The Majipreneurs Hackathon is a two-day intensive event in Kampala tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs within the water sector. Participants will collaborate to shape or refine business solutions to solve specific challenges in the water sector, benefiting vulnerable populations.
- Are you aged between 18 and 30?
- Are you willing to shape or launch your business in the water sector?
- Are you ready to dive into the specifics of water kiosks, preventive maintenance, mini-grids or household water filters?
If those concepts are not fully familiar to you, check our little business model guide below!
The Majipreneurs Hackathon is made for you!
How to apply?
To apply for the Hackathon, please note that the call for applications runs from March 1st to 31st. Applicants are required to form a team before submitting their application. When applying, please ensure to clearly identify and specify the particular issue within the water sector that your team intends to target. This will be crucial for the selection proceed. Also share with us any previous entrepreneurship or water experience you may have had!
Please note that only one application per group is necessary.
- Form a team (2 to 4 people) and join us
- Tell us what specific issue of the water sector you want to target
- Tell us more about your motivations to join
- Application period: March 1 until April 1
- Click on the following button: Apply here
Selection process
The selection process will be overseen by a jury composed of members from the four leading organizations of the Majipreneurs Summit. Applicants must apply as a team consisting of 2 to 4 individuals, with team members falling within the age range of 18 to 30 years old. Candidates should either possess a business idea related to the water sector or demonstrate a willingness to work on specific business models within this field. Additionally, familiarity with the challenges and issues related to the water sector is essential, alongside a high level of motivation.
It is important that candidates be available on May 23rd-24th, 2024, for the hackathon, and on May 25th for the Majipreneurs Summit which will take place in Kampala. The call for applications will last for one month, ending on April 1st. Within 10 days after the closure of the call for applications, we will announce the results of the selection process. Once selected candidates have been contacted, we will commence with the first phase of online sessions.
Selection criteria
- Application by team
- 18-30 years old
- Have a business idea or willing to work on specific business models in water
- Being available on May 23rd-24th 2024 for the hackathon in Kampala
- Be available for one or two online sessions ahead of the Hackathon
Hackathon
- An intense training during 2 days*
- An opportunity to shape or refine your ideas with experienced coaches
- A fast track training in 4 sessions where you’ll learn the fundamentals of successfully starting a water business
- A possibility to pitch your ideas to a jury at the Majipreneurs summit and get the chance to be awarded a price
*Financial support for accommodation and transport will be provided to entrepreneurs who do not live near the Hackathon location
Business Model Guide
Let´s have a look at the business models we will support!
Household water filters
Water filter enterprises provide safe drinking water to communities lacking access to clean drinking water for long-term household use as well as during humanitarian contexts. The affordable and portable water filtration solutions effectively remove contaminants and pathogens, ensuring safe and potable water for consumption. They can reach remote areas and are generally distributed through local women on-sellers, who purchase the filters in bulk through collaboration with micro-finance institutions.
Water Kiosks
Water kiosks are commonly organized around water taps, where customers fetch their own water and pay for the specific amount they use to the vendor. The water is then commonly carried home in 10-20 l jerry cans or buckets for domestic use. More convenient models are combined with a service provision, where water is delivered to the doorstep.
Mini-grids
A micro utility is a decentralized water supply system that is running in a small town, using its own water source, pumping to storage, treatment and distributes water through a variety of delivery options (including household connections but sometimes also collection points, delivery, or bottled water). The infrastructure, maintenance, and management models can vary, but normally include water pumping from underground or surface water, treatment, delivery, and maintenance through in-house or external service providers.
Water point maintenance
(Preventive) Water point maintenance models are based on pre-paid user contributions, performance-based contracts and remote monitoring. They provide a professional and rapid maintenance service for community water supply systems. Enterprises services typically also include refurbishing / upgrading water points to facilitate continued services but usually do not include the development of new water point infrastructure (boreholes, etc.).