Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is already disrupting lives across Northern Ghana. Floods and prolonged droughts are not only affecting agriculture but also damaging sanitation infrastructure, contaminating water sources, and putting the health of thousands of children at risk.
At the heart of this challenge lies a critical question:
Can technology help us build sanitation systems that withstand climate shocks?
The Sanitation Challenge
When people think about sanitation, the first thing that comes to mind is often a toilet. But safely managed sanitation goes far beyond that. It is a complete system, one that ensures waste is properly contained, transported, treated, and disposed of safely.
In regions like Northern Ghana, this system is under constant pressure. Extreme weather conditions can разруше toilets, spread contaminants into water bodies, and create serious public health risks. The consequences are especially severe for children, affecting not just their health but also their ability to attend school and thrive.
A Call for Innovation
To tackle this pressing issue, the UNICEF StartUp Lab, in collaboration with KOICA, MEST Africa, and HOPin Academy, is inviting Ghana’s brightest minds to step forward.
This is more than just a hackathon, it’s an opportunity to design tech-enabled solutions that strengthen sanitation systems across the entire service chain, even in the face of climate extremes.
Whether you’re a developer, data scientist, public health expert, or WASH specialist, your skills could help build solutions that protect health, dignity, and education in vulnerable communities.
What’s in It for You?
Participants in this initiative stand to gain more than just experience. Winning teams will receive:
- GHC 110,000 in prototype funding to bring their ideas to life
- A fully sponsored 3-day bootcamp in Tamale hosted at HOPin Academy
- Expert mentorship from UNICEF, KOICA, and MEST Africa
- Opportunities to pilot their solutions in real-world environments
Who Can Apply?
To ensure strong and diverse solutions, teams must meet the following requirements:
- Teams of 2 to 3 members
- At least one female member (mandatory)
- Submission of a GitHub repository for source code review
- A combination of technical expertise (developers, data specialists) and domain knowledge (WASH, health, or related fields)
Why This Matters
Access to safe sanitation is fundamental to human dignity and public health. In climate-vulnerable regions, resilient systems can mean the difference between safety and crisis.
This initiative is not just about innovation—it’s about creating lasting impact where it matters most.
Apply Now
If your team is ready to take on this challenge and build solutions that truly make a difference, don’t wait.
- Application Link: bit.ly/USL6Hack1
- Deadline: May 29, 2026
