Irish spirit shines in EU’s Africa Hackathon

By Shannon Flynn

The Irish were a central element in the annual EU: Africa hackathon that started on December 10, 2020, and finished yesterday. The event called upon entrepreneurs from different parts of the globe for innovations and plans.

This year was especially unique since the COVID-19 pandemic caused countless social and economic issues for individuals and communities everywhere.

The hackathon is a collaboration between the African Union, Estonia, Ireland, Finland, Poland, and Luxembourg. It draws upon most countries in Africa and the E.U., putting together the minds of countless entrepreneurs.

Ireland’s participation is vital in terms of symbolism.  The country’s focus on innovative solutions shines through.

Irish involvement casts eyes on the Pandemic

2020 has an obvious difference from previous hackathons. The coronavirus pandemic is a pressing issue, with the winter bringing in new spikes and peaks across the world. Such high-stakes effects require equally powerful solutions. The EU: Africa hackathon specializes in exactly that.

The virus has direct impacts on human health, the environment, economies, and everyday life for billions of people. However, the effects run deeper as well.

For instance, the drops in pollution at the beginning of shutdowns showed a path forward for replacing fossil fuels. Elsewhere, the need for information and economic assistance has increased the number of scams in the world.

The issues run deep and the hackathon conference is keen on providing solutions, now more than ever. While social distancing and travel restrictions are keeping this year’s event from happening in-person, the online platform has expanded the reach.

Hosts Garage48 and Smart Africa have stated that the 2020 EU: Africa hackathon will have around 300 teams, from 10,000 applicants.

In the past, the hackathon has only been able to welcome 30 times due to limited capacity. Now, all participants can focus on solutions for food shortages, economies, cybersecurity, climate change, public health, education, unemployment, and smart cities.

Ireland’s Contributions

As a major player and collaborator in the EU: Africa hackathon, Ireland entrepreneurs will be participating this year more than ever.

With the online setup welcoming hundreds more people and teams, Ireland can draw upon the foundation of climate change research and financial research organizations have laid out.

Ireland has its own annual hackathon as well, the Ulster Bank Hackathon, where contributors focus on similar issues as the EU: Africa conference. It occurs at the end of September every year, a strong predecessor to the international conference with the rest of the EU and Africa.

As an individual or working with an organization, you can benefit from watching countless Irish entrepreneurs and enterprises participate. Plans that specialize in economic recovery, helping citizens get back on their feet, sustainable energy, and sanitation.

The vast pool of applicants and participants this year is ideal for such a widespread issue as the coronavirus. Additionally, the hosts and organizers of the hackathon shape the event so that entrepreneurs of different backgrounds can collaborate.

From developers to designers to urban planners, working together is key. This hackathon is critical for progress in Ireland and around the world.

Irish entrepreneurs: Competing for the ultimate prize

The winner of the hackathon will receive €100,000, or about $121,000. Moreover, the entrepreneur or organization that wins will also receive thorough follow-up training that guides their ideas and proposals into becoming a reality.

The pandemic had no doubt led to a more pressing focus on this year’s EU: Africa hackathon. With more people participating, 2020 is sure to bring more solutions for the immediate present and for the future.

Next year’s conference could promise solutions just as big, and hopefully will maintain the level of Irish innovation that was present this year.

About the author 

Shannon Flynn is a technology writer and Managing Editor for ReHack.com. She contributes to sites like Innovation & Tech Today, Re-Work, and VGR. To see more from Shannon, follow ReHack on Twitter!

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