Delta Tech Week 2025: Asaba’s Big Hackathon & Tech Festival Starts Monday
Delta State is making a bold play to become the next tech hotspot in Nigeria's South-South, and the vehicle for that ambition is Delta Tech Week 2025 – a five-day extravaganza kicking off December 1 in Asaba. At the heart of it all: a high-stakes hackathon designed to rally young developers, entrepreneurs, and innovators around real-world challenges facing the Niger Delta.
Backed by the Delta State Government and themed "Building Delta’s Digital Future," the event isn't just talk – it's action. With exhibitions, summits, a job fair, and a DevFest finale powered by Google Developer Groups (GDG) Asaba, it's poised to draw over 1,000 participants from across the region. And for TechBlit, it's personal: we're partnering as their exclusive media partner and bringing our first-ever pop-up store to Asaba.
But let's zero in on the hackathon – the three-day coding frenzy that's already got teams from Port Harcourt to Warri buzzing.
The Hackathon Lowdown: Solve Real Delta Problems, Win Big
Running from December 1–3 as part of the broader five-day event (ending December 5), the hackathon calls on teams to tackle pressing issues in Delta State. While exact challenge tracks haven't been fully detailed yet, organizers emphasize "real challenges" in innovation, tech solutions, and digital growth – think agritech for local farming woes, fintech for underserved markets, or tools for flood-prone riverine communities. It's not about flashy demos; it's about scalable ideas that could attract investors and government support.
Format: Teams of 2–5 (developers, designers, entrepreneurs) build prototypes over 72 hours. Mentors roam the floor for guidance.
Prizes: Top three teams walk away with cash awards (exact figures TBD, but expect competitive payouts across categories), plus investor pitches and potential funding from state-backed grants. No equity strings attached – winners keep full control.
Investor Spotlight: Expect scouts from Lagos VCs and diaspora funds evaluating projects live, with follow-on opportunities up to $50,000 in matching grants.
This isn't your typical Lagos hackathon; it's Delta-coded, focusing on local pain points like logistics in the creeks or digital tools for market women.
Who's Calling the Shots? (Speakers & Judges TBD, But the Lineup Is Strong)
While a full judges list is still under wraps, the event features ecosystem heavyweights, including Delta's Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Daniel Odigie, who unveiled the program last month. Expect panels with private sector players like SchoolVille's CEO Charles Omordia, plus GDG Asaba leads for the DevFest closer. More names – potentially including Lagos tech vets – are expected to drop this weekend.
The Full Agenda: A Packed Five Days
Dec 1: Hackathon kickoff + opening ceremony
Dec 2: Exhibitions at The Marque, Asaba (hands-on tech demos) + hackathon Day 2
Dec 3: Hackathon finals + Women in Tech 4.0 Summit
Dec 4: Ecosystem Summit & Awards
Dec 5: Job fair + DevFest grand finale
It's hybrid-friendly, but the energy's in Asaba – with free entry for most sessions.
How to Jump In Before It's Too Late
Register: Free general entry at deltatechweek.com/register. Hackathon teams: Sign up via the site (deadline imminent – check for updates).
Travel Tip: Extra buses from PH, Warri, and Benin via Peace Mass Transit and GUO – book now.
Delta Tech Week isn't just an event; it's a statement that innovation isn't Lagos-exclusive. With government muscle behind it, this could birth the next wave of South-South unicorns.
Mark your calendars for December 1. Asaba awaits – and so does your next big break.