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find technological solutions for the cultural sector.
The event, which was held at Alliance Française, was the brainchild of the British Council in conjunction with Internet Service Provider I-Way Africa, Alliance Française and a local technology startup organisation Jumpstart.
This initiative gave Zimbabweans who are into technology an opportunity to show off their skills. The event lasted three days from the selection process, ideation to the final prototype project.

Speaking during the final day, Kudzayi Ngwerume, the British Council’s arts manager, thanked all the participants and partners for their highly spirited support and input that made the initiative a success.
“It was an eye-opening event that encourages people of different social and technical backgrounds to get down to the business of creating solution to our day to day needs,” she said

Six groups were vying for the top prize; they all comprised of people of an artistic as well as a technological background.
Groups that were competing included Open Books, Farira, 2 Degrees, Big Eyes, Good to Go and Zimcreative.
It was inspiring to see the youthful acts combine their passion with the mature team members of in creating a solution for the artistic in a technological way.

The first prize went to Open Book, a group of four, which came up with a portal to deliver books online via cutting edge technology that helps writers to gain much more visibility.
The group received £4 000 prize money plus nine months I-way free bandwidth and nine months free web hosting.
A member of the group, Tafadzwa Makura, a regular at tech startup events was confident that the idea was much more polished and appealing.
“The system targeted both seasoned and emerging local writers.

“This would work as an e-book online and a directory profiling the artists and a brief of the contents.
“Should a reader want to peruse, the option would be available, but without any saving option to protect against piracy,” said Makura.
Monica Cheru-Mpambawashe, the only female participant, said her exposure and experience as an emerging writer will help the group in finding a solution that impacts the industry.

The first runner-up was Big Eyes, a group of two which came up with a video graphic presentation which also had an idea of pushing a local YouTube channel.
Their application allows people and organisations in the film industry to showcase their work and for people in the film industry to interact, discover new stuff and be discovered.
The second runner-up was Farira, which came up with an online directory and profile for artists.

This directory would encourage emerging artists to see the benefits of registering their product and showcasing it online.
Artists who use the register would get an opportunity to sell their products, book diaries and get connected with both other seasoned players or clients for hire.
The first and second runners-up got £1 500 seed funding and Internet packages too.
All the ideas were interesting and lots of fostering would be necessary to get the inexperienced entrepreneurs up and running as they are now getting into the real world scenario, away from prototypes and facing real challenges.

The writer is the founding editor with TechnoMag. More on www.technomag.co.zw or join us on Facebook http://facebook.com/technomagzw. Free airtime quiz games, email [email protected].