Team Syne has emerged as the winner of the UNICEF StartUp Lab’s AI for Inclusive Learning Hackathon, taking home the top prize for developing an AI-powered platform designed to support children with hearing and visual impairments. Joseph Wei Du, Chief Education Officer at UNICEF Ghana, said the initiative demonstrates a commitment to ensuring every child can learn and thrive.

“At UNICEF, we believe every child has the right to learn and thrive. Inclusion is not optional—it is urgent,” he said. “Through initiatives like this Hackathon, we are harnessing technology to remove barriers and unlock potential for children with communication difficulties.”

The three-day event, held in collaboration with KOICA, MEST Africa, GCB Bank PLC, and DevCongress, challenged innovators to create AI solutions that enhance educational access for learners with speech and communication challenges. Participants were tasked with designing tools that digitise and improve the Harmonised Ghanaian Sign Language Dictionary, making learning more interactive, inclusive, and accessible to all students, including those from low-resource backgrounds.

Ten teams took part in the Hackathon, showcasing solutions that combined AI, gamification, and structured learning approaches. Syne’s platform stood out for its ability to track learning progress while bridging communication gaps for children with hearing and visual impairments.

SigNova and Twilight placed second and third, winning $1,600 and $1,100, respectively. Other awards, including Best AI Implementation, People’s Choice, Best Cultural Integration, and Most Accessible Solution, were awarded to Twilight, Hestia, ReformX, and HAndi AI.

William Ofori Boadu, Head of Digital Ecosystems at GCB Bank PLC, expressed admiration for the innovative solutions, noting that the hackathon aligns with the bank’s drive to support technology and youth-led innovation.

The UNICEF StartUp Lab Hackathon reflects Ghana’s growing focus on using technology to foster inclusive education and empower children with disabilities, ensuring they can actively participate in classroom learning and achieve their full potential.