Global hackathon to crowdsource tech solutions to combat Covid-19 launched

• “Better Health Hackathon: #CodeforCovid19,” aims to find solutions for the immediate and long-term societal impact of Covid-19
• The hackathon is organised by HCL Technologies in association with Microsoft and International SOS

A global hackathon aimed at crowdsourcing technology innovation to find solutions for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has attracted over 7500 applications worldwide.

The applications have come from 600+ unique organisations and academic institutions spanning 350 locations across 52 countries.

The competition is open to technology innovators, entrepreneurs and problem solvers from the global developer community.

In an effort to engage top talent in the coding community, the hackathon is partnering with BeMyApp to leverage their expansive network of coders and tech enthusiasts. The Hackathon is open to eligible participants who are at least 18 years of age.

An initiative of HCL Technologies in association with Microsoft and medical and travel security services firm International SOS, the multi-phase hackathon, “Better Health Hackathon: #CodeforCovid19,” aims to find solutions for the immediate and long-term societal impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, including pandemic containment and prevention; diagnosis, treatment and therapeutic management; recovery and return to normal; and systemic solutions for future crises.

Judges and advisory panel members include experts from Johns Hopkins University, University of Cambridge, Tuck School of Business, The University of Queensland, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and subject matter experts from HCL.

“Technology has a big role to play in alleviating the challenges brought on by the pandemic, addressing solutions for successful containment and the reorientation of business and society,” Arthur Filip, Executive Vice President, Sales Transformation & Marketing, HCL Technologies, said.

Specifically, the HCL Better Health Hackathon: #CodeForCOVID19 will address the following areas:

• Prevention and containment: #StayAtHome
• Diagnosis, treatment & therapeutic management
• Recovery and return to normal
• Systemic solutions for crises and pandemic management