Boosting the Digital Economy with Haitian Developers was the official tagline of Dev Expo 2021.

Digital innovations are reshaping our society at an unprecedented scale. We live in a world where technology touches everything, health, education, transport, energy, entertainment, manufacturing, agriculture, commerce, and public administration. While the rest of the world races ahead, Haiti faced a crucial moment in 2021.

The Questions We Needed to Answer

In 2021, the Haitian tech community grappled with fundamental questions:

• How many developers were actually working in Haiti?
• Which tech startups were operating locally?
• How could technology help address crime and security challenges?
• How could we transform struggling industries into digital opportunities?
• What would it take for Haitian entrepreneurs to succeed in tech?
• How could we expand internet access beyond Port-au-Prince's privileged few?
• How could we build political support for tech-forward policies?
• What payment infrastructure did we need for real e-commerce to flourish?

Why Dev Expo Matters

The digital revolution arrived late to Haiti, but it arrived nonetheless. To showcase our growing developer community and accelerate this transformation, the Facebook Developer Circle Port-au-Prince team and Banj launched Dev Expo in 2018, Haiti's first developer conference, inspired by Facebook's F8.

Dev Expo empowers Haitian developers to showcase their products globally, network with peers, and connect with potential investors to bring their projects to life.

The 2021 edition took place on December 11 at Karibe Hotel, bringing together 30 startups and 500 attendees. We didn't just accept any project, a panel of judges evaluated each submission against strict criteria. Projects with working prototypes and clear business models had the best chance of selection.

How Developers Participated

Applications opened October 1 and closed November 10 at midnight. We actively encouraged women developers and founders to apply, working to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem.

What Winners Gained

Thanks to our sponsors, selected startups received:

1. Visibility: The top 5 startups pitched to 500 attendees and gained exposure on major social media platforms including Chokarella and FernandoLive
2. Investment: Direct funding to continue developing their projects
3. Mentorship: Ongoing support from the Banj network and partner organizations

Building Haiti's Tech Future

Dev Expo represents more than just a conference, it's a catalyst for Haiti's digital transformation. It's where experienced developers train the next generation, where startups find their first customers, and where international opportunities meet local talent.

This event wouldn't exist without our sponsors and partners: Banj, Syntax Studio, US Embassy in Haiti, BRH, Digicel, and Chokarella.

Stay Connected

Follow our journey:

• Website: devexpo.ht
• Twitter: @devexpoht
• Instagram: @devexpoht
• Facebook: devexpoht

Want to support Haiti's tech ecosystem? Contact us at hello@devexpo.ht