HackTheFest 2025 empowers global SMEs to build fairer AI systems

In a major step toward democratizing ethical artificial intelligence, HackTheFest has launched the 2025 AI Bounty Hackathon, a 48-hour global virtual challenge designed to combat algorithmic bias and promote fairness—an initiative that holds high relevance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking to build responsible AI solutions.

Running from July 1 to 3, the hackathon has drawn participants from across North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, making it one of the most diverse and expansive virtual AI events to date. For SMEs, especially those scaling AI-driven products, the event represents a rare opportunity to access cutting-edge tools, ethical frameworks, and global expertise.

Led by renowned AI ethics expert Rianat Abbas, the initiative is backed by a multidisciplinary team, including Ifeoma Eleweke (Community Lead), Samuel Ajuwon (Technical Director of ML and Fairness Evaluation), Oluwafemi Oloruntoba (Director of AI Fairness and Data Innovation), Idara Bassey (Lead Ethics and Policy Adviser), Raphael Ugboko (Director of UX), and Eru Oghene (Lead Cybersecurity Analyst). “This isn’t just a competition. It’s a pipeline for cultivating responsible AI talent that SMEs can tap into,” Abbas noted.

Participants are challenged to detect and mitigate algorithmic bias using fairness auditing frameworks, explainable AI methods, and real-world datasets—skills that SMEs increasingly need to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain user trust.

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The hackathon’s outcomes, including technical documentation and ethical AI use cases, will be added to a public AI Risk Repository, giving smaller firms access to actionable insights and ready-to-use templates for bias reduction.

Over 30 global experts from major tech firms like OpenAI, Google, MetaAI, Nvidia, Amazon, Workday, Visa, and SnapChat are mentoring and judging submissions. Their involvement provides SMEs with direct exposure to leading standards in AI governance and safety.

“SMEs are a crucial part of the AI ecosystem,” said Bassey. “This event isn’t just about code—it’s about enabling ethical innovation at all levels of business.”

With participation from more than 20 countries and backing from academic institutions and fairness advocates, HackTheFest is becoming a vital resource for SMEs aiming to build responsible, inclusive AI systems that serve diverse markets and avoid reputational or legal risks.