• 8th Floor, Youyi Building,Freetown
  • info@mocti.gov.sl
  • 8th Floor, Youyi Building,Freetown
  • info@mocti.gov.sl
  • 8th Floor, Youyi Building,Freetown
  • info@mocti.gov.sl

Ongoing Bootcamp

Big 5 A.I. & Blockchain Hackathon

The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), under the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP), invites young developers, engineers, innovators, and enthusiasts to apply for the Big 5 Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain Hackathon 2025.  This edition is designed to train, mentor, and challenge participants in building solutions from scratch using AI and blockchain technologies, aligning with Sierra Leone’s Big Five Game Changers

Why This Hackathon?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain are among the most transformative technologies of our time. Together, they have the potential to reshape industries, strengthen governance, and solve pressing development challenges. This hackathon will provide:
  • Hands-on training from local and international experts.
  • Curated datasets hosted in a central repository for real-world experimentation.
  • Problem statements are directly tied to the Big Five Game Changers.
  • Mentorship support throughout solution building.
  • A final 36-hour non-stop hackathon to showcase solutions and reward the most impactful ideas.

Track 1

AI Pulse

Are you curious about how AI tools like v0, Lovable, Bolt or other no-code/low-code platforms can be used to solve real problems? This track is for you.

You’ll use these tools to design smart, simple solutions that help make government services work better for citizens. No advanced coding needed, just your creativity and a willingness to learn. 

Track 2

DeepStack

Are you a developer or tech enthusiast ready to go deep? In this track, you’ll build powerful solutions using real code, whether it’s machine learning models, blockchain smart contracts, or hybrid AI + blockchain systems.

If you plan to develop solutions that integrate AI or blockchain at its core, this is the track for you.

Program Timeline

Call for Applications

1st September – 17th October 2025

Applications open for all tracks.

Shortlisting

1st – 7th October

Review and selection of applicants.

Notification

8th – 10th October

Successful applicants are notified and assigned to tracks.

Preparation Period

11th – 24th October

Bootcamp (Freetown)

27th Oct – 5th Nov

10-day immersive training with AI & blockchain experts. Team formation.

Solution Development Standstill

6th Nov – 2nd Dec

Teams refine prototypes with virtual mentorship and assessments.

Final Hackathon

5th – 7th Dec

48-Hour Non-Stop Hackathon: Teams Refine Final Solution, Present Solutions, Winners Awarded.

Program Timeline

Call for Applications

1st September – 17th October 2025

Applications open for all tracks.

Shortlisting

Review and selection of applicants.

Notification

Successful applicants are notified and assigned to tracks.

Bootcamp (Freetown)

10-day immersive training with AI & blockchain experts. Team formation.

Solution Development Standstill

Teams refine prototypes with virtual mentorship and assessments.

Final Hackathon

48-Hour Non-Stop Hackathon: Teams Refine Final Solution, Present Solutions, Winners Awarded.

Focus Areas (Big Five Game Changers)

Feed Salone

– Agriculture, food systems, and climate resilience.

Human Capital Development

– Skills, Education, and Inclusive EdTech.

Youth Employment Scheme (YES!)

– Job creation, gig platforms, digital employment.

Public Service Transformation

– Governance, Digital ID, Citizen Services.

Technology & Infrastructure

– Blockchain for transparency, AI for efficiency, hybrid innovations.

Benefits for Participants

  • Gain training in AI and blockchain from national and international mentors.
  • Work on real-world problem statements with curated datasets.
  • Develop prototypes from scratch with hands-on support.
  • Work on, refine and showcase solutions during a 36-hour national hackathon Finale.
  • Opportunities for funding, mentorship, and acceleration.

Be Part of Sierra Leone’s Digital Future

Whether you’re a beginner excited to join Vibeshift or an advanced developer ready to build Core AI & Blockchain Solutions, this hackathon is your chance to learn, build, and transform the future of Sierra Leone. Apply now. Build tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Big 5 AI and Blockchain Hackathon Challenge?

A national innovation competition engaging students, innovators, and young tech talents to develop AI and blockchain driven solutions supporting the Big Five Game Changers, Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment, Public Service Reform, and Tech & Infrastructure.

University and tertiary students, young innovators, and tech enthusiasts across Sierra Leone. Apply individually or in teams of up to 4 members. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.

Not necessarily. The challenge welcomes both technical and non-technical participants. Diverse teams are encouraged.

Applicants select one of the two tracks;
AI Pulse is for people who can use AI tools like chat gpt or CoPilot to create real solutions
Deepstack is for the developers who integrate AI or blockchain at the core of their solutions

The deadline has been extended to October 14, 2025. 

Apply online at www.mocti.gov.sl/ai-challenge. Select your track, fill in the form, and submit your idea summary. 

Shortlisted teams will attend a 5-day bootcamp covering AI and blockchain fundamentals, design thinking, business modeling, and pitching. 

Python, Google Colab, OpenAI, Hugging Face, TensorFlow, and no-code tools like Teachable Machine,v0,Lovable, depending on team capacity. 

Relevance, innovation, feasibility, AI or Blockchain integration,impact, and team collaboration. 

Winning prize is up to NLE 1.2 million with mentorship, pilot opportunities, incubation, and networking with AI experts. 

Must be between 18 to 35
Must be a citizen or legal resident of Sierra Leone
Must be available for the full program

AI learns and predicts; data science analyzes data; automation repeats fixed tasks. 

Yes, integrate tools like ChatGPT, Teachable Machine to solve local problems.

Clear problem, defined users, relevant data, realistic outcomes, and clear AI value. 

Use open datasets or propose a plan to collect data. Bootcamp mentors will guide you.