Youth4Climate Services Innovation Hackathon 2026 in Nairobi: Apply by 6 November

Applications are open for the Youth4Climate Services Innovation Hackathon 2026, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 8–10 December 2026. The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), in partnership with AGRA, invites young innovators to demonstrate solutions that make climate information more useful and accessible across the IGAD region.

The event focuses on existing digital tools, platforms, products and solutions that help communities understand climate risks and make practical decisions. Concept-only proposals without a demonstrable solution are not eligible.

What is the hackathon looking for?

The challenge is to show how an existing innovation can improve the climate services value chain. Relevant approaches include translating forecasts into sector-specific advice, tailoring information to local needs, communicating risks through accessible channels, engaging users and integrating climate information into decision-support tools.

Solutions should respond to the needs of farmers, pastoralists, extension workers, local institutions or other climate-sensitive sectors. Assessment will consider functionality, accessibility, relevance, usability, user needs, potential impact and prospects for sustainability and scaling.

Who can apply?

The call targets young innovators, entrepreneurs, software developers, data scientists and multidisciplinary teams. Applicants must:

• Be aged 18–35.
• Be nationals of, or based in, an IGAD member state, subject to the final eligibility guidelines.
• Have a functional or pilot-stage climate-related tool, platform, product or solution.
• Be able to demonstrate the solution, identify its intended users and explain its contribution to climate services.
• Be available to participate and present to technical experts, the evaluation panel and potential partners.
• Submit all required information and supporting evidence before the deadline.

The application form currently lists Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda under country of operation. Check the available options and final eligibility guidance when applying.

Awards and opportunities

The three-day event is expected to bring together approximately 10–20 young participants for demonstrations, technical mentorship and engagement with climate service experts. Where feasible, participants may also receive feedback from end users.

Financial awards will recognize outstanding solutions and support their further development. Award amounts have not been specified. Selected innovators may also be connected with mentors, incubation or acceleration programmes and potential partners for piloting and institutional collaboration, subject to partner commitments.

What to prepare

• A description of your innovation and the problem it addresses.
• An explanation of its contribution to climate services and the part of the value chain it addresses.
• Details of intended users and how the solution meets their needs.
• Evidence of development, such as a demonstration, prototype, screenshots, video or pilot results.
• The solution’s distinctive features and value compared with existing approaches.
• Information about the innovator or team, relevant skills and motivation.
• A statement on further development, practical use and scaling potential.

How to apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements and prepare evidence of your working or pilot-stage solution.
2. Complete the application form with your personal, organizational and project details.
3. Upload the requested supporting materials and submit by 6 November 2026.

Apply for the Youth4Climate Hackathon ↗

Read the concept note and full requirements