CATS Hackathon Events
Duration: November 1, 2025 - January 9, 2026
Location: Next Trend Hub, Lagos, Nigeria
Participants: 65 participants across 13 teams
Event Overview
The CATS Hackathon combines weekly virtual check-ins with three strategic in-person milestone sessions to guide teams through action-learning methodology and solution development.
Virtual Events
Bi-weekly check-ins every Wednesday (6 PM WAT) and Saturday (1 PM WAT) throughout the hackathon period.
Topics covered:
- Research progress and methodology
- Team formation and collaboration
- Hypothesis development and validation
- Build sprint coordination
- Presentation preparation
In-Person Events
Three full-day milestone sessions bringing all participants together for intensive workshops, mentorship, and celebration.
| Date | Event | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 22, 2025 | Idea Shaping & Validation | Research presentations, mentor feedback, team formation |
| Dec 6, 2025 | Prototyping Workshop | Solution planning, MVP scoping, build sprint prep |
| Dec 13, 2025 | Final Hack Day | Team presentations, judging, winner announcement |
Event Format
Virtual Check-ins (75-90 min):
- Progress updates from teams
- Q&A with mentors
- Methodology guidance
- Peer learning and support
In-Person Sessions (Full Day):
- Hands-on workshops
- One-on-one mentor feedback
- Team collaboration time
- Celebration and networking
Key Dates
- Nov 1, 2025: Hackathon kickoff (virtual)
- Nov 22, 2025: First in-person session
- Dec 6, 2025: Second in-person session
- Dec 13, 2025: Final presentations & local winners
- Jan 9, 2026: Continental evaluation
Resources
Total Events: 13+ virtual check-ins, 3 in-person sessions
Average Virtual Attendance: 40-45 participants
In-Person Attendance: 65 participants