Applications call for Africa Takes on COVID-19.

Africa Takes on the COVID-19 Challenge event is the third in a series of virtual hackathons. Basically, over the course of two days, multi-disciplinary teams will collaborate to develop innovative solutions that can help address the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, the program is focused on connecting teams with the tools and resources needed to develop mature solutions that can be implemented by an organizer’s partners. After the Challenge, selected teams will have the opportunity to bring their solutions to life with the support of MIT partners. The next event is May 1-3, 2020. Furthermore, in this 48-hour virtual event, MIT will help tackle the most critical unmet needs caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in Africa.

Challenge Prompts 

• Flattening the curve: How to prevent disease transmission and protect vulnerable populations from the effects of COVID-19?
• Supporting our Health Systems: How to strengthen the health systems and health facilities that may face staff, supplies, and resource shortages?

Prizes 

Winning teams will receive

• Computing resources
• Organizational support and
• Direct assess to key partners to further develop, validate, and implement solutions developed.

Eligibilities 

Basically, MIT Africa Takes on the COVID-19 program is seeking a diverse group of participants. Participants ages 13+ of all experience levels, professional and academic backgrounds, and skillsets can participate; what matters most is the commitment to making an impact and your willingness to collaborate.  Moreover, participants of all academic and professional backgrounds are welcome. Technical or medical experience is always helpful, but it is not mandatory.  Similarly, participants do not need to be affiliated with MIT, just need to be eager to take on COVID-19.

Participation

Participants will work together in teams of 2-7 members. The organizers strongly recommend teams to have 5-7 members. If participants already have a team in mind, they can indicate who would like to work with when completing the participant application form (all team members must submit an individual application and organizers cannot guarantee that every team member will be accepted to the event). Individuals are also invited to participate; organizers will form teams based on interest and experience.

Click here to apply.