A brief with real constraints
Each hackathon sets themes drawn from the sector it serves, so teams build against a problem that matters rather than an abstract prompt.
Cortex Hacks
Hackathons for people who haven't built one yet
The Cortex Accelerator Hub runs mentored, themed hackathons across South Africa. Teams of three to five take a real problem from idea to working prototype, with mentors alongside them the whole way.
The 48 hours
Hour 0
Hackathon opens
Hour 10
First mentor check-in
Hour 22
Second mentor check-in
Hour 48
Prototypes locked
Open and upcoming hackathons
No hackathons open right now
New hackathons are announced a few weeks before they run. Past hackathons are listed below, and the Hub posts announcements as they open.
How a Cortex hackathon runs
Mentored build time
Teams work through structured stages with mentors and the Hub's innovation labs on hand, from concept through to a working demo.
Judged, then supported
Solutions are scored against published criteria, and the strongest teams carry their work forward with the Hub's incubation and acceleration support.