Microsoft hosted the LEAP Hackathon to increase technology skills, facilitate learning through challenges as well as strengthen the place of women in the technology sector, focused on solutions in the agricultural and health sectors.
The LEAP Engineering Acceleration Program is a 16-week program – launched to increase diversity within Microsoft. The program provides real world experience through development and project management apprenticeships and combines traditional classroom learning with hands-on projects.
32 Female hackers were identified to participate in the hackathon using a strict recruitment process which helped gauge the abilities of the applicants through 2 rounds of evaluation of the applications. Refer to appendix 1 for the full list of applicants
Participants of the hackathon received Azure credits while the overall winning group was awarded prizes..
The hackathon saw The BugSlayers take the day with AgRight, a web application that uses Microsoft AI (Azure Custom Vision) for pest and disease prediction. The app can also predict harvest time, connects farmers to buyers and monitors farm activities.
BugSlayers is an app by Clara Nashipai, Sylvia Achach, Rosianah Musyoka and Bethany Jepchumba.
Microsoft will work with the winning group on an ongoing internship program where they will be mentored and helped to further build and develop their solution and skills.
“We are thrilled at the outcome of this year’s LEAP hackathon! As we continue to work to upskill and educate women across the continent – the endless opportunities and unprecedented innovations this brings is something we are excited to be a part of,” concludes Amrote.
| Group Name | Members | Solution Presented | Technology Used |
| The BugSlayers (Winners) | Clara NashipaiSylvia AchachRosianah MusyokaBethany Jepchumba | AgRight- Web Application that uses Microsoft AI for Pest and disease prediction/Predict harvest time. Connect farmers to buyers and also monitor farm activities | Azure Custom Vision |
| Sheroes | Emma OmingoHellen KokachAyan KeynanShannon Mujera | Sheroes Farm Insurance– Web-based solution using AI to determine premiums and cover for farmers | Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio |
| Mtazao | Waithera WanyeeLorraine MutheuMaria KisengaMaureen Wambui | Mtazao-System that connects farmers and buyers directly through a website/ USSD and SMS. Price statistics | Microsoft Azure Custom Vision |
| 200OK | Joyce WambuiMichel AtienoLavender AlujuEsther Wanjiru | Ukko – Platform that leverages data analysis to predict yield/harvest time and connects farmers to buyers before harvest. | Django Framework (Python)React/JavaPostgreSQLMicrosoft Azure Machine Learning Studio |
| GONSFarm | Brenda NyakoaAmisa MohamedMarlene CheropAngelica Nyambura | GONSFarm-Web based solution providing farmer data to banks for determining advancement of loans | Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio |
| Phoenix | Nicole SigeiElinor KaguongoMargaret KimaniJoan Moturi | Lima Loans– Providing farm inputs to farmers on loan and selling their produce on their behalf. A percentage of the sold produce goes to repaying for the loan. | Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio |
| F-Connect | Eunice GatehiAnnalis KirwaLilian MathuChristine Wanjiru | Farm-Connect– Web- based Platform/interface connects farmers and buyers. Also uses IoT data to provide information on condition and quality of produce. | JavaScriptHTMLPHPMicrosoft Azure IoT Hub |
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