Phase 8: Wrap-up & Continental Selection
Dates: December 14, 2024 - January 9, 2025
Focus: Continental evaluation, final results, follow-up activities
What Happens
After the December 13 local presentations and winner announcement, there’s a wrap-up period where:
- All teams can refine their documentation and prototypes
- Local winners (Top 3-4 from Next Trend Hub) advance to continental evaluation
- CATS/WADA reviews submissions from all hubs across Africa
- Top 5 continental winners announced January 9
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec 13 | Local winners announced (Next Trend Hub) |
| Dec 14-31 | Teams can update documentation and prototypes |
| Jan 1-8 | CATS/WADA continental judging panel reviews submissions |
| Jan 6 | Deadline for final updates |
| Jan 9 | Continental Top 5 announced |
For All Teams (Dec 14 onwards)
Optional Improvements
- Polish your team documentation pages
- Add more detail to Final Solution page
- Include user feedback if you tested with community
- Update Journey page with post-hackathon reflections
- Fix bugs in your prototype
Learning & Growth
- Review judge feedback from Dec 13
- Identify what you’d do differently
- Connect with other teams
- Continue building if you’re passionate about the solution
For Local Winners (Top 3-4 from Next Trend Hub)
You’re in the Continental Pool!
Your submission now competes with Top 3-4 teams from all CATS Hackathon hubs across Africa for the Top 5 continental prizes.
Continental Judging
Panel: CATS/WADA leadership + external expert judges
Criteria: Same as local evaluation (6 criteria, 100 points)
Focus: Best examples of “Build What Matters” across entire hackathon
What Judges Review
- All 7 team documentation pages
- Voice notes and Ground Truth quality
- Complete action-learning journey
- Prototype functionality and fit
- Impact potential and sustainability
Continental Prize Pool
Top 5 Teams Across All Hubs:
- Additional ADA prizes (amounts announced by CATS)
- Trip to Kenya for final showcase event
- Potential follow-up funding opportunities
- Connection to Cardano ecosystem builders
- Media coverage and recognition
January 9 Announcement
Continental winners announced via:
- CATS official channels
- Next Trend Hub communication
- Individual team notifications
- Public celebration event (virtual or in-person)
Post-Hackathon Opportunities
Whether you win locally, continentally, or neither:
Continue Building
- Many winning solutions start as hackathon projects
- Next Trend Hub can provide ongoing mentorship
- Apply for grants (Catalyst, WADA, others)
Join the Community
- Connect with CATS Hackathon alumni network
- Participate in Cardano ecosystem events
- Mentor future hackathon participants
Leverage Your Learning
- Action-learning methodology applies beyond hackathons
- Voice notes and community research skills valuable for any venture
- Problem validation process useful for careers in product, design, research
Final Submission Deadline: January 6, 2025
Last chance to update:
- Team documentation pages
- Prototype URL
- Final Solution details
- Journey reflections
After Jan 6: Submissions frozen for continental judging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can non-winners continue working on their solutions?
A: Absolutely! The hackathon is just the beginning. Many teams continue building beyond the competition.
Q: What if we don’t win locally?
A: You still gained valuable skills: action-learning, community research, problem validation, prototyping, teamwork. These skills transfer to any future venture.
Q: Can we apply for other funding (Catalyst, etc.)?
A: Yes! Hackathon participation can strengthen your Catalyst proposals. You have evidence, research, and a prototype.
Q: Will there be another CATS Hackathon?
A: Check with CATS/WADA for future cohorts. Next Trend Hub will announce any upcoming programs.
Thank You!
Thank you for participating in the CATS Hackathon with Next Trend Hub. Regardless of the outcome, you’ve learned a unique approach to problem-solving that values community voices, evidence-based decision-making, and building what matters.
Stay Connected:
- Follow Next Trend Hub for future opportunities
- Join CATS community channels
- Keep building what matters
Documentation for CATS Hackathon 2024-2025 | Next Trend Hub, Lagos