— Ideas to Industry (I2I) Hackathon

Hosted in Accra, Ghana Coming soon to Boston, USA

Ideas to
Industry.

A social pitch competition for students to build technology-driven solutions in healthcare, education, climate and beyond — supported by Northeastern University's Center for Emerging Markets and hosted with Obsessive Innovations.

01 / What it is

A three-day hackathon that turns student ideas into scalable, sustainable ventures.

The first edition invited Ashesi University students to submit technology-driven solutions to critical challenges in emerging markets, starting with Ghana.

Selected teams receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and a pathway to potentially build their venture with us after the competition.

3 days

Hackathon weekend

4,000 GHS

Cash prize per winning team

Ashesi University

Host partner · Accra, Ghana

Northeastern

Center for Emerging Markets · Supporter

Currently hosted in Accra, Ghana with Ashesi University. Expanding to Boston, USA in partnership with Northeastern University's Center for Emerging Markets.

02 / Two cities

Rooted in Accra. Expanding to Boston.

Accra, Ghana
Now

Accra, Ghana

Ashesi University

Where I2I began — hosted with Ashesi University, drawing students from across West Africa.

Boston, USA
Next

Boston, USA

Northeastern University · CEM

Expanding to Boston with Northeastern University's Center for Emerging Markets to connect the two ecosystems.

Students collaborating at the I2I Hackathon in Accra, Ghana

— On the ground · Accra

72 hours. One weekend. Real problems, real teams, real prototypes.

03 / Why participate

Funding, mentorship, and a real pathway forward.

  • — Compete for a cash prize to bring your innovation to life
  • — Present your work to industry leaders and potential partners
  • — Receive expert guidance from experienced entrepreneurs
  • — Selected teams get potential access to build a venture with us

— Get involved

The next edition is coming.

Register interest as a builder, mentor, sponsor or host institution.

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