Applications now open for HelpMum CareCode Hackathon 2026 for Maternal & Infant Health Innovators in Nigeria.

Introduction

Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in maternal and infant healthcare, with high mortality rates highlighting the urgent need for innovative, accessible solutions. In response, HelpMum Africa is back with the second edition of the CareCode Hackathon 2026, offering a major platform for young tech talents to create meaningful impact.

This isn’t just another hackathon. It’s a targeted call for software developers, AI specialists, new graduates, and innovators aged 18–35 to tackle real-world problems in maternal care, newborn health, nutrition, and related areas. With a generous ₦10 million prize pool and strong emphasis on sustainability, the program bridges innovation with practical healthcare delivery in underserved communities.

For tech-savvy Nigerians passionate about social impact, this represents a rare opportunity to turn ideas into funded, scalable solutions while gaining visibility in the health-tech space. Applications are currently open, with the extended deadline set for July 20, 2026.

About the HelpMum CareCode Hackathon

HelpMum Africa is a social enterprise dedicated to reducing maternal and infant mortality across Africa through technology, education, and community-driven interventions. The CareCode Hackathon builds on this mission by crowdsourcing fresh, tech-based ideas that address systemic gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The second edition focuses on developing low-cost, implementable solutions that integrate HelpMum’s open-source innovations. Whether it’s AI-powered prenatal monitoring tools, nutrition tracking apps for new mothers, newborn health diagnostics, or offline-first platforms for rural clinics, selected participants will receive mentorship to refine their prototypes.

What sets this hackathon apart is its emphasis on real-world viability. Solutions must be affordable, sustainable beyond the event, and designed for Nigeria’s unique context — including limited internet access, diverse languages, and varying infrastructure levels. It’s not about flashy demos but about building tools that can genuinely save lives and improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. 

This initiative aligns with broader national and continental goals around Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-being). In a country where tech talent is booming yet health-tech solutions remain under-explored, the CareCode Hackathon creates a direct pipeline from innovation to implementation.

Benefits / What Selected Participants Receive

Participants stand to gain far more than just prize money:

•  Cash Prizes:

•  1st Place: ₦5,000,000

•  2nd Place: ₦3,000,000

•  3rd Place: ₦2,000,000

•  Structured mentorship program for winners (mandatory post-hackathon engagement)

•  Opportunity to pitch at the grand finale in Lagos and showcase at SmartVerge Event

•  Access to industry mentors and healthcare experts during the development phase

•  Exposure to potential investors, partners, and scaling opportunities within Nigeria’s health-tech ecosystem

•  Valuable experience building solutions with real social impact, enhancing your portfolio and network

Prizes are paid in tranches tied to milestones, ensuring winners remain committed to turning their ideas into functional products. 

Eligibility Criteria

To participate, you must meet the following:

•  Be between 18 and 35 years old

•  Reside in Nigeria (final demos and pitches held in Lagos)

•  Have skills in software development, AI/ML, or related tech fields

•  Apply individually or as a team of up to 3 members

•  Possess (or plan to obtain) a registered business/CAC certificate with a clear sustainability path for your solution

•  Be available for mentorship and post-hackathon engagement (especially winners)

The hackathon welcomes students, new graduates, researchers, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals of all genders. Proof of concept is acceptable, but a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP) significantly boosts your chances. 

Application Process & Key Dates

1.  Submit your Pitch — Fill the official Google Form with your team details, project title, problem statement, and solution overview.

2.  Shortlisting — Selected teams advance to the development stage with mentor support.

3.  Grand Finale — Top teams pitch physically in Lagos for the prizes.

Application Deadline: July 20, 2026 (11:59 PM) — extended, so this is your final window.

Apply here

Official Page: helpmum.org/HACKATHON

Read Full Terms: helpmum.org/hackterms

Be sure to review the terms carefully, as submissions must be open-source friendly, and winners assign IP rights to HelpMum.

Tips for a Strong Application

Stand out by focusing on practicality over perfection. Judges prioritize originality, creativity, low-cost implementation, and genuine integration with HelpMum’s open-source tools. Avoid generic “AI dashboard” ideas — dig into specific pain points like antenatal care in rural areas, postpartum nutrition tracking, or emergency response systems.

Highlight feasibility: How will your solution work with low data or offline? Who are the end users (mothers, midwives, community health workers)? Demonstrate a clear path to sustainability and scalability. Strong teams often combine technical skills with domain knowledge in health or community work.

If you don’t have a registered business yet, start the CAC process early. Prepare to commit time for development and mentorship. Most importantly, show passion for maternal and child health — authenticity resonates in impact-driven programs like this.

Conclusion

The HelpMum CareCode Hackathon 2026 offers more than prizes — it’s a chance to contribute to one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges while building your career in health-tech. Whether you win or not, the skills, networks, and experience gained will be invaluable.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Polish your idea, gather your team, and submit today.

Ready to apply? Head to the official application form and take the first step toward creating lasting change.

Looking for more global opportunities? Explore similar tech-for-good programs, fellowships, and innovation challenges on OpportunityPool.org.