FNB App Of The Year Concludes 72-hour Hackathon
FNB App Of The Year Concludes 72-hour Hackathon. The FNB App of the Year recently concluded its highly anticipated 72-hour hackathon, showcasing over 1,100 innovative app concepts from talented young developers and entrepreneurs nationwide. The event drew a remarkable total of 1,130 entries, with 130 attending in person and 1,590 virtually, creating a vibrant platform for the next wave of digital solutions. This year’s hackathon set a new benchmark with 153 competing teams, solidifying its status as South Africa’s largest hackathon.
Omelele Mmbo, FNB Business Development Head, emphasised FNB’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurial talent. “FNB is thrilled to support these young innovators, providing financial products to help them bring their ideas to life. As the first winner of the App of the Year in 2012, FNB is proud to come full circle by enabling today’s entrepreneurs to make a real difference in their communities.”
Freddy Mahhumane, CEO of KasiD, a township-based food delivery app, spoke on the value of building ecosystem-driven solutions for underserved communities. “Developing apps for townships and marginalised markets is about more than just innovation—it is about creating opportunities and promoting self-reliance in these communities,” he said.
Participants also had the unique opportunity to meet the FNB team that won the inaugural App of the Year Award, gaining insights and inspiration from previous trailblazers. The hackathon featured projects from teams focused on addressing unemployment and education challenges through innovative tech solutions. One group developed an app designed to equip job seekers with essential soft skills, bridging the skills gap in various industries. Another duo worked on a gamified learning platform tailored for students who prefer interactive, alternative approaches to learning, aiming to close the educational divide in South Africa.
The FNB App of the Year hackathon is part of FNB’s ongoing commitment to empowering young South African entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and financial backing they need to bring their visions to market. The platform showcases the remarkable potential of youth-driven innovation to shape the future of South Africa’s digital economy.
Participants who successfully completed the 72-hour hackathon with a minimum viable product (MVP) have earned the opportunity to compete in the prestigious App of the Year Awards, scheduled for December 2024. This achievement puts them on track to gain significant visibility and support for their apps, with the chance to be recognised as one of South Africa’s leading digital innovators.
