IBM calls applications for the 2020 Call for Code Global Challenge. The Call for Code Global Challenge focuses on COVID-19 this year. COVID-19 pandemic has evolved to be one of the greatest and harsh pandemics that has already taken the lives of more than 12,000 people worldwide in less than six months. The 2020 Call for Code Global Challenge is expanding its focus to tackle the effects of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. Technology solutions can help seize and reduce the impact this pandemic has on our daily lives. Now is the time to unite and act swiftly.

Why focus on COVID-19?

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic poses not only a huge health concern to people – particularly the immunocompromised and elderly – but it also has had huge effects on uprooting societies and disrupting supply chains globally. We’re asking the world’s developers and subject matter experts to help tackle this pandemic by increasing awareness through communications, and by limiting the spread of infectious diseases through crisis communication, remote education, and community cooperation.

Call for Code 

Call for Code asks innovators to create practical, effective, and high-quality applications based on one or more IBM Cloud services (for example, web, mobile, data, analytics, AI, IoT, or weather) that can have an immediate and lasting impact on humanitarian issues. Moreover, teams of developers, data scientists, designers, business analysts, subject matter experts and more are challenged to build solutions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and climate change.

Tracks 

In the year 2020, the competition will have two tracks. Winning solutions are deployed in communities that need the most help.

• One track is for solutions that help halt and reverse the impact of climate change.
• The second track is for solutions to mitigate the impact of global pandemics like COVID-19 on communities around the world.

Prizes 

Grand Prize Winner

• $200,000 USD cash prize
• Invitation to the Call for Code Global Award Announcement
• Open-source project support from The Linux Foundation
• Opportunity for mentorship and investment in the solution
• Solution implementation support through Code and Response

First and Second Runner Up

• $25,000 USD cash prize
• Invitation to the Call for Code Global Award Announcement
• Open-source project support from The Linux Foundation

Third and Fourth Runner Up

• $10,000 USD cash prize
• Invitation to the Call for Code Global Award Announcement
• Open-source project support from The Linux Foundation

Eligibilities 

All developers, designers, and entrepreneurs who are over the age of 18 or the age of majority in their jurisdiction, whichever is greater can apply for IBM 2020 Call on Code on COVID-19 Challenge. Employees of IBM, DCC, and governmental agencies are not eligible to participate. All participants must accept the terms of the Participation Agreement upon submission. Full details on eligibility can be found in the Participation Agreement.

Visit this link for more information.