Google partners with ALX to host SA’s first hardware hackathon

In a move to expand its footprint in South Africa, Google has announced a partnership with ALX South Africa, an award-winning tech training and career acceleration services provider. This strategic collaboration will foster innovation in the hardware and networking industry and kick off with Sub-Saharan Africa’s first-ever Hardware Hackathon, on 1 November 2024 at ALX’s hub in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

This initiative is part of Google’s broader outreach program that started in 2023 and aligns with the company’s global strategy to deepen its ties with education institutions like ALX. The partnership will see ALX, known for its commitment to nurturing tech talent across the continent, working with Google to provide upskilling opportunities and introduce graduates to the rapidly evolving tech industry.

Fostering Future Tech Talent in South Africa

The collaboration aims to identify and develop the next wave of data centre technicians through hands-on training and exposure to real-world tech environments. It will offer learners the opportunity to gain insight into Google’s Data Center operations while learning essential skills in hardware, operating systems, and networking.

“Our partnership with ALX reflects Google’s commitment to empowering African youth through technology and education. South Africa has a wealth of untapped tech talent, and we want to ensure young people are exposed to world-class education and a myriad of career opportunities,” said Data Center IT Infrastructure Manager at Google, Elliot Mokoena.

Divesh Sooka, General Manager of ALX South Africa, added, “ALX is proud to be at the forefront of developing the next generation of African tech professionals and leaders. Strategic partnerships like this allow us to enable young leaders to enter the global workforce and impact tech innovation across Africa and beyond.”

The Hardware Hackathon: A Gateway to Tech Careers

Google and ALX are hosting the first-ever Hardware Hackathon in South Africa to launch the initiative. Previously held in countries like Australia, Japan, and France, this event will bring 20 selected learners from ALX’s talent pool for a problem-solving experience at the Braamfontein Hub.

During the hackathon, participants will solve complex server hardware, Linux, and networking-related challenges. The goal is to simulate real-world scenarios that Data Center Technicians face and to give students a taste of what working at a Google Data Center entails.

Participants will also compete for exciting prizes, and the event will serve as a pipeline for Google to identify potential candidates for future employment.

“The Hardware Hackathon is designed to challenge students while giving them a firsthand experience of the dynamic and fast-paced world of data centres. This event is not only about technical skill development; it’s also about community building and inspiring a more diverse, inclusive tech industry,” added Mokoena.

A Growing Tech Community

ALX’s role in the partnership is pivotal. With its diverse and talented student base, ALX provides Google with access to a talent pool ready to enter the tech industry. Through this partnership, ALX will continue equipping young Africans with the skills needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Google, in turn, benefits from a strong network of future leaders already shaped by ALX’s world-class training.

“Our collaboration with Google is a major milestone in our journey to empower African youth with in-demand tech skills. By hosting the first Hardware Hackathon in South Africa, we are creating a platform for our learners to showcase their talents, network with leaders and peers in the industry, and demonstrate the immense potential within Africa’s tech ecosystem,” says Sooka.

“Our collaboration with Google is a major milestone in empowering African youth with in-demand tech skills. By hosting the first Hardware Hackathon in South Africa, we are giving learners a platform to showcase their talents and demonstrate the immense potential in Africa’s tech ecosystem,” says Sooka.

ALX aims to curb unemployment in Africa by enabling 2 million young professionals to secure dignified and meaningful work opportunities by 2030. This partnership amplifies ALX’s mission to provide students with access to world-class tech training programs that are affordable and accessible, shaping the future of SA’s youth and economy by fostering a new generation of ethical, forward-thinking leaders.

To learn more, visit https://www.alxafrica.com/south-africa/