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Get to know Increase and learn how winning a hackathon took him to the US for the first time!
Hackathons are more than just competitions; they're launchpads for innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. They offer developers a chance to push their boundaries, build amazing projects, and connect with a vibrant community. And for some, hackathons are truly life-changing.
Winning the AfroTech AI hackathon catapulted Increase on an exciting journey to the United States. He accepted his award at the AfroTech conference in Houston, Texas, and experienced a whirlwind of opportunities. Discover how Increase navigated this incredible journey, and how his hackathon experience opened doors to a world of possibilities.
My passion for computers started early. I'd spend holidays at my dad's office teaching myself graphic design with CorelDraw. Then, one day, all my work vanished from the computers! I suspected foul play, but without proof, I had to let it go. Sadly, that experience discouraged me, and I took a break from computers for years.
Fast forward a decade, and my love for tech was rekindled through music and video production. I dove into tools like Reason, Adobe Premiere, and Audacity, even volunteering as a media director for a non-profit. This creative outlet reignited my interest in building with technology.
That's when I transitioned to software development. I started with low-code platforms like GoodBarber and WordPress, then experimented with PHP, PhoneGap, Java, and Adobe Air. As the industry evolved, so did I, learning React, JavaScript, Python, Flutter, and now, AI.
I discovered the AfroTech Hackathon through Devpost's featured hackathon newsletter.
"When I saw the health track, I knew it was my chance to build Anecdotal AI, a health tech app I'd always dreamed of creating," said Increase.
This project is deeply personal to me because it addresses a problem I've experienced firsthand. The opportunity to make a real difference in the health space was all the motivation I needed.
I was about to start coding when the email arrived—I had won! The excitement was overwhelming. I immediately shared the news with my friends and family.
Winning my second Devpost hackathon made it even more special. It was a moment filled with joy, pride, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
This was my first trip to the United States, so I was both excited and nervous. But despite the chaos, I stayed optimistic. Thankfully, my hopes weren't dashed—the trip was incredible!
The most remarkable thing was how quickly everything fell into place. Getting a U.S. visa usually takes months, even years, in Nigeria. But because of the hackathon, the process was expedited, and I got my visa in just 10 days! It showed me how impactful Devpost can be—not just for building projects, but for creating real-world opportunities. The support from the Blavity and AfroTech team was amazing.
During the trip, I had many memorable experiences, attended enriching events, and met some amazing people with whom I’m still in touch!
"Winning this hackathon has been transformative both personally and professionally. In October, I was in Enugu, Nigeria, focused on AI research. By November, I was presenting on a global stage in Houston," said Increase.
Absolutely! My mind is expanded, my faith in my abilities is stronger, and my passion for building impactful AI solutions is greater than ever.
"Winning the AfroTech AI hackathon brought incredible visibility, with media coverage on Yahoo Finance, MSN, ABC, and Fox," said Increase.
It's been humbling. I'm even relocating to Abuja to better leverage these new connections and opportunities. It's a new environment that aligns with the new rhythm of my life.
My biggest advice is to always put in your best and embrace continuous learning. The "stack" in full-stack development keeps growing, and as tools and technologies advance, so do the expectations placed on developers. Staying adaptable and committed to improving your skills is key.
AfroTech was my second Devpost hackathon. I didn’t win my first Devpost hackathon, but that experience taught me a lot. After reviewing the winning projects and gathering feedback, I went back to the drawing board to refine my skills and improve my delivery. This iterative process helped me win the AfroTech AI Hackathon, and later, my third Devpost hackathon as well. The lessons I learned from not winning my first hackathon became the foundation for future success.
Hackathons are about collaboration. For my second win, I teamed up with a talented UX designer I met on Devpost. Brainstorming with someone whose skills complement mine has been a game-changer.
So, don't be afraid to team up! Find teammates with complementary skills on Devpost. "If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, you need a team."
Congratulations on your big win, Increase! We’re honored to be a part of your journey.
Are you feeling inspired to build something amazing? Check out our hackathons happening now!
