Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Total Energies EP Uganda awarded a total of 37,000,000 Ugandan shillings to teams with innovative AI-based solutions for identifying ideal locations for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points in Kampala. The winning team, TBKN, received 18.5 million Ugandan shillings at the conclusion of a three-month hackathon challenge.

This initiative, launched by Total Energies Uganda, aimed to encourage young Ugandans to propose solutions for optimal EV charging point placements in Kampala. Many of the solutions suggested locating EV charging infrastructure near fuel stations, power lines, and major roads.

Philippe Groueix, the General Manager of Total Energies EP Uganda, stressed the importance of teamwork and diversity in problem-solving, emphasizing that addressing carbon neutrality challenges requires innovation and collaboration.

The first runners-up, ISBAT University, received 11.1 million Ugandan shillings, while Team Data Knight and Team Shalom both secured 3rd place and earned 3.7 million shillings each. Teams of four members each were tasked with proposing creative ideas using data about Kampala city’s roads, electricity, and traffic networks.

Richard Zulu, Team Principal at Outbox Uganda, highlighted the role of young people in addressing societal challenges through collaboration with the private sector. He expressed commitment to ensuring that the selected solutions could be considered for implementation by Total Energies in Uganda and other mobility stakeholders in the country.

Over 400 individuals applied to participate in this challenge, which was implemented by Outbox Uganda on behalf of Total Energies Uganda.