The United Nations Coding4Integrity Hackathon, held at the University of Pretoria from 13 to 15 September, brought together young innovators from around the world to address corruption using cutting-edge technology. Sponsored by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this event is part of the multi-year Coding4Integrity series, which empowers young developers to create digital tools that promote anti-corruption education and awareness.
Participants competed both online and in person for a chance to win a share of the $70,000 prize pool. The hackathon featured two competition tracks—AI and DeComm (Decentralized Commerce)—with a shared objective: to develop transformative, AI-driven learning tools to combat corruption globally.
In collaboration with Stellenbosch University, the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS), and the Knowledge Foundation, the event provided a dynamic platform for fostering impactful technological innovation.
Among the standout achievements was ‘Team Lovelace’ from the University of Pretoria, who emerged victorious in the DeComm track. Their exceptional project, fueled by technical expertise and a commitment to meaningful change, earned them the honor of representing the university on an international stage. As winners, Team Lovelace will travel to Vienna to continue their work and showcase their solutions globally.
Congratulations to the Team Lovelace members Agape Mamphasa, Mbofho Mamatsharaga, Keabetswe Mothapo, and Amanda Khuzwayo for their outstanding achievement and for demonstrating the power of innovation in addressing global challenges!
For more details about the hackathon, see the Knowledge Foundation website.