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Published: 02 May 2025 160 views
For 2025, we’re broadening the scope of the Global Challenge, with more themes and more chances to be recognized throughout the year so that you’ll have more opportunities to address the issues you’re most passionate about solving, and grow your generative AI skills in the process. The 2025 Global Challenge will ask:
How can innovative, generative AI technology solutions address social and humanitarian issues to make a real difference for communities around the world?
IBM Research– Africa is IBM’s 12th global research lab and the first industrial research facility on the continent of Africa. With facilities in Kenya and South Africa, IBM Research– Africa is driving innovation by developing commercially-viable solutions to transform lives and spark new business opportunities in key areas such as water, agriculture, transportation, healthcare, financial inclusion, education, energy, security and e-government. IBM Research– Africa is actively engaging with Africa’s innovation ecosystem to kick start new business opportunities a... continue reading
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| Application Deadline | Not Specified |
| Type | Entrepreneurs |
| Sponsor | IBM Research Africa |
| Gender | Men and Women |
Teams of 1-5 people can compete for the following prizes:
Qualifying Hackathons
$5,000 US
Plus 1 conference pass per team member to IBM TechXchange Conference 2025 in Orlando*
Eligible Call for Code winning projects from each qualifying hackathon will move on to eminent judging for the Grand Prizes.
Global Challenge Grand Prizes
First place: $50,000 USD
Option for solution implementation support from the Call for Code ecosystem
Second place: $20,000 USD
Third place: $5,000 USD
Top 3 teams have the opportunity for open source support from The Linux Foundation
University grant: $30,000 USD
total to the top scoring university team’s school(s)
There are many ways you can build a great team, but the most successful teams often bring together diverse skill sets to design unique and impactful solutions. Consider problem-solvers with varied experience when assembling your team.
Builders
The tech mastermind of your team. The builder is the methodical, digital-obsessed teammate who brings the technical know-how to help ground your solution in what’s possible.
Designers
Your UX expert who ensures the solution is user-friendly and visually appealing. Designers bring creative vision to technical problem solving, making what you build sleek and easy-to-consume.
Communicators
Good communicators make complex ideas simple and inspiring. Your team’s calculating hustler is essential in articulating the problem and succinctly defining how the solution can make a difference in a profound, unique, consumable way.
Humanitarians
Altruistic thinkers who understand the complex problems at hand in a truly human way and are committed to finding a solution to make a demonstrable difference. This inspirational lead of your team considers the communities in need, while also thinking like the individual user.
2025 Global Challenge Timeline
Sign up for any of five qualifying hackathons throughout the year. More details will be provided as each event approaches. Check back for more information.
March
AI Agent Hackathon for Clean Water, with IBM watsonx.ai
April
Lean AI Solutions Hackathon, with IBM Granite Models
May
Hackathon for Progress with RAG and IBM watsonx.ai
August
Call for Code qualifying hackathon
October
Call for Code qualifying hackathon
November
Grand prize judging
December
Grand prize winners announced
For more details, visit IBM Program webpage
