HACKATHON 2026
- 31 July – 1 August 2026
- Momentum Offices, Centurion
LEFT UNTIL REGISTRATION CLOSES
Win up to
R50 000
in cash and prizes
Win your share of over R50 000 in cash and prizes
What is the Hackathon?
The Hackathon is a graduate coding competition hosted by Monkey & River and Momentum.
Sign up as an individual, prove yourself through a technical challenge, form a team with other top qualifiers and compete for the chance to code live at Momentum’s offices in an 18-hour in-person final.
A real technical challenge, judged by real industry professionals, with real hiring opportunities on the other side.
How It Works?
From registration to the final pitch, here’s how the hackathon journey unfolds
1
Sign Up
Register as an individual. No team needed – we handle that later.
2
Individual Technical Challenge
A real technical challenge designed to test how you think, build, and solve problems.
3
Formation
Top 100 qualifiers are grouped into balanced teams. If your friends have also qualified, you can team up.
4
Virtual Team Phase
The top 10 teams advance to the in-person final.
5
In-Person Final
Present your work to a panel of judges.
Walk away with prizes, experience and direct access to top tech employers.
Why Enter?
From career opportunities to real experience, here are just a few reasons to enter
Get hired
Each year, top hackathon performers are hired directly through the event.
R50,000
in cash & prizes
First place takes home R25,000 in cash plus a prize pack. Second and third place also receive cash prizes and packs, with spot prizes awarded throughout the event.
Build something real
Work on a real-world challenge under real conditions with a real team, tackling problems that reflect what you’d face in the industry. This is as close to industry as it gets before you're in it.
Stand out
Put yourself in front of hiring managers, mentors, and judges from some of South Africa's top tech employers.
The Prizes
Compete for your share of over R50 000 in cash and prizes, plus exclusive career opportunities with SA’s top tech companies.
Winner
2nd Place
Cash prizes
+ prize packs
1st Place
R25 000 cash
+ prize pack
3rd Place
Cash prizes
+ prize packs
All Finalists
Welcome pack including branded merch
Spot Prizes
Awarded throughout the event
Key Dates
Important dates to keep in mind as you prepare for the hackathon
10 June
19 May - 21 June
22 June - 12 July
31 July – 1 Aug
10 June
Submit your entry before Applications Close
19 May - 21 June
Individual Online Technical Challenge to showcase skills
22 June - 12 July
Top 100 announced, Team Formation & Virtual Build Phase
31 July – 1 Aug
In-person final at Momentum, Centurion
Apply Now
Applications only take a few minutes. Sign up as an individual – no team required at this stage.
Who Can Enter?
Find out who is eligible to participate
in the upcoming hackathon
You must...
Be a final-year or honours student, or have graduated within the last two years
Sign up as an individual - teams are formed later from qualified participants
Be available to attend the in-person final if selected, that takes place at Momentum's offices in Centurion, Gauteng on 31 July - 1 August 2026
Think you’ve got what it takes?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a team to sign up?
No. You sign up as an individual. If you make it through the individual technical challenge, we’ll help you form a team with other qualifiers. If your friends also qualified, you can team up with them.
What programming languages can I use?
Details on the technical challenge will be shared with registered participants. The challenge will involve multiple languages and frameworks.
Do I need to be a student?
You must be a final-year or honours student at a recognised South African institution, or have graduated within the last two years.
What happens at the in-person final?
The top 10 teams compete in an 18-hour coding sprint at Momentum’s offices in Centurion. You’ll code overnight, present your solution to a panel of judges, and winners are announced on day two.
Is there a cost to enter?
No. The hackathon is free to enter.
Will food be provided at the final?
Yes. Dinner, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages are provided for all finalists across both days.
Can I use AI tools?
An AI usage policy will be shared with all registered participants before the challenge begins.
What are the prizes?
First place takes home R25,000 in cash plus a prize pack.
Second and third place also receive cash prizes and prize packs.
Spot prizes are awarded throughout the event, and all finalists receive a welcome pack.
Email us at hackathon@monkeyandriver.com or click “Ask a Question” above and we’ll get back to you.
