addresses social impact issues such as gender sensitivity, linguistic diversity, innovation & creativity, technical implementation, economic development & business potential, education & skills development, and public services, etc. across Africa. Participants will collaborate in cross-disciplinary teams to develop AI-driven solutions that eliminate gender bias in digital content, while ensuring linguistic inclusivity & diversity using Meta's Llama AI technology. *Key Highlights* - Fully Sponsored Event: All travel, accommodation, and daily needs covered for participants. - Mentorship: Receive guidance from industry experts at Meta, BMGF, and AfriLabs. - Funding Opportunities: Showcase your solution and have the opportunity to apply directly for the Llama Impact Grants, with a chance to receive up to $100,000 in funding through the regional track to further enhance and scale your solution. Additionally, you could secure up to $500,000 in seed funds through the global track of the Llama Impact Grants to support the launch of your project. - Promoting Diversity: Drive innovation in AI by addressing gender sensitivity and linguistic diversity in Africa. *Eligibility* - Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of the four eligible African countries: *Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya,* or *South Africa*. While citizenship is required, participants should also have legal residency status in these countries to ensure local engagement and relevant contextual understanding. - Age: 18 years and above. - Background/Expertise: Innovators, AI developers, entrepreneurs, and students with relevant experience in AI, technology, gender studies, or digital solutions. - Interest and Motivation: Applicants must submit evidence of previous AI-related projects. - Availability: Full Participation in the three-day hackathon event (holding 8th - 10th October 2024) and any virtual engagements or preparations leading up to the event. - Language Proficiency: Proficient understanding of English, as this will be the primary language used during the hackathon. Applicants must be from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, or Rwanda. Applications are open until September 21, 2024. To apply, please click on the apply tab below. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to AI for good while gaining mentorship and networking with leaders in AI innovation. [image: Apply Now] [image: Facebook icon] <https://afrilabs.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95c992335bb6df06e38c3f6e8&id=bbb943da32&e=a7c49eb586> [image: Instagram icon] <https://afrilabs.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95c992335bb6df06e38c3f6e8&id=6908b1c1f5&e=a7c49eb586> [image: Twitter icon] <https://afrilabs.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95c992335bb6df06e38c3f6e8&id=0761863116&e=a7c49eb586> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://afrilabs.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95c992335bb6df06e38c3f6e8&id=d1539e4ba6&e=a7c49eb586> [image: Logo] *Copyright (C) 2024 AfriLabs. All rights reserved.* You are receiving this email because you have participated in an AfriLabs activity and part of the AfriLabs extended community Our mailing address is: AfriLabs 18, Khartoum Street, Wuse Zone 5 Abuja 900285 Nigeria Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://afrilabs.us13.list-manage.com/profile?u=95c992335bb6df06e38c3f6e8&id=2a87362301&e=a7c49eb586&c=5f7588ab28> or unsubscribe <https://afrilabs.us13.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=95c992335bb6df06e38c3f6e8&id=2a87362301&t=b&e=a7c49eb586&c=5f7588ab28> -- Kind regards, Dr. Grace Githaiga*,* CEO@*KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> @ggithaiga <http://twitter.com/ggithaiga> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga/> ___________________________ KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/kictanet/> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/videos> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs*