Mustapha Musa 
The Lagos Tech Founders Hackathon is a prestigious annual event that draws distinguished individuals from various disciplines to judge and showcase the best solutions from an impressive array of submissions.
The mission of this remarkable tech event is to support and strengthen innovative solutions between software engineers, developers, cybersecurity experts and tech enthusiasts , providing them with a platform to showcase their innovative solutions.
Known for its fairness and integrity, the hackathon fosters a thriving tech community, particularly for software developers and engineers.
The Lagos Tech Founders Hackathon is home to many dignitaries; thus serving as a platform for industry experts, allowing them to introduce innovative software solutions, from advanced AI tools to cutting-edge software applications.
In an exclusive interview with Peace Ishola, a software engineer and one of the event judges, we gained deeper insights into the hackathon. With Peace’s vast expertise in software engineering, he shared valuable perspectives on the event.
The discussion covered various aspects of the hackathon, from the judging process to the impact of mentorship and innovation on solving global challenges.
Join us as we discuss his unique perspective in detail and the impact of the event on the tech sphere.
What drew you to a career in software engineering, and how has your background influenced your role as a judge at the event?
My fascination with solving complex problems using software was the primary force that led me to pursue a career in software engineering. This passion for tackling intricate issues and finding effective solutions through technology not only drives my daily work but also plays a significant role in my ability to identify innovative solutions and potential in startups.
Can you describe a solution from this year’s Hackathon that particularly impressed you?
One solution that particularly stood out to me was a team that developed a scalable microservices architecture designed specifically for real-time data processing. Their approach to creating a modular design that emphasized efficiency and scalability was especially impressive.
The solution showcased not only technical depth and sophistication but also practical application and potential for real-world impact. Their innovative thinking and execution were exemplary.
What emerging trends in software engineering do you expect to see more?
In the coming years, I anticipate seeing a significant increase in the focus on cloud-native applications, as these are crucial for building flexible and scalable software solutions.
These trends are essential for creating robust and resilient software that can meet the demands of the modern tech industry.
How do you think participating in hackathons benefits aspiring tech entrepreneurs?
I think the experience gained from hackathons can accelerate their learning curve and help them refine their products, making it an invaluable part of their entrepreneurial journey.
What advice would you give to startups to prepare effectively for a pitch competition?
Startups should focus on clearly articulating their value proposition, ensuring that they understand their target market, and demonstrating the scalability and feasibility of their solution.
It is also important to practice and refine their pitch to make it as engaging and persuasive as possible. Being well-prepared and confident in their presentation can make a significant difference in how their pitch is received.
How do you see the role of mentorship in the success of startups at this event?
Mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of startups at hackathons. The knowledge and support from mentors can significantly impact the trajectory of a startup’s success and help them overcome challenges they may face.
What role do you believe innovation plays in solving global challenges, and how is it reflected here?
Innovation is key to addressing global challenges such as healthcare, climate change, and education. The hackathon reflects this by showcasing creative solutions that have the potential to tackle these issues.
By highlighting the innovative solutions presented by participants, the event demonstrates how technology can drive positive change and contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.
How do you balance technical expertise with practical business acumen when evaluating pitches?
I understand that it is essential to assess both the technical feasibility and the business viability of a solution.
A technically brilliant idea needs to have a clear path to market and practical applications to succeed in the real world. Evaluating both aspects ensures that the solution is not only innovative but also sustainable and scalable in a business context.
What do you hope participants take away from their experience at the Lagos Tech Founders Hackathon?
I hope participants gain confidence in their ideas, receive valuable feedback that helps them improve their solutions, and make connections that can help them advance their products.
The experience should inspire them to continue innovating and pushing boundaries, ultimately contributing to their growth as tech entrepreneurs.
In your opinion, what makes this event unique compared to other tech competitions?
The hackathon’s focus on fostering a collaborative environment, coupled with its emphasis on real-world applications of technology, sets it apart from other tech competitions.
It provides a comprehensive platform for learning, networking, and showcasing innovative ideas, making it a unique and valuable experience for all participants.
