Q: What is the Platform45 Future Tech Graduate Internship Program hackathon?

It’s a solo hackathon competition where Grade 12 students and recent graduates compete to win one of five paid internships at Platform45. Participants must identify a real-world problem and develop a functional software solution to address it.

Q: Who can participate?

Current Grade 12 students or recent graduates from Resolute Education who will turn 18 years of age before the year 2026. Additional eligibility requirements include:
● Must be at least 18 years of age
● Must be a recent high school graduate (within the last 2 years)
● Must be a South African citizen or have valid work authorization
● Platform45 reserves the right to verify eligibility at any time

Q: How many internships are available?

Five paid internships are available at Platform45.

Q: How much will I be paid as an intern?

Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of R4,500 (Four Thousand Five Hundred Rand), subject to standard PAYE deductions as required by SARS. No additional benefits are provided unless specifically stated in the internship contract.

Q: Is this a team or individual competition?

This is strictly a solo hackathon. Collaboration or teamwork is not permitted. All work must
be created solely by the individual participant.

Q: What type of solution should I build?

Your solution must be software-based and could be:
● A mobile application
● A web application
● A digital platform, tool, or system
● Solutions incorporating robotics elements are particularly welcome

Q: Does my solution need to be fully finished?

You need to create a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or Proof of Concept that demonstrates core functionality and shows potential to address the identified problem.

Q: Can I use existing code or open-source libraries?

Open-source libraries and frameworks are permitted, but the core logic and implementation
must be your own original work created specifically for this hackathon. Using pre-existing
projects is strictly prohibited.

Q: Do I need to provide my source code?

Yes, you must host your complete source code on a publicly accessible GitHub repository
and provide the link during submission.

Q: What technical resources do I need?

You are responsible for providing your own hardware, software, and internet access
required to participate in the hackathon.

Q: What do I need to submit?

You must submit four key deliverables:
1. Working MVP or Proof of Concept – A functional software solution
2. GitHub Repository – Complete source code publicly accessible
3. Expo Poster Presentation – Digital poster covering all required sections
4. Video Demonstration – Maximum 3-minute video explaining your project

Q: What should be included in my poster presentation?

Your poster must include:
● Problem Statement (the problem and who it affects)
● Target User or Audience (intended users and their needs)
● Solution Overview (how your product works and what makes it innovative)
● Technology Choices (programming languages, frameworks, libraries, APIs used)
● Development Journey (challenges faced and how you overcame them)
● MVP Demonstration (screenshots and key features)
● Impact and Scalability (growth potential and real-world impact)

Q: What should my video demonstration cover?

Your 3-minute video should include:
● Project title and catchy tagline
● Problem statement and target audience
● Solution summary with MVP screenshots
● Tech stack overview
● Design/UX mockups and user experience
● Development timeline or process
● Key outcomes and future vision

Q: When is the submission deadline?

All deliverables must be submitted by August 1st, 2025. No late submissions will be accepted under any circumstances.

Q: How will projects be evaluated?

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on specific criteria outlined in the rubric. Key considerations include functionality, real-world impact potential, scalability, and technical implementation.

Q: Are the judges’ decisions final?

Yes, the judges’ decisions are final.

Q: What happens if I win an internship?

Winners will receive paid internships at Platform45, a leading South African tech company. You must be eligible to turn 18 before 2026 to qualify for the internship.

Q: What happens to the intellectual property of my project?

You retain ownership of your project’s intellectual property. However, by participating, you grant Platform45 and Resolute Education the right to use your submissions for promotional and evaluation purposes.

Q: What if I violate the rules?

Any form of plagiarism, cheating, or unethical behavior will result in immediate disqualification. Platform45 and Resolute Education reserve the right to disqualify participants who violate the rules.

Q: How will I receive updates about the hackathon?

All official announcements and updates will be communicated through designated channels (specific communication method to be announced).

Q: Does submitting an application guarantee I’ll get an internship?

No, submission of an application does not guarantee selection for the internship programme. Platform45 reserves the right to select candidates at its sole discretion, and all selection decisions are final. No correspondence will be entered into regarding unsuccessful applications.

Q: What happens to my personal information when I apply?

Personal information collected will be used solely for assessing applications and may be shared with relevant Platform45 personnel involved in the selection process. Platform45 handles personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). By applying, you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for these purposes.

Q: Can Platform45 use my project ideas or submissions?

Yes, any ideas, suggestions, or materials submitted as part of the application process may be used by Platform45 without compensation. However, you retain ownership of your project’s intellectual property. You must warrant that any submitted materials do not infringe third-party intellectual property rights.

Q: What if Platform45 changes or cancels the programme?

Platform45 reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the internship programme at any time. Any changes will be communicated through appropriate channels. Platform45 is not liable for any inconvenience caused by programme changes.

Q: What if there are technical issues during the application process?

Platform45 is not liable for technical difficulties with the application process, delays in the selection process, or any costs you incur in preparing or submitting applications.

Q: How will I be contacted about my application?

Platform45 will communicate with applicants through the contact details you provide. It’s your responsibility to ensure your contact details are current and accurate. Platform45 is not responsible for communications not received due to incorrect contact information.

Q: What legal framework governs this programme?

The internship programme complies with all applicable South African labour laws. Any disputes arising from the application process will be governed by South African law and resolved through South African courts. Platform45’s registered address serves as the legal address for correspondence.

Q: What’s the difference between the application process and the actual internship?

The application process does not create any employment relationship. If selected, you’ll enter into a separate internship agreement with specific terms and conditions governed by a formal contract. This disclaimer only governs the application process, not the internship itself.

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions about the application process?

For queries regarding the application process or disclaimer, contact: ● Email: lucia.xypteras@platform45.com or huzaifa@resolute.education