The Green Tech Hackathon 2025 culminated in an inspiring finale at Strathmore University on October 3rd, spotlighting Kenya’s next generation of sustainability innovators. Co-hosted by Oracle Academy and Strathmore University, the week-long hybrid event united student innovators to co-create solutions addressing pressing environmental challenges.
During a dynamic four-day virtual bootcamp, students received hands-on training with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Oracle APEX, Oracle Gen AI, and Oracle Primavera P6 — all tools provided by Oracle Academy to educators and students via their member educational institutions. These resources empowered the student participants to transform green ideas into practical digital solutions targeting five thematic areas: Carbon monitoring and reduction strategies; circular economy and smart waste solutions; climate data, awareness, and green financing; sustainable transport and logistics systems; and water stewardship and climate-smart agriculture. To support their development and problem-solving process, each team was allocated an Oracle technical mentor, who offered guidance on technology use and solution design throughout the hackathon.
The event was officially opened with inspiring remarks from senior leaders at both Oracle and Strathmore University. In their addresses, Strathmore University leadership reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s digital talent and fostering sustainable innovation through academic-industry partnerships. Oracle leaders emphasized the company’s long-standing dedication to empowering educators and students, building local technology skills, and accelerating real progress on environmental challenges by putting world-class tools at the hands of young innovators.
“It is an honor to partner with Strathmore University since 2014. Together, we’ve built a legacy of impact, innovation, and opportunities for young innovators. This hackathon is not just about coding, it’s also about building sustainable solutions in areas like waste management, renewable energy, and smart agriculture,” said Oracle Kenya’s Country Director, David Bunei, in his keynote address. “Well done to Oracle Academy for leading this timely initiative in collaboration with Strathmore University and providing access to Oracle technology for the student innovations.”
Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director, iLABAfrica, Strathmore University, noted, “This hackathon has nearly 30 institutions across Kenya represented. This is the power of collective innovation. Techies are great at coding, but not always at explaining. Events like this help you grow not just in code but in communication and pitching skills too. We thank Oracle for their support and for ensuring this event gives participants the best experience.”
“Collaboration across government, academia, and industry is essential. Real impact comes when research meets purpose-driven innovation. To the student innovators: don’t just chase technology, chase purpose. Build solutions that last, are ethical, and make a real impact,” stated Winnie Jumba, Oracle Global Sustainability Ambassador, Africa.
On the hackathon’s final day, 21 teams pitched their projects to an Oracle and Strathmore Grand Jury. The event underscored how academic-industry partnerships can nurture the innovative and technical capacity needed for Africa’s sustainable future.