In a recent showdown of innovation and problem-solving prowess, an exceptional team of five individuals emerged as the beacon of brilliance at the Identic Hackathon in Equatorial Guinea.
Representing African Innovation Lab and Ghana with pride, these innovators showcased their talents in the Assistive Technology category, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
The Identic Hackathon, a prestigious international competition, attracted participants from 11 African countries, all vying for top honours in various categories. The Assistive Technology category, with its focus on leveraging technology for the betterment of individuals with diverse needs, proved to be a hotbed of ingenuity.
The team, hailing from diverse backgrounds and expertise, showcased a remarkable synergy of skills that harmonized seamlessly and proved instrumental in crafting a solution that resonated with the competition’s theme of leveraging technology for inclusivity and accessibility.
The team’s journey through the hackathon was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, marked by countless hours of brainstorming, coding marathons, and relentless determination with a slogan- ‘Whatever It Takes.’ Their passion for creating meaningful solutions for people with disabilities fueled their tireless efforts to develop an innovation that transcended boundaries.
After 72 hours non-stop hack, the winning solution crafted by Team Ghana was a groundbreaking assistive technology designed and developed to enhance accessibility for non-verbal individuals. The innovation seamlessly integrates a well curated AAC picture board with AI for clear audio communication between deaf and nonverbal persons and hearing recipients to facilitate access to timely and inclusive services. The solution provides access to on-demand remote sign language interpretation services for an efficient two-way interaction for deaf and hard of hearing persons in settings including hospitals, banks, schools, pharmacies, offices etc. Driven by the principle of inclusivity, the team ensured that their technology was adaptable to various environments, making it a versatile and impactful tool for their target individuals.
What set the African Innovation Lab or TEAM Ghana apart was not only their technical prowess but also their collaborative spirit and commitment to inclusivity. Each member brought a unique skill set to the table, be it software development, user experience design, or project and product management. Their ability to harness the power of diversity and channel it into a cohesive force became a hallmark of their success.
During the rigorous judging process, Team Ghana’s innovation stood out for its practicality, scalability, and potential impact on the lives of those with non-verbal speech impairments. The panel of esteemed judges commended the team for their thoughtful approach to problem-solving and their dedication to creating a solution that goes beyond mere technical proficiency.
While securing the overall second-best innovation in the Assistive Technology category, Team Ghana’s accomplishment resonated far beyond the competition venue. Their success symbolizes the potential for positive change when diverse talents unite under a common goal. Moreover, it highlights the burgeoning talent pool within Africa, ready to make significant contributions to the global tech landscape.
Introduction of the team that represented Ghana through the African Innovation Lab:
Daniel Kwabena Owusu: An award-winning entrepreneurship ecosystem developer with more than a decade experience in several fields such as technology, digital transformation, venture building & innovation and policy design.
Derick Omari: Derick is a disability inclusion expert, accessibility consultant and product manager with expertise in developing assistive technologies used by over 10,000 persons with disabilities in Africa.
Rita Naa Kordey Clottey: Naa is an expert UI/UX engineer with over 5 years’ experience as a product designer and manager specialising in mobile and web design to meet specific user needs.
Ronald Nettey: Ronald is an experienced software and hardware engineer, an ex-GE, MTN developer with products ranging from water hardware innovation, accessible software in education, & financial solutions.
Nicolas Mamiya: Nicolas is an expert engineer with experience developing mobile, web, cloud applications, & AI based solutions that power leading startups to deliver value to their clients.
As Team Ghana basks in the glory of their achievement, their journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring innovators across the continent. The Identic Hackathon not only celebrated technological excellence but also emphasized the importance of collaboration, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of innovation for the betterment of society.
In a world where barriers are being shattered by the relentless march of technology, Team Ghana stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when exceptional individuals come together to make a difference. Their story is a beacon of hope, lighting the way for future generations of innovators ready to leave an indelible mark on the world stage.
The team is available for grant support for the full-scale product development and institutional usage. Connect with us via Africaninnov8lab@gmail.com