Cloud-based platform to aid emergency reponse wins Ireland’s first ever energy hackathon

An innovative cloud-based platform to alert and coordinate emergency response units to potential risks on the electricity network during storms has won the ESB Big Energy Hack, Ireland’s first ever energy hackathon which took place last weekend in Dogwatch Labs.

The real-time solution, created by the Cloud Command team allows emergency services such as the Gardai, fire services, hospitals and state agencies share information such as the precise location of damaged network, leading to better coordination during times of crisis.

The judging panel were highly impressed with the scale and ambition of all the ideas generated by 150 hackers, who formed into ten teams over the course of the weekend.

The second prize went to the JOLT team pictured above, who developed a technology using social media platforms to identify the cost of electricity homes are using and help consumers save money in real time.Meanwhile, the third prize was awarded to the SPOT team pictured above, who devised the concept of parking sensors to manage designated Electric Vehicles charging spots. (Photos of the winning teams are attached).

Hosted by ESB, the winning team of six members created the solution during an intensive 48-hour period at the hackathon event which took place at the Dogpatch Labs, Dublin.

More than 150 hackers participated in The Big Energy Hack, organised in partnership with DCU Alpha and Dogpatch Labs. Each team formed had to build and pitch their idea to a panel of expert judges with the Cloud Command team scooping the top prize of €5,000 and the possibility of developing this idea further at ESB’s innovation hub, X_Site.

Presenting the winning prizes, Pat O’Doherty, Chief Executive of ESB, commented: “I warmly congratulate the winning team members who won out in the face of stiff competition, after a marathon 48 hour session. The Cloud Command team devised an idea that is not only innovative, but also practical and implementable and ESB will be working with the winning team to investigate how to make this idea a reality in the coming months.

“I thank each and every participant for their involvement over the weekend. Events like this allow us to collaborate with talent from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. I’ve been hugely encouraged the enthusiasm demonstrated to create Ireland’s new energy future.”

Following opening pitches last Friday evening, participants formed into ten teams. Three individual challenges focused on enhancing the electric driving experience, empowering customers to be more energy efficient and enhancing the reliability and quality of the electricity supply. The teams were supported by more than 30 mentors comprising of experts in the energy industry, as well as business, IT and marketing professionals.