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.
What sparked your interest in tech?
My passion for computers started hungary telegram screening 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.