Nairobi's hardware development scene has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Driven by a shared passion for innovation and the increasing affordability of prototyping hardware components, a vibrant community of hardware enthusiasts has appeared, dedicated to advancing electronics hardware development. These communities are more than just gatherings; they are dynamic platforms where aspiring engineers, makers, and industry experts come together to exchange knowledge, collaborate, and push the boundaries of what is possible. Their collective goal is to nurture a new generation of hardware innovators capable of creating impactful, innovative products.
As the electronics industry undergoes rapid transformation, particularly with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), the gap between academic curricula and industry demands has become clearer. While universities provide a solid foundation in theoretical engineering and computer science, many graduates find themselves lacking the practical, hands-on experience needed in today’s job market.
This growing disparity highlights the crucial role that developer communities play in bridging the gap. By offering access to real-world projects, mentorship, and industry insights, these communities equip individuals with the practical skills necessary to excel in our increasingly tech-driven world.
At Angaza Elimu, a leading EdTech company based in Nairobi, we are tackling this challenge head-on through our immersive, hands-on training programs. With a strong emphasis on IoT and embedded systems, our programs are designed to equip students with the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to excel in today’s competitive tech landscape.
Our comprehensive curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including embedded systems, programming and algorithms, communication networks, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and machine learning and AI. Students gain hands-on experience by working with microcontrollers, building and coding projects, using communication protocols like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and integrating sensors for data collection and control systems. Beyond technical ability, we also focus on design thinking, entrepreneurship, and project management to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.
To further enhance learning, we organize hackathons and workshops, providing students and young professionals with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and collaborate on innovative projects. This approach not only helps to refine their technical abilities but also fosters critical soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication.
By cultivating a robust developer community and offering accessible, high-quality training, we are contributing to the growth of Kenya’s tech ecosystem and empowering individuals to become innovators and leaders in the digital economy.
The Arm Developer Program have played a pivotal role in our mission to empower developers. By offering a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, the program is helping nurture a thriving community of innovators. Their support for ambassador initiatives has been crucial in helping us organize impactful events like workshops and hackathons.
In addition to community support, the Arm Developer Program offers a wealth of resources designed to help developers create, innovate, and scale their software solutions. For example, their Learning Paths provide tutorials, code examples, and comprehensive how-to guides that help developers in building on Arm. One of the most valuable resources we’ve found is the Microcontrollers Learning Path. The Raspberry Pi Pico, powered by the RP2040 microcontroller chip based on the Arm Cortex-M0+ processor, is a favorite in our training sessions for embedded programming. Developers can use the Microcontroller Learning Path to delve into a range of topics, from foundational concepts to advanced techniques like debugging and running ML (Machine Learning) models on Arm processors.
On July 15th, 2024, the Arm Developer Program partnered with Angaza Elimu to host a hackathon centered around Smart City solutions. This event vividly showed the influence of the Arm Developer Program. With over 110 registrations from universities across Nairobi, the hackathon sparked substantial interest and enthusiasm within the local developer community.
The primary goal of the hackathon was to create an environment where developers could not only highlight their skills but also connect with peers and receive recognition for their excellence. Participants were tasked with developing innovative solutions tailored to the challenges faced by Smart Cities, with a particular focus on Nairobi. Key areas of exploration included smart buildings, mobility, healthcare, and security.
During the hackathon, 63 participants showed up, and we grouped them into teams of no more than five individuals. The team members, many of whom had never met before, had to collaborate and develop a solution within a brief period, aligning with the hackathon’s theme. It was inspiring to see these strangers come together and create such incredible solutions. In total, we had nine teams, each working on a unique project.
The day began with presentations from industry professionals. Mary Mbarire, an Embedded Systems Developer at Geviton Enterprises, gave a talk on Scaling IoT: Manufacturing and Data Analytics. Aron Ayub, an IoT Solutions Engineer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies and an Arm Ambassador, shared insights on Running ML on Resource-Constrained Devices. Valerie Githio, a Product Designer at Angaza Elimu, discussed Designing for People, Not Just Technology. I concluded the session by introducing Arm and the Arm Developer Program, highlighting the support developers can access by joining the Arm Developer community, and officially opening the hackathon. With the presentations complete, it was time for the teams to dive into their projects. We distributed the components that participants had requested for their projects, including Raspberry Pi Picos and various sensors. Throughout the day, you could see teams deep in discussion, contemplating their solutions, networking, and working with a variety of hardware development boards spread across the tables. We also had high school students from Demacrest who were actively asking questions and eager to learn. It was clear that everyone was enjoying the experience, stepping away from their usual routines to immerse themselves in innovation. The day culminated in a presentation session where each team displayed their solutions to a judging panel of industry experts. Some of the standout projects included:
After the presentations, the top three teams were awarded cash prizes. However, as we always say, every participant is a winner. It takes immense effort and commitment to develop a solution, create presentation slides, and deliver a presentation all within a single day. This shows the incredible spirit and determination of these young professionals and students.
To top it all off, all the participants received SWAG from the Arm Developer Program, ensuring that everyone went home happy and with a memento of the event.
The hackathon highlighted the immense potential of Kenya's young talent in addressing urban challenges through technology. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we have taken a crucial step towards nurturing a vibrant developer ecosystem.
While the event was a tremendous success, we recognize the importance of bridging the gap between hackathon projects and market-ready solutions. Moving forward, we plan to explore partnerships with industry players to name pressing challenges and support participants in transforming their ideas into practical products.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Arm Developer Program for their invaluable support. We look forward to hosting more impactful events and continuing to empower the developer community.