The Call for Code competition is the ultimate application of tech for good. Developers are tasked with creating tech based solutions to pressing real-world problems.
It’s no secret we have some truly gigantic challenges ahead of us.
The environmental impacts of climate change pose an existential threat to current and future generations alike.
And then there is COVID-19, which has emerged more recently and poses a very immediate risk to human health.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There is some really good news: globally, there are over 24 million developers, data scientists and technologists. All of them with the skills to build humanity’s future.
Imagine what would happen if we could tap into this amazing resource? What sort of positive tomorrow could we create?
This is exactly why the Call for Code competition was started.
What is the Call for Code?
The Call for Code is the largest tech-for-good challenge of its kind.
Since its inception in 2018, the Call for Code has led to the creation of over 5,000 world changing applications. These applications have been built off technologies like Machine Learning, BlockChain and IoT.
The call challenges developers to create innovative tech solutions to real-world problems, with winning submissions each receiving $200,000.
It is so much more than just a coding competition though. IBM is committed to helping the top solutions become realities. So, in addition to the cash prize, winning submissions will receive support from IBM to deploy their solutions to the field. It’s every developer’s dream!
The Challenges
The Call for Code operates off a simple ethos: If we want a tomorrow we need to build it today.
This is why for 2020, the call is challenging developers to take on one of two challenge tracks. These are Climate Change and Covid-19.
Climate Change
A survey of developers, first responders and social activists carried out by IBM found that 79% of respondents agreed climate change can be reduced or combated with technology.
With this in mind, IBM is looking for solutions that can either halt or reverse the effects of climate change. Entrants choosing to take on climate change can address one of three issues: energy sustainability, water sustainability, or disaster resiliency.
Check out the Call for Code Climate Change challenge video:
The winning solutions will be deployed to communities around the world who are most in need of assistance.
COVID-19
In a very short period of time, COVID-19 has completely upended our collective way of life. As I write this over 400,000 people have died from the virus globally.
So, IBM has chosen combating the effects of COVID-19 as the second track. Entrants choosing to take on COVID-19 can address one of three issues: crisis communication, remote education, or community cooperation.
Watch the COVID-19 challenge video and get inspired:
Three COVID-19 solutions will be selected to receive deployment support from IBM and its technology ecosystem.
How to Get Involved
Inspired to take on one of these enormous challenges? Great! By getting involved you will be part of a community of over 210,000 developers and problem solvers.
Click here to find your team, register and participate in the Call for Code 2020. Submissions for both tracks are due by July 31st, 2020.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, IBM is running a bunch of Virtual Events to help you brainstorm ideas and network with other developers. Plus, there will be resources available so you can get started building your solution straight away.
To get started join the [Virtual] A/NZ Call For Code Hackathon on 20th June, 2020.
