Strathmore University’s @iLabAfrica in partnership with Oracle academy successfully concluded the Green Tech Hackathon 2025, a national innovation challenge that brought together student developers, environmentalists and entrepreneurs to create technology-driven solutions addressing the urgent challenges of climate change.
Held at Strathmore University, the hackathon provided a platform for student innovators from universities and TVET institutions across Kenya to design practical, data-driven and scalable technologies promoting environmental sustainability and resilience.
The Green Tech Hackathon aimed to advance Kenya’s green economy by fostering innovation in climate action, sustainable energy, circular waste systems, eco-transport and climate-smart agriculture.
Through mentorship sessions and expert-led workshops, participants learned how to transform ideas into actionable, impactful projects that address both local and global sustainability challenges.
According to global studies, hackathons are increasingly effective incubators for long-term innovation. Research published on arxiv.org found that over 9% of code created during hackathons is reused in subsequent development projects, underscoring the long-term value of such collaborative events.
@iLabAfrica Director Dr. Joseph Sevilla Mentioned “AI tools are not always perfect, but when used wisely, they can be powerful allies in every field.” highlighting the need for responsible innovation and practical application in tech-driven sustainability.
Winning Innovations
After intensive presentations and live pitching sessions, the judges announced the top-performing teams:
🏅 Judges’ Award: EcoGuard – a mobile and web-based platform for real-time reporting of pollution, deforestation and wildlife threats.
🥉 2nd Runner-Up: ChakulaShare – a smart system that redirects surplus food, composts waste and combats hunger while reducing emissions.
🥈 1st Runner-Up: EcoNova – a carbon-aware route planning app that helps reduce transport emissions by optimizing travel routes.
🥇 Overall Winners: CrackedDevs with AquaPredict, an AI-powered geospatial system that predicts groundwater availability and helps reduce failed boreholes across Kenya.
“By joining this program, you’ve already become winners,” emphasized Mr. David Bunei, Oracle Kenya Country Director, commending the creativity, teamwork and technical rigor displayed by all participants.
Kenya faces mounting environmental pressures—ranging from water scarcity and waste management to energy sustainability. The Green Tech Hackathon showcased how homegrown innovation can accelerate local responses to global issues.
The event not only built technical capacity among youth but also positioned Kenya as a regional hub for climate technology solutions. Participants gained access to Oracle Cloud tools, mentorship and the opportunity for further incubation through @iLabAfrica.
“Collaboration across gov’t, academia & industry is essential. Real impact comes when research meets purpose-driven innovation.” Ms. Winnie Jumba- Oracle Global Sustainability Ambassador, Africa remarked, underscoring the importance of collaboration amongst various institutions.
Looking Ahead
The winning teams will receive ongoing mentorship, with opportunities to refine their projects for possible pilot implementation and scaling. iLabAfrica and Oracle plan to continue supporting innovators whose work bridges technology and environmental action.
“The Green Tech Hackathon reaffirms our commitment to nurturing local talent that can provide data-driven, impactful solutions for Africa’s sustainable future,” said Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica.
About @iLabAfrica
@iLabAfrica is a Centre of Excellence in ICT innovation and development at Strathmore University, established to promote research, entrepreneurship, and capacity building in ICT for development. The Centre partners with leading global technology organizations to empower African innovators to build solutions that make a social and economic impact. For more information, visit: https://ilabafrica.strathmore.edu/code-for-climate-change-hackathon