Two-Day Hackathon to Drive Change for Climate Action

Analog Devices International (ADI) is hosting a two-day Hackathon to examine how ADI technology and business models could be used to combat climate change.

Over 70 of the brightest minds from the company’s sites in Dublin, Cork and Limerick have gathered for the event taking place in Catalyst, Analog’s new state-of-the-art collaboration facility. Split into teams of six, they will work for two days straight with the aim of designing and pitching original and innovative solutions to mitigate the climate crisis using ADI technology and sustainable business mechanisms.

Climate action is high on Analog Devices agenda. Last year, Analog Devices, Inc pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

Speaking about the Hackathon, Donal McAuliffe, Analog Devices, said “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the planet. Taking a pulse of the company, we know it’s very much top of mind for our people. ADI technology is already being used by our customers around the world to solve some of the toughest engineering challenges in health, automotive and other industries.

So, we are in a unique position to drive positive impact. People want to do the right thing for the environment. Everyone is incredibly motivated and determined to use their effort, skills, and talent to identify new and innovative ways to make meaningful progress in addressing the climate crisis. It might not change the world, but the winning solution could make a calculable impact.”

“This Hackathon provides our hackers with the opportunity to Engineer Good – where they can focus on a societal problem, identify the true need and develop multiple solutions that can be implemented in a short time. It’s also a superb opportunity to reconnect or create new connections and develop soft skills after two years of remote working. No doubt the energy in the room will be electric,” he continued.

The company organised a series of talks and workshops in advance of the Hackathon to help the hackers prepare for their pitches and understand what is being done or needs to be done to address the climate crisis. A variety of climate and sustainability experts shared thought-provoking insights around current progress in energy, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing and biodiversity.

On Thursday 5th May, each team will pitch their idea to a panel of judges, Dragon’s Den style. The winning solution will demonstrate how it addresses the problem identified, uses of ADI technology effectively and shows potential to make a real difference. The company will then examine the feasibility of developing the winning concept into a solution for actual deployment by a relevant organisation.

This is the 5th year the company has organised the Hackathon. Previous Hackathons have addressed challenges around conservation of natural resources, assisted living and visual impairment.