UNDP, Hackster Launch Global Innovation Challenge to Tackle COVID-19

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Mr. Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator
Mr. Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Hackster.io have launched the COVID-19 Detect and Protect Challenge to create open-source technology that developing countries can leverage in the fight against the COVID-19 global pandemic

The COVID-19 Detect and Protect Challenge is an opportunity to find and apply the best and brightest of humanity, wherever it may be found as COVID-19 has shown that challenge and crisis cross borders, impacting everywhere on Earth. They hope to develop a solution using innovation and ingenuity which are not constrained by geography.

This challenge has three priority actions, namely: Flatten the curve in communities with preventive solutions; Reduce the disease’s impact on economies of these vulnerable areas; and Design replicable, low-cost tools to aid in coronavirus detection.

A panel of judges will review and select the top 10 open source solutions on a rolling basis throughout 2020. Winners will receive global recognition and a variety of awards for their contribution to society and humankind. Using the UNDP’s vast global network and resources from all supporting partners, they will work with the winning creators on the best way to transfer the knowledge to those who need it most.

Applicants must be at least 13 years of age and if applicants are 12 years or younger, must receive a legal guardian’s permission and have them complete Hackster’s contest permission form prior to submitting an entry into this contest.

Resident of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria are not eligible as US export regulations prohibit the export of goods and services to the countries listed above, and therefore residents of these countries are not eligible to participate in this challenge.

Applicants must not be involved in the execution or administration of this contest and an immediate family member or household member of Hackster employee.

Global UNDP Innovator winner Award is a  $1,500 value.

For more information, and to participate, please go to https://www.covid19detectprotect.org.