Versus Virus Hackathon: Create solutions to address COVID19 Challenges!

COVID-19 has developed into a global crisis in recent weeks. Dozens of countries are currently facing similar challenges. And time is critical. The initiative #VersusVirus, under the patronage of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA), calls out to individuals and communities to contribute solutions or to propose challenges for the hackathon. Further, the initiative is reaching out to organizations who can contribute data, technology or support communications globally.

In the 48h online Hackathon, the goal is to develop functional digital or analogue prototypes to counter the virus with tangible solutions. For this to work, the #VersusVirus Hackathon needs a strong, diverse community. That means people with very different perspectives and abilities. Tech and medical talents, scientists and health experts, tech and data driven companies and humanitarian organizations, as well as creative individuals can sign up now on external page #VersusVirus to contribute solutions, challenges or mentoring.

From March 27 to 30, another initiative, the 72h online non-profit hackathon external page #CodeVsCOVID19, will take place, marking the beginning of this effort. It will be followed by the #VersusVirus, which will build on the solutions and prototypes previously developed with a special focus on Swiss challenges, from April 2 to 4, within 48 hours. The two initiatives thematically build on each other and the results are then jointly summarised, communicated and followed up.