Prize Structure

The CATS Hackathon offers prizes at two levels: local prizes distributed by Next Trend Hub (Lagos), and continental prizes for teams selected from across participating African countries.

Local Prize Pool: 1,000 ADA

Each hub participating in the CATS Hackathon receives a fixed allocation of 1,000 ADA to distribute among top-performing teams.

Distribution Based on Participation

The number of prizes awarded depends on the size of the hub’s participation:

For Hubs with < 150 Participants

Criteria: Fewer than 150 total participants (or fewer than 15 teams of 5 members each)

Prize Distribution (Top 3):

Position	Prize Amount	Percentage
🥇 1st Place	500 ADA	50%
🥈 2nd Place	300 ADA	30%
🥉 3rd Place	200 ADA	20%

Total: 1,000 ADA distributed among 3 teams

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For Hubs with ≥ 150 Participants

Criteria: 150 or more total participants (or 15+ teams of 5 members each)

Prize Distribution (Top 4):

Position	Prize Amount	Percentage
🥇 1st Place	500 ADA	50%
🥈 2nd Place	300 ADA	30%
🥉 3rd Place	200 ADA	20%
🏅 4th Place	200 ADA	Split from 3rd

Total: 1,000 ADA distributed among 4 teams

Note: When a hub qualifies for 4 prizes, the 3rd and 4th place teams share what would have been the 3rd place allocation (200 ADA each).

Next Trend Hub Lagos

Current Status: 13 teams × 5 members = 65 participants

Prize Structure: Top 3 teams (500/300/200 ADA)

Eligibility: All 13 participating teams are eligible for local prizes based on their performance during local evaluation (January 6, 2025).

Continental Grand Prize

Teams that win at the local level advance to continental evaluation for the grand prize pool.

Selection Process

1. Local Winners Selected (January 6, 2025)

   • Each participating hub selects their top 3-4 teams
   • Winners receive local ADA prizes
   • Projects forwarded to CATS/WADA for continental review

2. Continental Pool Created

   • All local winners from participating African countries enter the pool
   • Projects reviewed by CATS/WADA evaluation committee
   • Teams judged against continental standards

3. Grand Prize Winners Announced (January 9, 2025)

   • Top 5 teams selected from the entire continental pool
   • Winners receive additional prizes

Grand Prize Awards

For the Top 5 Continental Winners:

🏆 Additional ADA Allocation

• Amount TBA (to be announced by CATS/WADA)
• Distributed among the top 5 teams
• In addition to any local prizes already won

✈️ Sponsored Trip to Kenya

• All-expenses-paid trip for team representatives
• Attend CATS/WADA final event and awards ceremony
• Networking with other African innovators
• Potential investor/partner connections

Multi-Country Competition

The CATS Hackathon spans multiple African countries, each with local hubs running concurrent programs. Next Trend Hub (Lagos, Nigeria) competes alongside hubs from:

• Kenya
• Ghana
• South Africa
• [Other participating countries TBA]

This means: Winning locally is an achievement, but advancing to the Top 5 continental requires excellence among hundreds of teams across Africa.

What Teams Compete For

Minimum Achievement: Participation

Every team that completes the program receives:

• ✅ Certificate of participation
• ✅ Documentation of their action-learning journey
• ✅ Portfolio project demonstrating community research skills
• ✅ Connections with mentors and peers

Local Recognition: Top 3-4

Teams selected as local winners (Next Trend Hub) receive:

• 💰 ADA prizes (500/300/200 ADA)
• 🏆 Recognition as Lagos regional winners
• 📄 Advancement to continental evaluation
• 🎯 Potential for grand prize selection

Continental Excellence: Top 5

Teams selected for the continental grand prize receive:

• 💎 Additional ADA allocation
• ✈️ Trip to Kenya for final ceremony
• 🌍 Recognition across African tech ecosystem
• 🤝 Investor and partner introductions
• 📰 Media coverage and visibility

Evaluation Criteria

Prizes are awarded based on:

1. Action-Learning Journey Quality

   • Depth of community research
   • Quality of evidence gathered (voice notes, interviews)
   • Rigor of insight and hypothesis formulation

2. Solution Innovation & Feasibility

   • Technical implementation quality
   • Cardano blockchain integration (where applicable)
   • Scalability and sustainability

3. Community Impact Potential

   • Number of people who could benefit
   • Significance of problem solved
   • Evidence of community validation

4. “Build What Matters” Alignment

   • Authenticity of problem discovery
   • Community-driven approach
   • Regenerative principles demonstrated

Learn about evaluation process →

Prize Distribution Timeline

Date	Milestone
Dec 13, 2024	Final Hack Day presentations
Dec 14 - Jan 5	Local evaluation period
Jan 6, 2025	Local winners announced (Next Trend Hub)
Jan 6-8	Projects forwarded to CATS/WADA
Jan 9, 2025	Continental grand prize winners announced
TBA	Kenya trip dates announced

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a team win both local and continental prizes?
A: Yes! Local prizes are guaranteed to local winners. If you’re then selected for Top 5 continental, you receive additional prizes on top of local winnings.

Q: How many team members can go to Kenya if we win?
A: Details TBA by CATS/WADA. Typically 1-2 representatives per team are sponsored.

Q: What if our hub grows to 150+ participants?
A: Prize structure adjusts automatically. Current count (65) means Top 3 structure applies.

Q: Are prizes distributed in ADA or converted to fiat?
A: Distributed in ADA (Cardano cryptocurrency). Teams receive wallet instructions.

Q: What happens to teams that don’t win prizes?
A: All teams gain valuable experience, documentation, portfolio projects, and connections. Many non-winners go on to develop their projects further post-hackathon.

Q: Can I still participate if I’m not competitive about prizes?
A: Absolutely! Many participants join for learning, networking, and community impact rather than prizes.

Prize Payment Process

Details for winners will be shared:

• Wallet setup instructions
• KYC requirements (if any)
• Payment timeline
• Tax implications (consult local regulations)

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Next Steps

Focus on your action-learning journey and building what matters. Prizes reward quality work, not just flashy demos.

Remember: The best outcomes often come from teams focused on impact rather than prizes.

Back to Hackathon Overview | View Evaluation Criteria

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Prize structure subject to updates. Check this page for latest information.

Next Trend Hub | CATS Hackathon Local Partner | Lagos, Nigeria