Farvis Marvars, an audit, tax, and consulting firm, has launched its first hackathon to enhance cybersecurity solutions.
The maiden edition tagged: "Innovate with Forvis Mazars Hackathon" brings together innovative young minds aged 18-35 from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and develop cutting-edge solutions for pressing cybersecurity challenges.
According to the firm, participants will work on innovative ideas across AI in audit, data analytics, data sciences, data privacy, and compliance over a six-week duration.
The firm noted that the hackathon is a significant step towards empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and driving impactful change in the industry.
It will feature 10 shortlisted teams, each comprising three members, including university undergraduates and female participants, to encourage youth and women to participate in cybersecurity, data analytics, etc.
Mentors and judges from diverse backgrounds will guide the participants and evaluate their work.
The winning team will receive a prize of $2000 at the grand finale, scheduled for November 15, 2024.
Speaking, Feyintolu Okedare, Director of Technology and Digital Consulting at Forvis Mazars, said: "We are excited to launch this hackathon to gather innovative ideas from youth aged 18 to 35 in areas such as AI in audit, data analytics, data privacy, and compliance.
"Participants will compete for a grand prize of $2,000, with teams of three that must include a university student and at least one female member. This initiative aims to encourage young women's participation in cybersecurity and data analytics.
"Over six weeks, participants will be guided by mentors from diverse backgrounds, helping them develop and refine their ideas. The grand finale will take place on November 15 at Radisson Blue in Victoria Island, where judges from various sectors will evaluate the top five projects.
"Beyond the competition, we are committed to identifying bright talents who may not have traditional opportunities. Participants have the chance to collaborate with our innovation hub, where they can further develop their ideas and potentially join our team.
"We are looking to form 10 teams, each consisting of three members, and we encourage all participants to leverage our facilities and mentorship throughout the process. Ultimately, we aim to nurture new innovators in the cybersecurity and audit space, ensuring their ideas are both ethical and market-ready."
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
On her part, Simbiat Sadiq, co-founder of CyiBlackand one of the partners said: CyBlack's mission is to cultivate black cybersecurity talent, making our partnership with Forvis Mazars for this hackathon a natural fit. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision, providing a valuable opportunity to advance our goals.
We especially emphasize the importance of women's participation in such events. Women must step into leadership roles rather than remain in the background. Seeing women lead teams is both inspiring and essential, as diverse perspectives enrich innovation. We encourage more women to apply, speak out, and take the initiative--your unique experiences and viewpoints are invaluable in shaping the future of cybersecurity.
Also explaining their involvement, Prudence Chukwunwe, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director at CyberSafe Foundation said: "Cybersafe is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing digital access to cybersecurity awareness for Africans, especially those lacking resources.
"We are partnering with Forvis Mazars because of the profound impact of their hackathon, which aligns with our mission of inclusion. This event provides a valuable platform for young people to develop their technology and digital skills, driving innovation in the audit and accounting sectors."
