The search for innovative solutions in uncertain times

Startup Namibia to host a Hackathon
Ester Kamati
#NamibiaHacksCovid19 is an event initiated by StartUp Namibia, slated to take place online this weekend. Through partnership with GIZ and the industrialisation and trade as well as health ministries respectively, participants of the event will focus on accelerating solutions to support the health system and businesses during this tough time.
Open to the tech sector and interdisciplinary teams, developer communities, university students, health professionals and businesses, the Hackathon will be judged by an interdisciplinary judging panel from both the public and private sector. The teams of between three and six will be judged on how close the solution is to making it to the market, innovation and feasibility among other criteria.
Prizes, sponsored by Green Enterprise Solutions will see the Hackathon winner walk away with N$ 50 000 in cash, whereas the second place winner will receive N$25 000, third place will also be awarded a N$15 000 cash prize.
The event is focused on finding solutions to health problems as well as business continuity. In health, sought after developments could include support to health workers, containment strategies and diagnosis development among others, whereas the business continuity focus would seek solutions to problems faced by the business community in order to remain afloat.
“In these extraordinary times it comes to everyone to put on their thinking hats, through collaborative thought we can defeat Covid-19 using technology and innovation” said Anna Vambe from GIZ’s StartUp.
The managing director of Green Enterprise Solutions noted the institution’s delight to be part of the Hackathon.
“Why shouldn’t the solution come from this hackathon in Namibia? We have the talent and the drive, let’s show the world what we can contribute.”

Individuals can register by following the link http://startupnam.org/NamibiaHacksCovid-19/ or following the official hashtag #NamibiaHacksCovid19 as well as following the StartUp Namibia group on Facebook to obtain regular updates.