Apply Now for MIT’s Africa Takes on COVID-19 Challenge

Deadline: 28 April 2020

The Africa Takes on COVID-19 Challenge event is the third in a series of virtual hackathons. Over the course of two days, multi-disciplinary teams will collaborate to develop innovative solutions that can help address the COVID-19 crisis.

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MIT is rallying the innovation community to develop solutions towards the most pressing issues related to the COVID-19 crisis in Africa. They want 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.

The Challenge is focused on solving some of the most pressing problems that are resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. Participants are encouraged to come with these problems in mind, but you don’t need to have an answer in hand. You’ll work with teams to develop solutions that will have a meaningful impact on the COVID-19 crisis.

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They are focused on connecting teams with the tools and resources needed to develop mature solutions that can be implemented by their partners. After the Challenge, selected teams will have the opportunity to bring their solutions to life with the support of their partners.

The next event is May 1-3, 2020. In this 48-hour virtual event, they will help tackle the most critical unmet needs caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in Africa.

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This is a virtual event. Teams will work together throughout the two-day event using tools such as Zoom, Google Drive, WhatsApp, and/or Slack.

Challenge Prompts

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Flattening The Curve
How to prevent disease transmission and protect vulnerable populations from effects of COVID-19?
Supporting Our Health Systems
How to strengthen the health systems and health facilities that may face staff, supplies, and resource shortages?
What happens after the weekend?

After the weekend, the best ideas and teams will have the opportunity to co-develop and implement their solution with the support of their partners.

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What do winning teams get?

Winning teams will receive computing resources, organizational support and direct access to key partners to further develop, validate and implement solutions developed.

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Eligibility Criteria

They are seeking a diverse group of participants. Participants ages 13+ of all experience levels, professional and academic backgrounds, and skill sets are welcome; what matters most is your commitment to making an impact and your willingness to collaborate.
Participants of all academic and professional backgrounds are welcome! Technical or medical experience is always helpful, but it is not required.
Participants do not need to be affiliated with MIT, just need to be eager to take on COVID-19! As above, technical or medical experience is always helpful, but it is not required.
For more information, visit https://covid19challenge.mit.edu/africa-takes-on-covid19/