Build Innovative Solutions to Real Fintech Challenges
Calling all Georgia high school students!
You are invited to 黑料网 for an exciting hackathon where you will compete in teams to solve real-world problems in the world of financial technology. Your challenge is to come up with creative, AI-focused ideas that could help strengthen the economy of countries like Zambia, places that are growing fast but still face obstacles such as limited technology, not enough trained workers, and payment systems that don鈥檛 always work well together.
Coding knowledge is not required! Whether you're into coding, design, or business strategy, this is your chance to
innovate, collaborate, and make a real impact on an emerging market, all while competing for prizes!
Upload your presentation when you are done. Be sure to include your team name, the
name of your high school and your PowerPoint presentation.
What You Can Win
A panel of expert judges of academics and working fintech professionals will evaluate
each pitch, awarding the following prizes:
1st Place: Meta Quest VR Headset (per person) 2nd Place: Sony Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (per person) 3rd Place: Portable External 2TB Hard Drive (per person)
Sponsored By
What You鈥檒l Do
Solve a case representing a real-world fintech challenge inspired by lifting the economies
of African nations like Zambia
Collaborate across disciplines. The event is open to students from all backgrounds,
not just coders.
Build an optional prototype (wireframes, mockups, clickable demos, or a simple app)
if you have the skills
Who Can Participate
The hackathon is open to all high school students in Georgia. Anyone can join as long as they have an interest in financial technologies or the
ability to familiarize themselves with them before the event.
All high school students are welcome
No advanced coding required
You must bring your own laptop
Theme and Challenge
Fintech is a strategic priority for Zambia as the country seeks to modernize its economy and create higher-quality jobs. The sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by increased mobile phone adoption, improved Internet access, and supportive regulation from the Bank of Zambia. Roughly 70 companies operate in the space, focusing on mobile payments, digital lending, and financial inclusion.
Mobile money platforms such as MTN Money, Airtel Money, and Zoona have transformed
everyday transactions and brought millions of previously unbanked citizens into the
formal financial system. Emerging players, including Lupiya, Union54, and eShandi
are leveraging mobile and AI-driven technologies to expand access to credit and digital
financial services, with several startups attracting investment and scaling quickly.
Your challenge is to build AI prototypes for financial inclusion, inspired by these
African startups, focusing on areas like mobile money interoperability, SME lending,
and more.
Judge鈥檚 Panel
Hackathon Judging Criteria
Team apps will be judged on the following criteria:
Real-World Relevance and Local Understanding: 30% How well the team鈥檚 solution fits real conditions, user behaviors, and financial contexts in the chosen African country
Creativity and Technical Feasibility: 25% How original, innovative, and realistic the idea is in the current tech landscape
User-Centered Approach and Accessibility: 20% How effectively the design serves real users鈥� needs, keeping it as simple and easy to use for individuals with basic phones or limited knowledge
Clear Demonstration of Security Improvement: 15% How feasible is the solution in preventing or reducing specific fraud and security
risks without creating barriers for potential users
Practical Roadmap for Testing and Scaling: 10% How clearly has the team outlined steps to pilot, validate, and expand the solution
in a sustainable manner across a broad market
(Bonus) Template Used: 15%
Guest Speaker
Daryl Speaks
Founder/CEO SableAssent Coin Corporation
Daryl C. Speaks is a visionary fintech leader and international speaker dedicated
to the intersection of blockchain technology and economic empowerment. As the CEO
and Founder of SABLEASSENT Coin Corporation, he has pioneered a digital currency and
wallet ecosystem designed to connect the African Diaspora and strengthen the global
Black economy through innovative financial technologies.
With a focus on scalable solutions, Daryl also serves as the Chairman and Founder
of The Building Black Business Brands Products and Technologies Expo (BBBPT Expo).
This platform provides vital resources, coaching, and franchising opportunities to
both for-profit and non-profit enterprises, fostering long-term sustainability on
a worldwide scale.
His leadership in the tech and business sectors is complemented by a deep commitment to community advocacy, having served as President of the Martin County Chapter of the NAACP. Daryl鈥檚 academic background includes studies in Business Management at Indian River State College, providing a firm foundation for his work in managing global teams, establishing Partnerships, executive leaders and developers.
Driven by a practice of faith, family, and finance, Daryl lives by the principle that
"service to many leads to greatness". He continues to build organic environments for
growth, championing unity and technological literacy to position the Diaspora for
success in the modern digital age.
Agenda
March 28, 2026 8:00 AM 鈥� 6:00 PM
* Agenda subject to change
Time
Program
8:00 AM 鈥� 9:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast
9:30 AM 鈥� 9:35 AM
Welcome
9:35 AM 鈥� 9:45 AM
Challenge Overview
9:45 AM 鈥� 9:50 AM
Introduction
9:50 AM 鈥� 10:05 AM
Keynote
10:05 AM 鈥� 10:15 AM
Consulting Company Presentation
10:15 AM 鈥� 11:50 AM
HACKATHON BUILD BEGINS
Active Build Time (Session 1)
11:50 AM 鈥� 12:00 PM
Student Address
12:00 PM 鈥� 12:45 PM
Lunch (Working Format)
12:40 PM 鈥� 3:15 PM
Active Build Time (Session 2)
3:15 PM 鈥� 3:30 PM
Submission Window
3:30 PM 鈥� 5:00 PM
PRESENTATIONS & JUDGING
Team Presentations (Live Judging)
5:00 PM 鈥� 5:20 PM
Judges Final Deliberation
5:20 PM 鈥� 5:45 PM
Awards Ceremony
5:45 PM 鈥� 5:55 PM
Closing Remarks
6:00 PM 鈥� 6:30 PM
All students must be picked up by 6:30 PM
Sign Up
All students who want to participate in the Fintech Hackathon should sign up as a
team using the form below. Teams must have at least 3 members and no more than 4.
Please complete all registrations by March 17th, 2026.
The roster has filled up. Thank you for your interest.
Sign Up to Volunteer
Would you like to volunteer to assist us?
Thank you for volunteering. You will receive a confirmation email shortly.
Questions
If you have any questions about the Spring 2026 Fintech Hackathon at Kennesaw State
University, feel free to contact any member of the KSU Fintech Team:
