Ghana AI Innovation Challenge
An action research challenge for data scientists, technologists, researchers, and innovators to develop AI-powered solutions using Ghanaian datasets. Organised by Ghana AI Summit, Knowledge Innovations, Ghana AI Research Network (GAIN) and partners.
Objectives
What we aim to achieve
This action research challenge invites data scientists, technologists, researchers, and innovators to develop AI-powered tools and solutions using Ghanaian datasets. The challenge aims to:
- Harness collective innovation to address local challenges using AI
- Foster collaboration between technologists, domain experts, and practitioners
- Generate actionable insights from Ghanaian data sources
- Showcase the potential of AI to solve pressing problems in the Ghanaian context
Problem Domains
Choose your focus area
Participants may develop solutions in any of the following domains:
Agriculture
Crop yield prediction, pest detection, market access, supply chain optimization
Healthcare
Disease detection, patient triage, diagnostic support, resource allocation
Financial Inclusion
Credit scoring, fraud detection, mobile money analytics, risk assessment
Public Services
Traffic management, service delivery optimization, urban planning, waste management
Education
Learning analytics, student performance prediction, personalized learning, resource allocation
Note: Solutions addressing challenges outside these domains may also be considered if they demonstrate clear relevance to the Ghanaian context.
Challenge Timeline
- Deadline for application: 1st July 2026
- Notifications - shortlisted teams: 15th July 2026
- Summit Showcase: Poster presentations, live pitches, and awards - 30th July 2026
Submission Requirements
Three stages to showcase your work
Participants will submit deliverables in three stages:
1 Technical Abstract
A 1–2 page document including:
- • Problem statement and objectives
- • Description of dataset(s) used and data sources
- • Methodology and AI/ML techniques employed
- • Preliminary results and key findings
- • Potential impact and relevance to the problem area
- • Team composition and relevant expertise
2 Poster Presentation (Summit Day)
Shortlisted teams prepare a poster (A1 size recommended) covering:
- • Visual summary of the solution
- • Data processing and model architecture
- • Results with key performance metrics
- • Implementation pathway and scalability
3 Live Pitch (Summit Day)
A 10–15 minute presentation to the judging panel including:
- • Demonstration of the working solution
- • Technical deep-dive on methodology
- • Q&A session with judges (5–10 minutes)
Evaluation Criteria
How your submission will be scored
Submissions will be scored using the following rubric:
| Criterion | Weight | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Relevance & Impact | 30% | Addresses a real problem; potential for meaningful change |
| Technical Soundness & Rigor | 25% | Methodology, validation, reproducibility |
| Innovation & Creativity | 20% | Novel approaches, creative problem-solving |
| Scalability & Feasibility | 15% | Implementation pathway, resource requirements |
| Presentation Quality | 10% | Clarity, visuals, communication |
Challenge Rules
Important guidelines to follow
- Open to individuals or teams (maximum 5 members per team)
- Participants must register before the development phase begins
- Solutions must use at least one Ghanaian dataset as a primary data source
- Datasets may be publicly available, self-collected, or obtained through partnerships (with appropriate permissions)
- All data sources must be clearly documented and disclosed in the submission
- Code must be submitted via a shared repository (e.g., GitHub) for reproducibility review
- Participants retain intellectual property rights; organizers receive license to showcase work
- All data handling must comply with ethical guidelines and data protection requirements
- Decisions of the judging panel are final
Team Formation & Diversity
Building stronger, more diverse teams
We strongly encourage diverse and collaborative team composition. Teams are encouraged to consider:
Gender Diversity
Mixed-gender teams are encouraged; teams with gender balance may receive recognition
Disciplinary Mix
Combining technical expertise with domain knowledge (e.g., agriculture, health, finance)
Experience Levels
Blending experienced professionals with students or early-career practitioners
Institutional Collaboration
Partnerships across academia, industry, government, and civil society
Geographic Representation
Including members from different regions of Ghana where possible
Note: Teams demonstrating exceptional diversity and collaboration may be considered for special recognition.
Recognition & Awards
Celebrate excellence and innovation
Grand Prizes
First Place
25,000
Cash prize + commemorative plaque
Second Place
GH₵ 15,000
Cash prize + certificate of excellence
Third Place
GH₵ 10,000
Cash prize + certificate of merit
Domain Category Awards
Winners in each problem domain will receive commemorative plaques:
Best Agriculture Solution
Best Healthcare Solution
Best Financial Inclusion Solution
Best Public Services Solution
Best Education Solution
Additional Recognition
- Best Diverse Team Award: Recognizing outstanding team diversity and collaboration
- Cloud Credits: Subject to partner sponsorship
- All participants will receive certificates of participation
Ready to Innovate?
Join the Ghana AI Innovation Challenge and showcase your skills in solving real-world problems with AI. Make an impact, win prizes, and shape Ghana's AI future.