How to Apply for the National Technological Competition by INEC Meta and Rise Networks
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Meta and Rise Networks have launched the AI4Elections Hackathon 2026, a national technology competition inviting Nigerians to develop artificial intelligence solutions that promote electoral integrity and democratic participation.
The competition is open to Nigerian developers, students, researchers, technology entrepreneurs and civic innovators aged 18 and above. Participants can apply individually or in teams of up to four members.
The initiative challenges participants to develop practical technology solutions addressing election-related challenges in Nigeria, particularly in misinformation detection, electoral decision-making, civic technology, cybersecurity and election observation.
Quick Facts
- Programme Name: INEC, Meta and Rise Networks AI4Elections Hackathon 2026
- Organisers: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Meta and Rise Networks
- Category: Technology Competition | Artificial Intelligence | Innovation
- Country: Nigeria
- Eligible Countries: Nigeria
- Eligible Applicants: Developers, students, researchers, technology entrepreneurs and civic innovators
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Application Format: Individual or team application
- Maximum Team Size: 4 members
- Focus Areas: Electoral Information, Misinformation Detection, Electoral Decision-Making, Civic Technology, Electoral Cybersecurity and Election Observation
- Total Cash Prize: ₦10 million
- Additional Benefits: Cloud Credits, Laptops, Technology Tools and Technical Support
- National Innovation Showcase: 16 December 2026
- Showcase Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- Application Method: Online
What Is the INEC, Meta and Rise Networks AI4Elections Hackathon 2026?
The AI4Elections Hackathon 2026 is a national technology competition organised by INEC, Meta and Rise Networks to encourage the development of artificial intelligence solutions that address challenges affecting Nigeria’s electoral process.
The competition brings together technology developers, students, researchers, entrepreneurs and civic innovators to build practical solutions that can improve access to reliable electoral information, strengthen election security and encourage democratic participation.
Participants are expected to develop working technology solutions addressing at least one of the competition’s five focus areas.
The initiative is supported by partners including Google, Microsoft and the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).
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Is the AI4Elections Hackathon 2026 Right for You?
The competition is suitable for Nigerians with technology development, artificial intelligence, data analysis, cybersecurity and civic innovation interests who can develop practical solutions to electoral challenges.
You should apply if:
- You are a Nigerian citizen aged 18 or above.
- You are a software developer, student, researcher, technology entrepreneur or civic innovator.
- You can develop a working technology solution addressing one of the competition’s focus areas.
- You have the technical skills or a team capable of building an eligible solution.
- You can comply with the competition’s responsible AI, data privacy and electoral laws requirements.
You may not qualify if:
- You are below 18 years old.
- You are not Nigerian.
- Your submission consists only of an idea, presentation slides, research paper or wireframe without a working technology solution.
- Your proposed solution does not address any of the competition’s five focus areas.
- Your solution does not comply with the competition’s guidelines on responsible AI, data privacy, human oversight and electoral laws.
What Does the AI4Elections Hackathon 2026 Offer?
Participants stand a chance to receive financial rewards, technology resources, technical support and opportunities to present their innovations at a national event.
Financial Benefits
The competition offers a share of a ₦10 million total cash prize pool to successful participants.
Technology and Technical Support
Participants can also benefit from:
- Cloud credits.
- Laptops.
- Other technology tools.
- Technical support for promising solutions.
National Exposure and Networking
Participants will have opportunities to showcase their innovations at a national event in Lagos scheduled for 16 December 2026.
The competition also provides an opportunity to demonstrate technology solutions developed to address Nigeria’s electoral challenges.
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Who Can Apply for the AI4Elections Hackathon 2026?
The competition is open to Nigerians who meet the following requirements:
Nationality and Age Requirements
- Applicants must be Nigerian.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Individual and Team Applications
Applicants can participate in either of the following formats:
- Individual Application: Nigerians can apply independently.
- Team Application: Applicants can participate in teams consisting of up to four members.
Technical Requirements
Applicants must develop a working technology solution addressing at least one of the competition’s five focus areas.
Submissions must comply with the competition’s guidelines on:
- Responsible artificial intelligence.
- Data privacy.
- Human oversight.
- Electoral laws.
Important: Ideas, presentation slides, research papers and wireframes alone will not qualify as completed solutions. Applicants must develop working technology solutions.
What Are the Focus Areas of the AI4Elections Hackathon 2026?
Participants are expected to develop technology solutions addressing one or more of the following five areas.
1. Trustworthy Electoral Information and Misinformation Detection
This category focuses on developing solutions that improve access to reliable electoral information and help identify misleading or false information relating to elections.
2. Data-Driven Electoral Decision-Making
This area focuses on technology solutions that use data to support informed decision-making in electoral processes.
3. Inclusive and Multilingual Civic Technology
This category encourages the development of civic technology solutions that improve access to electoral information and participation across different languages and communities.
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4. Electoral Cybersecurity
This area focuses on developing technology solutions that address cybersecurity challenges affecting electoral processes and digital election infrastructure.
5. Election Observation
This category focuses on technology solutions that support election observation and improve the monitoring and reporting of electoral activities.
What Do You Need Before Applying?
Before submitting your application, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and have a working solution that addresses one of the competition’s focus areas.
Applicants should prepare to provide information about their proposed technology solution and its relevance to the competition.
Important Technical Requirements
Your proposed solution must:
- Address at least one of the five competition focus areas.
- Be a working technology solution rather than an idea or presentation.
- Follow responsible AI guidelines.
- Respect data privacy requirements.
- Maintain appropriate human oversight.
- Comply with applicable electoral laws.
How to Apply for the INEC, Meta and Rise Networks AI4Elections Hackathon 2026
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official online application portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official application portal using the link below.
- Read the competition guidelines: Review the eligibility requirements, focus areas and submission conditions.
- Confirm your eligibility: Ensure you are Nigerian and at least 18 years old.
- Choose your application format: Decide whether to apply individually or as part of a team of up to four members.
- Develop your technology solution: Build a working solution addressing at least one of the five competition focus areas.
- Review your solution: Ensure it complies with the responsible AI, data privacy, human oversight and electoral laws requirements.
- Submit your application: Complete the online application process through the official portal.
Apply here
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Applicants should take note of the following conditions:
- The competition is open to Nigerians aged 18 and above.
- Applicants can participate individually or in teams of up to four members.
- Every submission must be a working technology solution.
- Ideas, presentation slides, research papers and wireframes alone will not qualify as completed solutions.
- Solutions must address at least one of the five competition focus areas.
- Participants must comply with responsible AI, data privacy, human oversight and electoral laws requirements.
- The total cash prize pool is ₦10 million.
- The national innovation showcase is scheduled for 16 December 2026 in Lagos.
- The available announcement does not state the application deadline or individual prize distribution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AI4Elections Hackathon 2026?
The AI4Elections Hackathon 2026 is a national technology competition organised by INEC, Meta and Rise Networks to encourage Nigerians to develop artificial intelligence solutions that promote electoral integrity and democratic participation.
Who can apply for the AI4Elections Hackathon 2026?
Nigerians aged 18 and above, including developers, students, researchers, technology entrepreneurs and civic innovators, can apply.
Can I apply individually?
Yes. Applicants can participate individually or as members of a team consisting of up to four people.
What is the total cash prize for the competition?
The competition offers a total cash prize pool of ₦10 million. The available announcement does not specify individual prize amounts.
What other benefits are available?
Participants stand a chance to receive cloud credits, laptops, other technology tools, technical support and opportunities to showcase their innovations at a national event in Lagos.
What are the focus areas of the competition?
The five focus areas are trustworthy electoral information and misinformation detection, data-driven electoral decision-making, inclusive and multilingual civic technology, electoral cybersecurity and election observation.
Can I submit an idea without developing a working solution?
No. Ideas, presentation slides, research papers and wireframes alone will not qualify as completed solutions. Applicants must develop working technology solutions.
When will the national innovation showcase take place?
The national innovation showcase is scheduled for 16 December 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.
How do I apply for the AI4Elections Hackathon 2026?
Visit the official application portal at https://ai4elections.risenetworks.org/application, read the competition guidelines and complete the online application process.
Is there an application deadline?
The available announcement does not specify the application deadline. Applicants should check the official application portal for the submission deadline and other application updates.
Our Take: Who Should Apply?
The INEC, Meta and Rise Networks AI4Elections Hackathon 2026 is an opportunity for Nigerian technology developers, students, researchers, entrepreneurs and civic innovators who can build practical artificial intelligence solutions for electoral challenges.
Software developers, AI specialists, data analysts, cybersecurity professionals and civic technology innovators should consider participating if they can develop a working solution that addresses one of the five focus areas.
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Applicants should pay particular attention to the working-solution requirement because ideas, research papers, presentation slides and wireframes alone will not qualify as completed submissions.
Individuals who have the required technical skills can apply independently, while those who need additional expertise can participate in teams of up to four members.
Conclusion
The INEC, Meta and Rise Networks AI4Elections Hackathon 2026 invites Nigerians aged 18 and above to develop artificial intelligence solutions that promote electoral integrity and democratic participation.
With a ₦10 million total cash prize pool, technology resources, technical support and national exposure, the competition provides an opportunity for Nigerian innovators to contribute practical solutions to electoral challenges.
Interested applicants should review the competition guidelines and submit their applications through the official AI4Elections Hackathon application portal.