The Campus Creator Challenge: Hack the Future is a national hackathon hosted by Google Developer Student Clubs (GDG On Campus) in collaboration with key academic and industry partners. This event is designed to empower university students to develop creative and tech-driven solutions to pressing challenges facing their communities and the nation at large.

Taking place at Midlands State University on Friday, May 24, 2025, the hackathon runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, blending innovation, collaboration, and a whole lot of fun. It will feature teams from across the GDG On Campus Zimbabwe ecosystem, with students pitching prototype solutions to real-world issues.

The theme?

“Creating for the Future: Tech-Driven Solutions to Real-World Problems.”

Solutions may address challenges in sectors such as:

Healthcare & mental wellness

Education accessibility

Agriculture & food security

Energy & sustainability

Safety & digital security

Entrepreneurship and economic empowerment

Participants will get the opportunity to present their ideas before a panel of judges composed of industry experts, academic researchers, and innovation leaders, including representatives from the MSU Research and Innovation Division — who are also event facilitators and project scouts.

What’s in it for participants?

Cash prizes for top teams

Project incubation and sponsorship opportunities

Official certificates for all participants and winners

Networking opportunities with students from other universities, professionals, and sponsors

A chance to showcase your innovation and gain exposure

And of course… bragging rights in Zimbabwe’s growing tech space

If you missed the first registration phase, a new link will be shared for late team entries, though only shortlisted teams will get the chance to pitch at the event. So come ready to stand out!

Even if you’re not pitching — this is an event you don’t want to miss. Learn, volunteer, support your peers, and connect with like-minded innovators. We’re also recruiting event volunteers from local communities — your efforts will be acknowledged and deeply appreciated.

This event is backed by an amazing lineup of GDG partners, sponsors, and institutions. Expect vibrant energy, cutting-edge ideas, and the possibility to meet a future tech bro or tech sis (we’re not saying it’s a matchmaking event… but we’re also not not saying that).

Come build. Come connect. Come create the future.