7 Reasons Why You Should Join the AIDC-EC Automotive & eMobility Hackathon

In a world of shifting technologies and new energy systems, the Eastern Cape is not waiting for the future; it is shaping the future. Between 1 and 3 August 2025, the Eastern Cape will present the AIDC-EC Automotive & eMobility Hackathon real-time innovation lab, a space where young engineers, coders, business minds, and creatives will co-create scalable solutions to real automotive and mobility challenges. This is more than a hackathon: it is a provincial pipeline for innovation, skills growth, and economic impact.

Here is why it matters - and why you should get involved.

1. You will Build for the Real World

This Hackathon is directly aligned with the Eastern Cape Automotive Masterplan and the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035. You will solve real problems informed by your team’s research and propose innovative solutions for EV infrastructure, green mobility, digital systems, and localised component design challenges.

2. It is a Skills Launchpad

You will grow quicker under pressure. The aim is to work together in teams, share responsibilities and tasks so that you all meet the deadline. This is the ultimate space to test your ideas, challenge yourself, and gain exposure to coaches, mentors, and industry experts who are sharing lots of bite-sized information to help you build formidable project solutions.

3. You will Co-Create the Future of Mobility

Mobility in the Eastern Cape is changing – local challenges need solutions to be localised – in other words, homegrown solutions. Your ideas will not just be heard; they must be built. The winning solutions stand a chance of post-event partnerships or incubation support.

4. You will Prototype, Not Just Pitch

Forget theoretical ideas - this Hackathon demands functional demonstrations and practical solutions. From software applications to innovative hardware, you will get the chance to develop and demonstrate your idea in the form of workable prototypes.

5. You will Compete in an Electrifying Venue

The world-famous Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium becomes a tech battlefield for this occasion. With teams collaborating in real-time, in an adrenaline-fuelled innovation sandbox, and participating in skills transfer experiences known as “Capture the Flag” sandbox challenges offered by leading industry partners.

6. You will Be Seen by the Right People

This is not an isolated event. Government and Academia leaders, Automotive Stakeholders, Potential Investors, and Tech Ecosystem players will be watching both online (virtual stream) and in-person by popping into the venue over the weekend.

Further to that, winners of this instalment will be announced publicly and awarded prizes at the NAACAM Show 2025 to be hosted between the 13th and the 14th of August 2025 at the Boardwalk ICC in Gqeberha.

7. Because Innovation Has No Age or Title

Open to anyone 19 years and above, from undergraduates and start-ups to professionals, this is your space to shape the sector.

This is not limited to Engineers only; we encourage teams to have a very diverse make-up comprising members with varied skillsets from Engineering, Public Relations, Research, Business, Creative Design, Technicians, Innovators, and General Entrepreneurs.

Teams need different perspectives to work together for a holistically feasible solution to real challenges in the automotive and mobility sectors. If you live in the Eastern Cape and you have a mind that creates, solves, or builds, You Belong Here.

The AIDC-EC Automotive & eMobility Hackathon is not about coding; it is about provincial progress, sector maturity, and people-powered innovations. If you are ready to put your skills to the test and work on challenges that matter, this is your starting line.

Registrations are open now.

It is time to unearth the skills developed and honed in the local institutions of higher learning. Apply as an individual or team and join us for the inaugural instalment.

Visit AIDC-EC events on our website to register by 4 July 2025 or click here.