Last week in Melbourne, Australia, Feranmi, a trainee at Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria, RAIN, and his university team did RAIN proud and, by extension, Nigeria and Africa, by emerging as the global champions of the IEEE IES Generative AI Hackathon.
The team finished 3rd globally, emerging from over 550 applications from around the world.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the calibre of the competition.
They competed alongside Master’s and PhD students from different countries, demonstrating that talent, innovation and problem-solving excellence from Nigeria can compete successfully at the highest global level.
Their team is also the only team not only from Nigeria but one of two winners from the Africa continent.
In the Student and Young Professionals Award, it is important to note that Feranmi is the only winner from the Africa continent.
It is important to mention that RAIN had recognised Feranmi’s talent much earlier, in December 2025, when he was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for being the first person in his cohort at RAIN to launch a startup.
His startup, Kantaa, is a WhatsApp-based digital platform designed to help MSMEs ask questions and access solutions relating to the newly introduced Nigeria Revenue Service tax laws, which commenced in January 2026.
His latest achievement in Melbourne is therefore not an isolated success. It is another testament to the talent and potential that RAIN seeks to identify, nurture and develop.
This is more than a prize.
It is a powerful affirmation of what young African innovators can achieve when they are given the right skills, environment, mentorship and opportunities.
Congratulations, Feranmi and the entire team!
You have made RAIN proud.
You have made Nigeria proud.
You have made Africa proud.
This is the Africa we want to see: innovating, competing and winning on the global technology stage.
RAIN is proud of you.
Well done
Nurudeen Adesokan
Head, Partnership and collaboration, RAIN. 10/09/26.
www.rainigeria.com
