Search on for best tech solutions to help PH

Online conferences, online bazaars, and, now, an online hackathon.

As with other events, the logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic haven’t stopped Impact Hub Manila (IHM) from continuing its annual search for the next best tech solutions that can make a difference in the way we live.

On Aug. 5, the “social impact incubator,” and one of the largest networks of entrepreneurs in the country, announced that Impact Hackathon 2020 starts on Aug. 17—and it will be done purely online. The whole thrust of the event will also be geared toward addressing issues surrounding the pandemic, and how the Philippines can reboot through digital innovation, says Ces Rondario, founder and CEO of Impact Hub Manila. The competition, which will last a week instead of just the usual two days, will have five categories for entries: climate change, education, food and agriculture, health and wellness, and smart cities.

“It would have been great to hold this again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum like last year, but, unfortunately, circumstances cannot allow that. However, we expect even more attendees this year because it’s easier now for anyone to join from anywhere,” Rondario says.

Aside from the venue, another thing that has changed for this year’s Hackathon is the length of the competition; instead of just two days, participants now have a week to work on their proposed tech solutions. As they work on their entries from Aug. 18 to 21, participants can also attend Learning Sessions, to be facilitated by IHM, featuring their global network of business mentors, industry leaders and impact-driven entrepreneurs.

IHM is part of the Impact Hub network that is present in 100 cities across 56 countries worldwide. Since it was established five years ago in the Philippines, IHM has been able to support over 500 local entrepreneurs; provide events, training and incubation programs to over 20,000 individuals; and funnel over $1 million worth of entrepreneurial grants.

Aside from providing a platform for networking, the Hackathon Learning Sessions will also further equip contestants with knowledge they can use as they develop their tech solutions.

Jury deliberation will take place on Aug. 22 to 23. Winners, who will take home over $100,000 worth of prizes plus access to IHM’s incubation program and global network, will be announced on the 25th. Impact Hackathon is part of Impact 2050, a multiyear program designed by IHM to create large-scale economic impact by cultivating the Philippines’ startup and innovation ecosystem.

Last year’s event had over 1,700 participants who completed 186 projects under the verticals of agriculture, health, climate change, smart cities and education.

One of the finalists was Transfarm, a mobile app fintech solution that helps seamlessly link farmers to businesses and consumers.

According to Rondario, such solutions are needed now more than ever—and that tech has a huge role to play in people’s lives as they navigate the new normal.

“Today, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted an urgent and dire need for sustainable innovations to build a resilient nation,” Rondario says. “Through digital solutions and impact-driven entrepreneurship, the program also aims to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that ensure no person and no community are left behind in pursuit of sustainable development.”

To this year’s hackers, Rondario also has this reminder: Bring a collaborative mind-set to the competition.“How are you going to provide solutions to these problems that can really affect change?” she says. —Annelle Tayao-Juego