Tag: nonprofit hackathon for good

In 2022, Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched the Amazon Sustainability Data Initiative (ASDI) Global Hackathon, part of a new collaboration with the International Research Centre in Artificial Intelligence, under the auspices of UNESCO. Participants were asked to use their creativity, intelligence, and technical skills to build sustainability solutions using data from ASDI on any AWS Cloud services to build solutions that support one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the United Nations (UN). We connected with Jeff McWhirter, the first place winner, to learn more about his winning project, the Repository for Archiving and MAnaging Diverse Data (RAMADDA).

As education has shifted to remote delivery, traditional mechanisms for engaging students and creating practical learning opportunities have had to adapt too. One mechanism—the hackathon—is increasingly taking place virtually. Typically, hackathons are in-person technology events where teams or individuals create solutions to a specific problem or challenge in a short timeframe, often 24 hours or a weekend. Hackathons are also social learning events where peers can connect, learn from each other, seek support from technical experts, and produce a cool (even if imperfect) solution. Cloud technology tools and resources can help virtual hackathons be as successful as traditional hackathons.

Maybe you’ve never thought about hackathons before. Or maybe you have a vague idea as to what they are. Or perhaps you are the champion of hundreds of hackathons. Either way, read on to learn why you should consider hackathons in a new way.

At the re:Invent 2019 Nonprofit Hackathon for Good, more than 150 re:Invent attendees put their minds together to develop solutions for real-world challenges from four nonprofits: Best Friends Animal Society, SkyTruth, Urban Institute, and Vibrant Emotional Health. The winning team pitched a solution on how to build personalized safety plans for people calling Vibrant Emotional Health’s Lifeline, a national suicide prevention help line.

Today on Giving Tuesday, GameChanger Charity is hosting a live stream on Twitch to raise money and awareness about their mission. And this year’s fundraising includes the winning solution from last year’s re:Invent 2018 hackathon.