DMZ works to ‘flatten the curve’ with a COVID-19 Hackathon
TORONTO, March 27, 2020 – As social distancing is being practiced within communities across Canada due to COVID-19, DMZ is creating an online space where individuals could ideate, experiment and build solutions to help address this crisis.
DMZ’s #HackTheCurve Challenge is an opportunity for individuals to create teams online and build solutions to drive social impact, with the aim of tackling challenges related to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“While continuing to practice social distancing, we’re encouraging innovators across Canada to take advantage of online tools in order to work collaboratively and create solutions that can support businesses, government and individuals impacted by COVID-19. locally and globally,” said Abdullah Snobar, executive director, DMZ.
Over a two-week period, teams of up to five participants will compete for up to $10,000 in cash prizes by seeing who can develop an innovative technology solution to help flatten the epidemic’s curve.
Participating individuals or teams are challenged to create a digital solution that aims to help combat issues related to the COVID-19 crisis across a range of the following suggested themes:
- Virtual supports to help those in need
- Communication platforms to mobilize information
- Solutions for healthcare improvement (diagnostics, ventilation, sanitation, etc.)
- Contact tracing solutions
- Crisis management tools
- Business continuity
- Senior citizen support
DMZ #HackTheCurve Challenge timeline:
March 27 – Applications are open.
April 5 – Applications close.
April 8 – 22 – Teams will Hack while receiving access to workshops on lead by experts in the startup ecosystem
April 23 – Winner of up to $10,000 cash prize is announced + receive expedited application for DMZ membership
For more information on eligibility requirements and to apply, visit dmz.to/hackthecurve.
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About DMZ: More than just a home for entrepreneurs, the DMZ positively impacts the world by preparing the top tech startups for global expansion, which enables them to foster more made-in-Canada jobs and build technologies that change lives. Since 2010, DMZ has helped 445 startups raise over $741 million and foster over 4,000 jobs.
