The World Health Organisation (WHO) is collaborating with global tech giants to launch the #BuildforCOVID19 Global Online Hackathon.
The competition calls for developers to build software that tackles challenges related to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Technology companies and platforms including Facebook, Giphy, Microsoft, Pinterest, Slack, TikTok, Twitter and WeChat, will be share resources and support participants throughout the submission period.
Suggested themes were developed in collaboration with the WHO to spark idea and are:
Health: Address and scale a range of health initiatives, including preventative/hygiene behaviours (especially for at-risk countries and populations), supporting frontline health workers, scaling telemedicine, contact tracing/containment strategies, treatment and diagnosis development.
Vulnerable Populations: The set of problems facing the elderly and the immuno-compromised, such as access to meals and groceries, and supporting those who are losing jobs and income.
Businesses: The set of problems that businesses are facing to stay afloat, collaborate effectively, and move parts of their business online.
Community: Promoting connection to friends, family, and neighbors to combat social isolation and the digitizing of public services for local governments.
Education: Alternative learning environments and tools for students, teachers, and entire school systems.
Entertainment: Alternatives to traditional forms of entertainment that can keep the talent and audiences safe and healthy.
Submissions are open March 26 to 30.