Build with AI Makerere Hackathon

Build with AI Makerere Hackathon is a beginner-friendly mini AI hackathon organized by GDG on Campus Makerere University in partnership with Major League Hacking (MLH), Google Build with AI, Google Cloud, GitHub, and Gemini.

This event is designed to help students, developers, designers, and innovators explore how modern AI tools can be used to solve real-world problems through hands-on building and collaboration.

Participants will:

  • Learn how to use Gemini APIs and Google AI Studio

  • Build AI-powered projects in teams

  • Receive mentorship and technical support

  • Explore deployment using Google Cloud

  • Showcase projects and compete for prizes

Whether you are completely new to AI or already building projects, this event is open to anyone interested in learning and creating with AI technologies.

Prize Categories

🏆 Best Use of Gemini API
🏆 Best App Deployed on Google Cloud

 

Event Schedule

9:00 AM – Registration & Check-in
  • Arrival, networking, attendee check-in, and swag distribution.
9:20 AM – Opening Ceremony
  • Welcome remarks from GDG on Campus Makerere University and MLH introduction.
9:40 AM – Build with AI Workshop
  • Hands-on session covering Gemini APIs, Google AI Studio, and Google Cloud tools.
10:30 AM – Team Formation & Hack Sprint Begins
  • Participants begin building projects with mentor support.
11:30 AM – Mentorship & Project Support
  • Technical guidance, troubleshooting, and deployment assistance.
12:15 PM – Final Project Submissions
12:30 PM – Project Showcases & Judging
12:50 PM – Winners Announcement & Closing
1:00 PM – Snacks & Networking

 

Who Can Participate?

  • University students

  • Beginner developers

  • Designers and creatives

  • AI enthusiasts

  • Anyone excited to build with AI

No prior hackathon experience is required.

Requirements

Submission Requirements

To complete your submission, teams must submit the following through Devpost before the deadline:

Required

  • Project name

  • Short project description

  • Names of team members

  • Demo video or live demonstration

  • GitHub repository link

  • Explanation of how Gemini APIs or Google AI tools were used

  • Deployment link (App must be live)

 

Judging Requirements

Projects will be evaluated based on:

  • Creativity and innovation

  • Use of Gemini APIs 

  • Deployment on Google Cloud 

  • Hosting on GitHub

  • User experience and presentation

  • Potential real-world impact

Important Notes

  • Teams can consist of up to  3 participants.

  • All work must be created during the hackathon.

  • Existing projects are not allowed.

  • Beginners are encouraged to participate.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

3 non-cash prizes
Best Use of Gemini API
1 winner

Awarded to the project that demonstrates the most innovative and impactful use of the Gemini API.

Prize:
• MLH & Google digital prize package (fulfilled by MLH)
• Official winner recognition
• Additional partner benefits (where applicable)

Best App Deployed on Google Cloud
1 winner

Awarded to the best project successfully deployed on Google Cloud.

Prize:
• MLH & Google digital prize package (fulfilled by MLH)
• Official winner recognition
• Additional partner benefits (where applicable)

Best Project Built with Featherless
1 winner

Awarded to the team that makes the best use of Featherless in their project.

Prize:
• $300 worth of Featherless credits

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Frank Muhindo

Frank Muhindo
GDG Alumni leadership/community mentors and User Interface Engineer at National ICT Innovation Hub

Godwin Ofwono

Godwin Ofwono
Software Engineer | Github Campus Expert | Zindi Ambassador | AWS Student Builder Group Leader | Futurize Ambassador | Tech Community Lead

Jjemba Emmanuel

Jjemba Emmanuel
Ex-GDSC Lead (23/24). Infrastructure-focused engineer in Cloud & DevSecOps. Web3 security researcher, CMO @InfyniSec. Skilling 1M Ugandans @GasterAI

Fanny Nyayic

Fanny Nyayic
Web Developer | Technical Writer | Open Source Contributor

Lailah Grant

Lailah Grant
Game Developer | ICT Teacher | Technical Writer | Graphics Designer | Social Media Manager

Makmot Johnson

Makmot Johnson
ExGDSC | Web3 Developer| Senior Developer

Judging Criteria

  • Use of Gemini API
    How effectively and creatively the project uses Gemini APIs, Google AI Studio, or other Google AI technologies.
  • Technical Implementation
    Quality of the project’s functionality, technical execution, and overall completeness.
  • Creativity & Innovation
    Originality of the idea and how uniquely the team approaches solving a problem using AI.
  • Impact & User Experience
    Potential real-world usefulness of the solution and how easy the project is to understand and use.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

Tell your friends

Hackathon sponsors

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.