Mentor Support for Hub-less Communities

As part of our commitment to fostering inclusive innovation across Africa, we have established an Online Support Service specifically designed for participants taking part in the CATS pre-summit hackathon who do not have access to a local innovation hub.

The regional hackathons play a critical role in identifying local potential and turning them into viable, technologically driven systems-change. While many participants benefit from the guidance and resources provided by physical hubs, some communities lack these facilities, which means these brilliant innovators will have a different pathway through the programme. Our mission is to support you as you find your way.

What the Online Support Service Provides

The Online Support Service offers full remote assistance to ensure all participants, regardless of location, receive the same level of mentorship and preparation as those supported by partner hubs. This includes:

1. Structured Training & Capacity Building

• Problem identification and validation frameworks

• Design thinking and development

• Ideation, brainstorming, and solution mapping

• MVP development

• Business modeling and sustainability strategies

2. Technical & Documentation Support

Participants receive guidance for:

• Project documentation

• Pitch deck creation

• GitHub repository structure

• Video demo preparation

• Submission formatting and compliance

3. Online Mentorship Sessions

Live virtual sessions will be hosted for all hub-less participants, covering:

• Hands-on workshops

• Q&A clinics

• Peer collaboration opportunities

• Access to recorded sessions

4. One on One Support, By Appointment

Participants can book dedicated mentorship sessions for:

• Deep-dive technical assistance

• Product refinement

• Pitch practice and feedback

5. Access to an Online Community

To replicate the collaborative environment of a physical hub, participants will have access to:

• Communication channels for group discussions

• Shared resources, tools, and learning materials

• Mentor updates and task guidelines

Goal of the Online Support Service

To ensure that every participant, regardless of geographic or resource limitations, has an equal opportunity to innovate, learn, build, and compete at the same professional standard as peers across the continent.

We are committed to ensuring no community is left behind, and every innovator has the support they need to translate their ideas into impactful solutions that can compete on a continental stage.