On January 17-18, Caucasus University hosted the Democratic Technology Hackathon, organized by Startup Büro, UNDER 30 • Forbes Georgia, Axel, and Impact Hub Tbilisi. The DemTech Hackathon aimed to stimulate the use of technology in supporting democratic movements.
The first two days of the three-day hackathon were dedicated to forming teams, formulating ideas, and developing them further. Participants were introduced to the event’s format, rules, and schedule. Eight teams were formed, each presenting their ideas to the public and jury members during the Demo Day.
On the first day, a panel discussion was held, featuring active citizens, representatives of various civic groups, movement founders, and creators of DemTech products. The discussion focused on the challenges of civic activism, democracy, and the role of technology and individual efforts. The panel was moderated by Dodi Kharkheli, a digital communication specialist, and included the following speakers:
- Masho Lomashvili, Co-Founder of Skhivi.com
- Ana Toklikishvili, Co-Founder of Vinivici and DemTech Entrepreneurship Program Alumni
- Saba Jajanidze, Co-Founder of Light Movement
- Ilia Glonti, Co-Founder of “Daitove”
After intensive work with experienced mentors and experts, the teams presented their final product prototypes and accompanying presentations to an independent jury during Demo Day. The jury awarded the winning title to the team “Tbilisi Loves EU,” which developed a solution to address poor internet connectivity during mass protests. Selected teams received long-term prizes and various support packages to aid in the implementation of their ideas.
The jury included:
- Giorgi Abramishvili, Axel member, investor, and managing partner of Energy Solutions, Trading Solutions, Data Centers Solutions
- Alex Amirejibi, ML Engineer at Tbilisi Information Collective
- Nato Chakvetadze, EU4Innovation East - National Coordinator, Expertise France
- Shota Digmelashvili, Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Georgia
- Anuki Robakidze, Founder of Theneo
- Ani Akhalkatsi, Civic Engagement Expert
- Mikheil Janelidze, Axel member and angel investor
The following mentors guided the teams in refining their ideas:
- Salome Jojua, Founding Partner and Head of Legal at 4S
- Nika Abramishvili, COO of Data Center Solutions
- Lalu Pataraia, Managing Partner of Start - Business Solutions
- Beka Dalakishvili, Tech Entrepreneur
- Giga Mirzikashvili, Co-Founder of Optio.Ai
- Elene Bibileishvili, Co-Founder and CEO of Hapttic and Ad Summit
- Irakli Mirzikashvili, CEO of Ekimo Tech
- Giorgi Khachidze, COO of KLIPY
- Giorgi Simongulashvili, Partner of GEC Consulting and Axel
- Guri Koiava, Member of the Forbes Georgia team, Co-Founder of Axel and Startup Büro
- Jaba Kikvidze, President of Global Sakartvelo and Angel Investor of Axel
The event was supported by Caucasus University, Forbes Under 30, Publica, Loialte, Contractor, and GEC Consulting.
