Young drone entrepreneurs and hopefuls in Zambia; here is a lifetime chance to turn your ideas into business – and you have until August 6 to grab it.

Zambian technology hub, BongoHive has called for applications for a five-day virtual hackathon, set to run from the 24^th until the 28^th of August 2020 and facilitated by the Global Air Drone Academy in Maryland, USA.

Open for youths between the ages of 16 and 28, the hackathon will be held in partnership with the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority and the the United States Embassy in Zambia.

Said BongoHive in a statement; “The Zambia Drone Hackathon Competition, powered by BongoHive and the Global Air Drone Academy (GADA), seeks to nurture creativity and hone entrepreneurial skills among Zambia-based early-stage technology youth entrepreneurs.  During this five-day virtual bootcamp, 30 qualified participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced drone professionals at GADA, a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration-licensed drone services company based in Maryland, USA. This comprehensive workshop will teach budding entrepreneurs how to relate this new technology to real-world practical solutions, how to safely operate and fly a drone, and the best ways to market their start-up in 2020 and beyond.”

On the last day, qualifying applicants will have an opportunity to pitch their business plans to a panel of judges, who will then pick a first, second, and third place winner. The three winning pitches will receive a professional grade drone and business coaching to launch their new business.

To supplement and support the objectives of Drone Hackathon Zambia, a virtual symposium will be planned to broaden the dialogue with the drone industry and stakeholder community, with a more interactive, live event to be planned for when lock down restrictions are eased. 

You can apply to enter the hackathon here.