Massachusetts Institute of Technology Boston USA, is rallying the innovation community to develop solutions towards the most pressing issues related to the COVID-19 crisis in Africa. It is looking forward to channel and unlock untapped potential into positive and meaningful efforts to rapidly create and implement solutions that truly address the pressing unmet needs and problems of today. Their goal is for teams to design and build local solutions to these now global problems.
MIT extends an invitation to everyone to attend the MIT COVID19 Challenge, a series of virtual hackathons. The next event, Africa Takes on COVID-19, is May 1-3, 2020. In this 48-hour virtual event, it will provide help to tackle the most critical unmet needs caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in Africa.
Participants will form teams on Friday, May 1st to hone in on the problems and generate solutions, including proof of concepts, prototypes, and preliminary vision for execution. On Sunday, May 3rd, teams will reconvene to present their work. After the weekend, the best ideas and teams will have the opportunity to co-develop and implement their solution with the support of our partners.
The two focused areas are:
1. Strengthening the Health System
How can you strengthen the health systems and health facilities that may face staff, supply, and resource shortages?
Track A. Getting Patient Samples to Labs for Analysis
Track B. Strengthening Referral Systems
Track C. Empowering the Health Workforce
Track D. Readiness for Potential Surges
Track E. Sustaining Primary Care During COVID-19
Track F. Energizing Healthcare
2. Flattening the Curve
42% of people in sub-Saharan Africa live on less than $1.90 per day. How can vulnerable populations protect themselves from the effects of COVID-19?42% of people in sub-Saharan Africa live on less than $1.90 per day. How can vulnerable populations protect themselves from the effects of COVID-19?
Track G. Preventing Community Transmission
Track H. Production of Essential Supplies
Track I. Enabling Work and Supporting Livelihoods
Track J. Combating Misinformation
For more information and to apply as a participant, please check out their website. The application deadline is Monday, April 27.
To apply to participate, click here.
Interested in being a mentor? Apply here.
Interested in submitting hackathon resources? Submit here.
The MIT COVID-19 Challenge is proudly supported by organizations like MIT Sloan Global Programs, The Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, MIT Legatum Center for Development & Entrepreneurship, MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI), Africa Innovate Conference 2020, MIT Sloan Africa Business Club, True Africa, MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT REAP), and many more.
