Spring 2026 High School Hackathon

Hosted by the Kennesaw State University Fintech Program

Build Innovative Solutions to Real Fintech Challenges

Calling all Georgia high school students!

You are invited to Kennesaw State University for an exciting hackathon where you will compete in teams to solve real-world problems in the world of financial technology. Your challenge is to come up with creative, AI-focused ideas that could help strengthen the economy of countries like Zambia, places that are growing fast but still face obstacles such as limited technology, not enough trained workers, and payment systems that don’t always work well together.

Coding knowledge is not required! Whether you're into coding, design, or business strategy, this is your chance to innovate, collaborate, and make a real impact on an emerging market, all while competing for prizes!

Sign Up Here

When

March 28, 2026

Where

KSU Center
3333 George Busbee Drive, NW

What You Can Win

A panel of expert judges of academics and working fintech professionals will evaluate each pitch, awarding the following prizes:

1st Place: $3,000 worth of prizes
2nd Place: $2,000 worth of prizes
3rd Place: $1,000 worth of prizes

What You’ll Do

  • Solve a case representing a real-world fintech challenge inspired by lifting the economies of African nations like Zambia
  • Collaborate across disciplines. The event is open to students from all backgrounds, not just coders.
  • Build an optional prototype (wireframes, mockups, clickable demos, or a simple app) if you have the skills

Who Can Participate

The hackathon is open to all high school students in Georgia. Anyone can join as long as they have an interest in financial technologies or the ability to familiarize themselves with them before the event.

  • All high school students are welcome
  • No advanced coding required

Theme and Challenge

Fintech is a strategic priority for Zambia as the country seeks to modernize its economy and create higher-quality jobs. The sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by increased mobile phone adoption, improved Internet access, and supportive regulation from the Bank of Zambia. Roughly 70 companies operate in the space, focusing on mobile payments, digital lending, and financial inclusion.

Mobile money platforms such as MTN Money, Airtel Money, and Zoona have transformed everyday transactions and brought millions of previously unbanked citizens into the formal financial system. Emerging players, including Lupiya, Union54, and eShandi are leveraging mobile and AI-driven technologies to expand access to credit and digital financial services, with several startups attracting investment and scaling quickly.

Your challenge is to build AI prototypes for financial inclusion, inspired by these African startups, focusing on areas like mobile money interoperability, SME lending, and more.

Daryl Speaks

Guest Speaker

Daryl Speaks

Founder/CEO
SableAssent Coin Corporation

 

Sign Up

All students who want to participate in the Fintech Hackathon should sign up as a team using the form below. Teams must have at least 3 members and no more than 4. Please complete all registrations by March 17th, 2026.

Questions

If you have any questions about the Spring 2026 Fintech Hackathon at Kennesaw State University, feel free to contact any member of the KSU Fintech Team:

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Fintech Hackathon Through the Years

Read about the Fintech Hackathon from the previous years.