February 21-22, 2026 • Yaoundé, Cameroon

AI Innovation Meets Environmental Action

Join Cameroon's most impactful 48-hour hackathon where young innovators co-create AI-powered solutions for sustainable waste management and circular economy transformation.

48hrs Intensive Innovation
3 Challenge Tracks
185000 FCFA Total Prize Pool
About WasteHack

Transforming Waste Management with AI

Addressing Cameroon's 3 million tons of annual waste through innovative technology solutions that connect communities to sustainable circular economy opportunities.

The Challenge We Face

In communities like Nkolfoulou, Yaoundé, 60% of recyclable materials end up in illegal dumps or burned in open spaces. Traditional waste management systems reach fewer than 30% of urban areas effectively, while rural communities struggle with limited collection services.

Poor waste management costs Cameroon billions of FCFA annually in environmental damage, public health impacts, and lost economic opportunities.

Scalable Innovation
AI-Powered Solutions
Environmental Impact
Community Focused

Our Mission

Through this Hackathon, we aim to let Participants harness AI technology to create practical, scalable solutions that transform waste management and empower communities across our beloved country Cameroon.

Challenge Tracks

Three Paths to Innovation

Choose your track and develop AI-powered solutions that address specific aspects of Cameroon's waste management challenges.

Smart Waste Classification & Sorting

Develop AI-powered solutions that improve waste identification, classification, and sorting through computer vision and machine learning.

  • Computer vision for automatic waste type identification
  • Mobile apps with AI-powered waste segregation guidance
  • Smart bin systems with sensor integration
  • Machine learning for contamination detection
  • AI recycling guidance systems

Optimizing Collection & Processing

Design AI-driven solutions for route optimization, demand prediction, and processing efficiency to reduce costs and environmental impact.

  • Route optimization algorithms with real-time data
  • Predictive analytics for waste generation patterns
  • AI-powered logistics coordination
  • Smart landfill management systems
  • Automated processing with robotics

Connecting Communities to Circular Economy

Create web-based platforms and AI systems that connect communities with actionable information to participate in the circular economy.

  • Digital marketplaces for waste-to-value networks
  • AI-powered demand forecasting and price optimization
  • Multi-language waste management platforms
  • Gamification and community incentive systems
  • Blockchain integration for transparent tracking
Event Timeline

48 hours of Innovation

From ideation to implementation, here's how your hackathon journey unfolds over two intensive days.

Day 1 - 8:00 AM

Opening Ceremony & Team Formation

Kick-off with challenge presentations and team finalization

Day 1 - 9:00 AM

Intensive Development Begins

Start building your AI-powered waste management solution

Day 1 - 12:30 PM

Coffee Break & Networking

Connect with mentors, fellow innovators, and sponsors

Day 1 - 6:30 PM

Dinner & Evening Development

Fuel up and continue building through the night

Day 2 - 8:30 AM

Development Freeze & Presentation Setup

Finalize your solution and prepare your pitch

Day 2 - 9:00 AM

Project Demonstrations

Present your innovative solution to judges (15 minutes per team)

Day 2 - 1:00 PM

Awards Ceremony & Closing

Celebrate winners and network with the community

Prizes & Benefits

Rewards for Innovation

Beyond the prize money, gain access to mentorship, incubation, and career opportunities in the growing green tech sector.

🏆
100,000 FCFA

First Prize

  • AI Development Incubation
  • Investor Mentorship Program
  • Pilot Testing Support
  • Priority Funding Opportunities
🥈
50,000 FCFA

Second Prize

  • Technical Mentorship
  • Pilot Testing Support
  • Green Tech Network Access
  • Career Development Support
🥉
35,000 FCFA

Third Prize

  • Networking Opportunities
  • Collaboration Access
  • Future Event Priority
  • Community Recognition

Benefits for All Participants

Internship Opportunities
Professional Development
Network Building
Continued Support
Partnership Opportunities

Join Our Mission

Partner with us to drive environmental innovation and support the next generation of AI developers in Cameroon.

Sponsorship Benefits

Brand Visibility

Reach Cameroon's top tech talent and environmental innovators

Talent Access

Connect with skilled developers and creative problem-solvers

Environmental Impact

Contribute to sustainable solutions for Cameroon's waste challenges

Get In Touch

Questions? We're Here to Help

Have questions about WasteHack 2026? Reach out to our team for support, clarifications, or partnership inquiries.

Email Us

General inquiries and support

contact@durableimpact.org

Website

Registration and updates

hackathon.durableimpact.org

Quick Contact

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Contact Form