Overview
The Open Innovation Track empowers participants to identify and solve quantum-relevant problems that may not fit into the structured challenge tracks. This track recognizes that Africa's quantum ecosystem needs diverse solutions across multiple domains, and that the best problems are often identified by those closest to them.
Key Difference: While structured tracks provide specific problem statements and datasets, the Open Innovation Track allows you to define the problem, justify its importance, and propose a quantum solution.
Who Should Participate?
The Open Innovation Track is ideal for participants who:
- Have identified a critical problem in their community, country, or region that could benefit from quantum solutions
- Want to work on problems not covered by the structured tracks
- Have domain expertise in areas like healthcare, agriculture, energy, climate, logistics, or other sectors
- Want to demonstrate innovative thinking and problem identification skills
- Are interested in building solutions with real-world impact beyond the hackathon
Problem Eligibility Criteria
Your proposed problem must meet the following criteria:
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Relevance to Africa
- Addresses a challenge specific to African contexts, communities, or markets
- Has potential for continental or regional impact
- Aligns with African development priorities (SDGs, Agenda 2063)
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Quantum Applicability
- Demonstrates a clear use case for quantum computing, quantum algorithms, or quantum-inspired solutions
- Explains why quantum approaches offer advantages over classical methods
- Identifies specific quantum techniques (optimization, simulation, machine learning, etc.)
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Feasibility
- Can be meaningfully addressed within the hackathon timeline (Dec 5 – Jan 5)
- Has clear success metrics and evaluation criteria
- Can be prototyped or demonstrated with available quantum resources
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Innovation & Impact
- Has potential for real-world deployment or further development
- Addresses an underserved or overlooked problem area
Submission Requirements
Your Open Innovation Track submission must include:
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Problem Statement (0–50 words)
- Clear description of the problem
- Why it matters for Africa
- Current approaches and their limitations
- Target beneficiaries and impact potential
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Quantum Solution Proposal (50–100 words)
- Proposed quantum approach and methodology
- Specific quantum algorithms or techniques to be used
- Why quantum offers advantages over classical methods
- Technical architecture and implementation plan
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Implementation Plan (50–100 words)
- Development timeline and milestones
- Required resources (quantum platforms, datasets, tools)
- Team composition and roles
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
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Success Metrics (50–100 words)
- How you will measure success
- Evaluation criteria for your solution
- Demonstration plan (prototype, simulation, proof-of-concept)
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Impact Statement (0–50 words)
- Potential real-world impact
- Scalability and deployment considerations
- Long-term vision for the solution
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Supporting Materials (Optional but Recommended)
- Visualizations or diagrams
- Prelimina
