GDG HiLCoE School of Computer Science

Did you know? The original “computer bug” was a literal bug!🐞 In 1947, engineers working on the Harvard Mark II relay computer traced an unexpected malfunction to a moth trapped between two relay contacts. They carefully taped the insect into their logbook with the note:

First actual case of bug being found.

That moth, now on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, gave us the term we still use daily: debugging. So next time you squash a software bug, remember it all started with a real one. 💻 #GDGHiLCoE #Bug #DidYouKnow @GDSCHiLCoE

Break the Pattern featured an inspiring fireside chat with Samiya Abdulkadir, Chairperson of AAYEA and Founder of Aim View General Educational Consultancy. She shared her journey from running a business in middle school to building ventures aimed at reducing Ethiopia’s import dependence through localized manufacturing. After finding Applied Chemistry too theoretical, she redirected her path toward transforming education and started her first startup in university. Key insights: ✅ Ideas alone are not enough; execution needs strong teams, planning, timing, and the right tools, including AI ✅Build solutions you would personally use ✅ Success requires commitment, sacrifice, trusted partnerships, and legal awareness ✅ Not everyone must be a founder; supporting roles are equally valuable She also recommended *The Social Network*, *The Founder*, and *Steve Jobs* as inspiration. Her message: stay prepared, stay informed, and keep learning. #BreakThePattern #WTMEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

Reminder for our community 🚨 As Community Partners for the Dev3Pack Hackathon, we’re now heading into the final application window. This hackathon is strictly for students and women builders, so apply accordingly and make sure your submission is solid. Key flow: 1. Apply to the hackathon (deadline: May 6): Here 2. Then apply to join our Web3 Ethiopia local hub: https://luma.com/141qx9gz We’ll be hosting selected participants in person with mentorship and a structured hacking environment. Important: Access to our IRL hub and workspace (May 8–10) is only for participants accepted into the hackathon. No acceptance means no access to the physical event. What selected hackers get: * $10K+ USD in cash prizes * 12 Solana Seeker phones * $70+ in AI partner tools per hacker * Accelerator access for underrepresented talent * Global demo day exposure Tracks: * Best apps on Solana * Best mobile apps (Solana Mobile) * Best cross-chain apps (LI.FI) * Best ElevenLabs integration * Best AI agent in real-world environments Top teams progress further into the ecosystem, with a pathway leading to Colosseum. If you’re eligible, apply with intent 🎯 Deadline is close ⏳

Ideas in motion. Progress in real-time. ⚡️ The hackathon is officially under way! #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

Your Tech Journey Starts This Saturday! 🚀 Join WTM Ethiopia, GDG on Campus BITS, and GDG on Campus HiLCoE for a unique Break the Pattern "vibe coding" hackathon. Worried about skills? Start with an AI problem-solving prep workshop to build and win. Why Join? 🏆 Exciting Prizes 🌍 International Recognition 🛠 Vibe Coding Hackathon - Beginner to builder in one day Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026 📍 Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor Register here - https://luma.com/goh9p860 Sponsors: Premium: Professor Abebe Rorissa| Dashen Bank Gold: Dala Studio | Aurora | Vercel | Notion Silver: gheero

Meet Our Judges We’re honored to have an incredible panel of judges who bring diverse expertise, creativity, and vision to #BreakThePattern. Etsub Mekonnen — Architect and designer, specializing in creative planning, visual design, and functional solutions. Ribka Zewde — Bio-Technologist, climate advocate, and women’s rights ally, driving innovation and community‑focused solutions. Kenenisa Alemayehu — Software Engineer and Competitive Programmer, expert in backend systems, system design, and performance optimization. Together, they will be evaluating projects with a focus on creativity, functionality, innovation, and impact. ✨ Join us as we celebrate #BreakThePattern by turning bold ideas into real‑world applications. Present your project, get expert feedback from our judges, and be part of a movement shaping the future. 📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026 📍 Venue: Aurora Co‑working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Register Here #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

🥇 Gold Sponsor Spotlight: Dala Studio We are proud to spotlight Dala Studio, a forward-thinking tech innovator empowering creators, developers, and businesses to bring ideas to life faster than ever before. Turn Your Ideas Into Working Apps In Minutes, Not Months Describe your app in your own language — Amharic, Swahili, Hausa, or any African language — and watch Gebeya Dala generate production-ready code instantly. Built by Africans, for Africa. Dala Studio is redefining how digital products are built by combining creativity, accessibility, and cutting-edge technology. From concept to deployment, they enable individuals and teams to design, build, and launch solutions with speed and confidence. Thank you, Dala Studio, for being a Gold Sponsor and supporting our community. Event Details: Date: April 25th Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor Status: Registration OPEN – https://luma.com/goh9p860 #DalaStudio #Sponsor #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

Meet our Judge: Ribka Zewde Ribka Zewde is a professional working at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. She supports ventures that use technology to address real-world challenges, especially in health and climate resilience. Through her work with organizations such as @Lanchi, she advances accessible and inclusive solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities. She is also deeply engaged in the startup ecosystem, with a passion for empowering women and youth to step into leadership and problem-solving spaces. As a judge, Ribka will evaluate projects based on impact, innovation, and their potential to drive meaningful change. ✨ Join us as we celebrate #BreakThePattern by turning bold ideas into real-world applications. Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026 📍 Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Register Here: https://luma.com/goh9p860 #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

Meet our Hackathon Judge: Kenenisa Alemayehu Kenenisa Alemayehu is a Software Engineer and Competitive Programmer, and former Head of Development at A2SV. He led the development of A2SV Hub, focusing on platform architecture, performance, and developer tooling. With deep expertise in backend systems using Go and Node.js, Kenenisa specializes in system design and performance optimization. He is currently building Ora Browser, an open-source browser project, pushing the boundaries of modern web technology. As a judge, he will be evaluating projects with a focus on system design quality, performance optimization, and innovation in architecture. ✨ Join us as we celebrate #BreakThePattern by turning ideas into real‑world applications. Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026 📍 Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Registration OPEN → Register Here #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

Meet our Judge: Etsub Mekonnen Etsub Mekonnen is an architect and designer with experience in residential and commercial projects, specializing in creative planning, visual design, and functional solutions. Her background spans architectural drafting, interior and landscape design, as well as graphic and brand design. She focuses on combining practical functionality with creative thinking to deliver designs that are both effective and visually engaging. As a judge, Etsub will be evaluating projects with a focus on creativity, functionality, and overall design execution. ✨ Join us as we celebrate #BreakThePattern by turning bold ideas into real‑world applications. Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026 📍 Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Registration OPEN → Register Here #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

Meet our Workshop Lead: Firehiwot Kebede Firehiwot Kebede is a Computer Engineer and AI researcher with over 5 years of experience as a lecturer and technical trainer. Her work focuses on AI, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning, and using Python for data analysis. She has experience teaching and applying these tools in practical, real-world contexts. Firehiwot will be leading a hands-on workshop, introducing participants to key concepts in AI and how to apply them in real projects. Join us to #BreakThePattern by exploring how AI can transform ideas into impactful solutions. Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026 📍 Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Registration OPEN → Register Here #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

Meet our Judge: Etsub Mekonnen Etsub Mekonnen is an architect and designer with experience in residential and commercial projects, specializing in creative planning, visual design, and functional solutions. Her background spans architectural drafting, interior and landscape design, as well as graphic and brand design. She focuses on combining practical functionality with creative thinking to deliver designs that are both effective and visually engaging. As a judge, Etsub will be evaluating projects with a focus on creativity, functionality, and overall design execution. ✨ Join us as we celebrate #BreakThePattern by turning bold ideas into real‑world applications. Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026 📍 Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Registration OPEN → Register Here #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

Meet our Guest of Honor: Samiya Abdulkadir Samiya Abdulkadir is a leader in youth entrepreneurship and investment, serving as Chairperson of the Alliance of African Youth Entrepreneurs Association (AAYEA) and Founding Board Member of the International Alliance of Youth Entrepreneurs Association (IAYEA). She is Managing Partner of Godu Group Trade and Investment, Founder of Aim View General Educational Consultancy, and Founder of Minimum Learning Competency Ethiopia (MLCE). She also works as a Startup Coach and Mentor across Africa, supporting young innovators. An award-winning founder of the Ethiopian Youth Entrepreneurs Association (EYEA), she champions technology transfer and market access for Africa’s next generation. Join us as we recognize her impact and hear her vision for young innovators to break the pattern. Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026 📍 Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Register Here #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

🥈 Silver Sponsor Spotlight: gheero We are proud to have gheero as a sponsor of Break the Patterns. gheero is a technology company building practical, data-driven solutions that connect AI, learning, and real-world impact. Their work spans training, product development, and consultancy, with a strong focus on making technology more accessible and applicable in local contexts. Through initiatives like Leyu, gheero is advancing Ethiopian language AI through community-driven datasets, including a recently released 200-hour Amharic speech dataset. https://leyu.ai/datasets Their mission remains clear: democratizing access to technology. Thank you, gheero, for supporting our community. Event Details: Date: April 25th Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor Status: Registration OPEN – https://luma.com/goh9p860 #gheero #Sponsor #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

🥇 Gold Sponsor Spotlight: Aurora Addis We're proud to spotlight Aurora, a coworking space that helps you find your space. Aurora Addis offers private offices, dedicated desks, meeting rooms, and an event space for small gatherings or larger events. Whether you're working alone or with a team, it's a place where work feels good and community matters. Innovation starts with breaking the mold. That's why Aurora Addis has joined WTM Ethiopia as a Gold Sponsor for #BreakThePattern. They are dedicated to supporting the tech and creative community as they build, collaborate, and shape the future together. Thank you, Aurora Addis, for sponsoring our Break the Pattern Hackathon event and helping us elevate the experience for our community. Event Details: 📅 Date: April 25th 📍 Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Status: Registration OPEN – https://luma.com/goh9p860 #Aurora #Sponsor #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

🥇 Gold Sponsor Spotlight: Notion We are proud to spotlight Notion, the connected workspace that helps individuals and teams organize, plan, and execute their work in one place. Notion brings together notes, documents, databases, and project management into a single flexible system. From early-stage ideas to full-scale execution, teams use Notion to build knowledge systems, streamline collaboration, and improve productivity. Trusted by startups, enterprises, and global teams, Notion has become a core tool for modern digital workflows. Thank you, Notion, for being a Gold Sponsor and supporting our community. Event Details: Date: April 25th Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor Status: Registration OPEN – https://luma.com/goh9p860 #Notion #Sponsor #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

🥇 Gold Sponsor Spotlight: V0 by Vercel We're proud to spotlight V0 by Vercel, the AI Cloud platform that helps developers build, deploy, and scale modern web applications. V0 by Vercel powers the world's fastest websites and apps. From Next.js - the most popular React framework to v0 - an AI assistant that turns ideas into code from a simple description, Vercel gives developers the tools to ship work faster. Trusted by companies like OpenAI, Nike, Netflix, and TikTok, Vercel handles the infrastructure so teams can focus on building. Thank you, Vercel, for being a Gold Sponsor and supporting our community. Event Details: 📅 Date: April 25th 📍 Venue: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Status: Registration OPEN – https://luma.com/goh9p860 #Vercel #Sponsor #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

🚀 Break the Pattern: Build. Innovate. Win. WTM Ethiopia presents Break The pattern, featuring a Vibe-Coding Hackathon, in collaboration with GDGoC BITS and GDGoC HiLCoE. Whether you’re technical or not, you’re welcome! 📅 When: April 25th 📍 Where: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Status: Registration OPEN – https://luma.com/goh9p860 #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakersEthiopia #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

🚀 Break the Pattern: Build. Innovate. Win. WTM Ethiopia presents Break The pattern, featuring a Vibe-Coding Hackathon, in collaboration with GDGoC BITS and GDGoC HiLCoE. Whether you’re technical or not, you’re welcome! 📅 When: April 25th 📍 Where: Aurora Co-working – Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Status: Registration OPEN – https://luma.com/goh9p860 #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakers #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE

🚀 Break the Pattern: Build. Innovate. Win. If you can think, you can build. If you can build, you can win. Whether you’re a creative, a student, a developer, or a non-technical join us for a high-energy day of building and discovery. No prior coding experience? No problem. What’s happening: ✨ Vibe Coding Workshop: Learn to build functional apps instantly using AI tools (perfect for beginners!). 🏗 Hands-on Building: Turn your ideas into working prototypes in one afternoon. 🔥 Fireside Chats: Insights from industry voices and tech leaders. 💰 Major Cash Prizes: Reward your impact significant prizes for top-performing teams! 🍕 Free Hospitality: Food and refreshments provided all day. 📅 When: April 25th 📍 Where: Aurora Co-working - Dani Plaza, 4th Floor 🎟 Status: Registration is OPEN! Capacity is strictly limited. 👉 REGISTER HERE - https://luma.com/goh9p860 Break old patterns. Build new solutions. Win the future. #BreakThePattern #WomenTechmakers #GDGoCBITS #GDGoCHiLCoE