The festival is a nationwide campus innovation program designed to introduce young Nigerians to the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Emerging Technologies, career opportunities and creativity through Exclusive Makemation film screenings, hackathons, campus engagements, cultural and tech-focused activities.

The festival will be held across 12 universities in Nigeria, cutting across all six geopolitical zones. Each school will have its own festival date.

The festival is organized by Rise Networks and Rise Interactive Studios, the creators of Makemation, Africa’s first feature film on Artificial Intelligence.

Key activities include:

• Makemation film screening
• AI workshops & hands-on tools
• Hackathon
• Job & Career Fair
• Student competitions

Meetups with industry experts

The festival is open for all students, youths and technology enthusiasts.

The Makemation National Youth AI Tech Festival is a nationwide initiative designed to mobilize, inspire, and equip young Nigerians with the essential AI, tech and entrepreneurship skills needed for the digital economy. The core purpose is to leverage the inspirational power of the Makemation feature film to drive action and learning. By blending entertainment, hands-on innovation through hackathons, and direct career access via job fairs, it ensures participants are prepared to build, innovate and secure opportunities.

Yes. Attendance at all Makemation National Youth AI Tech Festivals is free, but registration is required.

Project submission for the AI Hackathon centers on two core deliverables created during the one-day event. Teams must produce a functional Minimum Viable Product or prototype that utilizes AI and addresses a challenge within the regional themes, such as HealthTech or AgriTech. Simultaneously, teams are required to present a concise Pitch Deck to the judges, clearly outlining the solution’s business model and potential for real-world impact. The final submission is evaluated during the Demo Day and must be ready for a live, hands-on demonstration to prove its viability and innovation.

The solution must demonstrate the use or understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or relevant technological innovation in solving the challenge.

A concise Pitch Deck is required to clearly communicate the team’s solution, market opportunity, business model, and overall impact.

The pitch must articulate how the proposed solution aligns with the challenges introduced during the Ideation Workshop and how it can be scaled to create real-world impact.

Campus Ambassadors serve as the primary organizers on each campus. Their responsibilities include:

• Mobilizing students
• Publicity and marketing
• Venue and logistics coordination
• Stakeholder engagement
• Managing registrations and reporting
• Supporting event-day execution

Our Campus Ambassadors will enjoy:

• AI & Future-Ready Skills training
• Leadership & project management experience
• Networking with mentors, founders, policymakers
• Certificates of Service and Leadership in AI Advocacy
• Priority access to Rise Networks internships & fellowships
• Recognition and awards for top performers

Becoming our Campus Ambassador is based on Leadership potential, strong communication skills, interest in AI/technology, and ability to mobilize students. Volunteering roles include coordination, registration, photography, ushering, and logistics.

Yes, certificates will be issued for hackathon finalists and campus ambassadors.

Publicity will run through:

• Campus posters
• WhatsApp broadcast lists
• Departmental and faculty announcements
• Social media updates
• Student association channels

Yes. You will have the opportunity to connect with AI professionals, founders, innovators, and industry leaders at the festivals.

No. The festival is designed for beginners and advanced students alike. Everyone is welcome to explore AI, creativity, and innovation.