Overview:
Five Haitian startups received a combined 5 million gourdes, about U.S $38,462 during the opening weekend of Dev Expo 2026, an annual technology event that organizers say has become one of the country’s leading spaces for young developers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The winning projects use artificial intelligence to address challenges in security, health care, education and financial inclusion, while the conference continues activities across Haiti and within the diaspora. Organizers say the annual event has become one of Haiti’s largest gatherings for developers, entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Five startups using artificial intelligence received a combined 5 million gourdes or $38,462 on June 6 after winning the AI Challenge during the opening day of Dev Expo 2026, an annual technology conference that organizers say has become one of Haiti’s largest gatherings for young developers, entrepreneurs and digital innovators.
The top prize of 2 million gourdes, about $15,385, went to Zòn Pam, a real-time community alert platform that helps users identify security incidents and high-risk areas. The project also incorporates an AI assistant named Nora that answers security-related questions.
“We participated in Dev Expo with the goal not only of winning, but also of having the opportunity to build a community where people can share information,” said Ruth Jean-Mary, one of the members of the winning team Zòn Pa m.
Held at the Montana Hotel in Pétion-Ville, the event brought together developers, students, startup founders, investors and technology professionals from across Haiti and the diaspora.
The opening competition highlighted projects using artificial intelligence to tackle security, healthcare, education and financial inclusion, offering a glimpse of how young developers are trying to use technology to solve some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
The conference, organized by Banj since 2018, has grown steadily despite insecurity, limited internet access and infrastructure challenges, which organizers say reflects a continued appetite among youth for technology.
2026 Innovation: From Port-au-Prince to all 10 departments
The AI Challenge is only one component of this year’s conference. This edition is also the most ambitious yet. Organizers are holding activities across Haiti’s 10 departments while offering online participation for Haitians living abroad.
“In a country where the news is often discouraging, Dev Expo creates a bubble where young people feel they can succeed,” said Marc Alain Boucicault, founder of Banj. “It gives them the strength to keep believing in their dreams and to stay in the country to work.”
They have also planned 10 workshops on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the digital economy, along with the launch of the Kote Nou Developer Survey 2026, an effort to identify Haitian developers in Haiti and throughout the diaspora. Organizers will also host DevFest, a technology and cultural festival that combines innovation, networking and entertainment.
“The initiative aims to encourage the development of innovative technological solutions, stimulate creativity among local developers, and open concrete pathways toward digital transformation and economic growth,” Boucicault said.
Growth in participation
The conference has expanded considerably in recent years after its 2018 launch.
In 2024, organizers said 92 startups applied to participate in the event’s hack challenge. Twenty-two projects were selected to receive technical and business support, and organizers awarded $10,000 in prizes.
Organizers also reported more than $15,000 in investment discussions involving projects presented during the conference. That edition attracted 110 in-person participants and 197 online.
Participation increased significantly in 2025. According to organizers, the main conference drew 1,880 participants in person and another 342 online. A total of 39 projects were presented. They reported that Dev Expo-related content generated more than 2.1 million views in less than a week.
The “Devlopè Kote Nou” survey conducted alongside the event identified 551 Haitian developers living in Haiti and the diaspora, providing one of the clearest snapshots of the country’s growing technology community.
Boucicault explained that Dev Expo focuses on promoting technology solutions developed in Haiti under the “Made in Haiti” label. The initiative seeks to highlight opportunities within the country’s digital economy, including the growing role of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
“DevExpo is building a brand,” he said. “It shows that Haiti can produce technology at an international level, which can help attract investment. It also provides reference points for younger generations, helping them see technology as a viable path for the future.”
Challenges remain
The growth of Haiti’s technology sector continues despite major obstacles, organizers said.
Internet access remains limited in many parts of the country. According to the World Bank, only about 35% of Haiti’s population had access to broadband internet service in 2020, far below the regional average.
Developers and entrepreneurs also face recurring electricity shortages, security concerns and limited access to financing, all of which can make it difficult to build and sustain technology businesses.
Despite those challenges, organizers say interest in technology continues to grow among young Haitians.
The second prize winner, Kòb Mwen, received 1.5 million gourdes for its financial education platform. Three other projects — Smart Digital Health for Haiti (KURA), The Baccalaureate and PHARx — each received 500,000 gourdes for technology solutions focused on health care, education and access to medications.
Looking ahead
The conference continued with workshops, networking activities, and discussions involving participants from across Haiti and the diaspora. Organizers said they expect the conference to reach more than 10,000 participants through in-person and virtual activities, making it the largest Dev Expo since the event began.
They said the projects were selected because they combine technology with practical solutions to social and economic challenges.
For the winning team behind Zòn Pam, the prize represented more than financial support.
“We are very happy, and this is a bonus because we gained valuable experience through Banj’s incubation program. We are proud to receive the title of Dev Expo 2026 champions.” Zón Pam winner said.
The 2026 edition also features a “Developer of the Year” award and a tribute to Michel Stéphane Bruno, a pioneer of information and communication technologies in Haiti who was killed in 2016.
Beyond workshops and presentations, organizers say the conference aims to help participants better understand how technology can respond to challenges facing communities across Haiti.
