#COVAHACKS24
Improving Disaster Response

CHALLENGE

Apply your ideas, creative skills, and programming expertise in order to create an IT-tool which addresses the challenges of data interoperability in disaster management, in particular for hydrometeorological risks. We are particularly interested in solutions which take into account inter-organizational and cross-border challenges. More information about these topics is provided here. For your submission, developing a prototype application is sufficient. 

The hackathon is part of the EU-funded project COVALEX (Community of Valued Experts in Hydrometeorological and Technological Multi-Hazards) that aims to create a community of experts in hydrometeorological and technological hazards. Hydrometeorological hazards include thunderstorms, heavy snowfall, droughts, hot and cold spells etc. These hazards can, in turn, cause secondary hazards such as landslides and wildfires. Besides that, they can cause technological risks – e.g., heavy snowfall leading to prolonged power outages. Learn more about the project here. Learn more about the project here.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

The Hackathon is open to participants from all age groups and UCPM member states (i.e., EU nationals as well as nationals from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine). However, we will be particularly happy to receive registrations from university and PhD students. You can either sign up as a group or as an individual and we will try to pair you with other individuals. Interdisciplinary teams, e.g., from computer sciences, social sciences, and engineering, are very much welcome and encouraged.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

To participate in the hackathon, follow these steps:

1. Register by filling out the form provided (click the link below). You can take part as a team (up to three participants) or individually. 

2. Develop a prototype application in order to showcase your idea to relevant stakeholders. This will also be accompanied by a short (< 4 minutes) YouTube video presentation of your idea.

3. Submit your application, along with a link to the YouTube presentation. If questions about disaster management arise during the submission period, mentoring support can be provided. All submitted models are open source, and they will be made available for the development of prototype open applications, not for industrial purposes.

In case you have any questions, please contact jasmina.schmidt[at]dcna.at

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Relevance to the Domain of Civil Protection

• Originality

• Potential Impact on Disaster Management Challenges

• Presentation