Nigerian Innovator Increase Divine-Wisdom Triumphs at AfroTech AI Hackathon 2024
In an inspiring showcase of technological innovation, Nigerian entrepreneur Increase Divine-Wisdom has emerged as the inaugural winner of the 2024 AfroTech AI Hackathon. The event, which took place during the AfroTech Conference in Houston, recognized his pioneering work in developing a health management app aimed at individuals with chronic illnesses. This victory signifies a remarkable achievement not only for Divine-Wisdom but also for the empowerment of Black professionals in technology.
The AfroTech AI Hackathon, hosted by Blavity, Inc., was an online event that invited participants to enhance their software applications utilizing APIs from renowned platforms like Google Gemini and OpenAI. Contestants focused on various critical areas, including healthcare, sustainability, cybersecurity, and workforce development. By providing these technological resources, the hackathon sought to inspire innovation that addresses real-world issues faced by many communities.
Jeff Nelson, the Co-Founder and COO of Blavity, expressed the hackathon's mission: "We aim to create a space where technology addresses the real-world challenges that are impacting our communities." This statement encapsulates the essence of the hackathon, which emphasized creativity and problem-solving to foster meaningful change. Participants were given the opportunity to leverage substantial resources and support to turn their innovative ideas into reality.
Increase Divine-Wisdom's journey to victory began with a deeply personal motivation. As the CEO of Habilis Fusion Inc. and founder of Anecdotal AI, his health struggles with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) inspired him to create an app that empowers others facing similar battles. This app provides users with AI-driven support, enabling them to track their symptoms and manage recovery tasks efficiently.
Securing the top prize not only recognized Divine-Wisdom’s ingenuity but also came with a substantial reward package. He received a $7,500 cash prize along with potential travel reimbursements for attending the conference, a complimentary all-access ticket, editorial features, and a one-year membership to AfroTech Insider, a platform designed to keep tech enthusiasts engaged and informed.
Reflecting on his achievement, Divine-Wisdom stated, "My journey with CIRS inspired me to create a platform that helps people manage their health and connect with others facing similar challenges. Receiving this recognition at the AI Hackathon not only validates my vision but provides an opportunity to drive meaningful change. AfroTech has provided an invaluable platform to connect with forward-thinkers, reigniting my mission to harness technology to make a lasting impact on those who need it the most." His sentiments resonate with the core values of AfroTech, which seeks to uplift Black innovators and ensure their voices are heard in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
The hackathon also featured notable submissions from other participants. Tom Nyuma claimed second place with his development of Sickle Sense, an app designed to assist individuals with Sickle Cell Disease by managing symptoms and predicting health crises. Additionally, the team of Sahr Saffa, Kaitlin Eaton, and Tobias Tobias took third place for creating Project Alabama, an application that bridges underserved communities with tailored training and mentorship opportunities.
These transformative projects were not only awarded cash prizes but also special recognition, underscoring the diverse range of impactful solutions born from the creativity and passion of emerging tech leaders.
The AfroTech Conference serves as a beacon for discussions surrounding Black innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting over 20,000 attendees and featuring renowned speakers from major corporations. The 2024 event highlighted ongoing trends and challenges in technology, providing platforms for networking, collaboration, and learning.
For enthusiasts eager to explore more about the AfroTech community and its initiatives, further information can be found at
afrotechconference.com and
afrotech.devpost.com.
In conclusion, the triumph of Increase Divine-Wisdom at the AfroTech AI Hackathon is not just a personal victory but a testament to the strength and resilience of Black professionals in the tech space. His innovative app has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of many, paving the way for future leaders eager to harness technology for lasting impact.