Build54 Postgraduate Prize in Computer Science 2025

African developers face unique challenges that standard computer science solutions often fail to address: intermittent internet connectivity that breaks traditional cloud architectures, the need for distributed systems that function across unreliable infrastructure, cybersecurity threats to rapidly digitizing economies with limited security expertise, and the requirement for software that performs well on diverse hardware from high-end servers to feature phones. 

Students must demonstrate how fundamental computer science innovations in distributed systems, edge computing, programming language design, database optimization, or cybersecurity can create robust solutions that thrive in African technological environments while potentially benefiting global users facing similar constraints.

The Best Undergraduate Final Year Project in Computer Science showcases outstanding technical innovation from Africa's next generation of software engineers and computer scientists. This challenge seeks projects that push the boundaries of what's possible in computing while addressing real challenges faced by African developers and users.

We're looking for exceptional work in areas including distributed systems for unreliable networks, edge computing solutions for limited connectivity, programming language design for domain-specific problems, database optimization for resource-constrained environments, and cybersecurity innovations for emerging digital economies. Projects should demonstrate strong computer science fundamentals while solving practical problems.

Successful submissions will show mastery of core CS concepts, excellent software engineering practices, and innovative approaches to technical challenges. Whether you're building a new distributed consensus protocol for mesh networks, creating a domain-specific language for African language processing, or developing novel database architectures for offline-first applications, we want to see computer science theory applied to create impactful solutions.

Your project should demonstrate not just technical competence but also an understanding of the unique constraints and opportunities in African technology ecosystems. We particularly value solutions that consider intermittent connectivity, device constraints, and the need for inclusive technology.