March 2021 Virtual Hackathon
Technology is becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives. From QR codes to Zoom meetings to facial recognition, it’s almost impossible to avoid advanced technology as we move through the 2020’s. Here at Hack the Gap we recognize how important it is to have diverse and inclusive perspectives that help develop the tech that we use. Our mission is to build bridges for tech entrepreneurs--particularly women and non-binary people--so that more voices and perspectives are able to shape new tech solutions. One of our favorite ways to do this is through our annual hackathon.
Even though it’s still difficult to meet in person amidst the pandemic, we wouldn’t let that stop us from hosting this fun and empowering event! Our virtual hackathon from March 23-27th offers the space to co-create technology solutions to address the challenges and opportunities we see in our communities. And if this decade has taught us anything so far, there are many challenges and opportunities that we all want to address. Not to mention this is an awesome opportunity to meet and connect with your local tech community through a safe, virtual setting.
Photo from 2019 Hackathon at Glen Nelson Center
Teams will be composed of 2-4 people, so feel free to join with a friend or two! Otherwise we’ll partner you up with a group based on your shared interests and compatible skills and talents. At the end of the hackathon, all of the teams will present their projects on demo day. Community members will vote on their favorite projects and the winning teams will receive cash and community prizes! So if you’re interested in seeing the outcome of the hackathon and want to vote on your favorite project, you can register for demo day here.
There are so many ways to get involved with this year’s hackathon. We’re still looking for mentors to support the teams as they build out their solutions. If you’re interested in helping out, you can sign up today with your availability! We also have amazing sponsors that make it possible for us to host free events like this one.
There’s still time to register to participate in the hackathon if you haven’t yet. Participants will have the freedom to choose what solutions they want to build and the projects that they’d like to work on. Some themes that we encourage people to consider are stable and affordable housing, access to education and resources, food apartheid/scarcity in urban communities, environmental justice and advocating for civil liberties. However, the possibilities are truly endless. Consider submitting a project idea here if there’s a topic that you’re passionate about. We’re looking forward to connecting with you all!
P.S. Thank you to our sticker makers at Sticker Mule for these cool Hack the Gap stickers. They’re high quality and holographic--perfect for your laptop! We’re so grateful that other companies and individuals support our vision in “hacking the gap” for women and non-binary folks in tech.