Call For Code Global Initiative was launched on May 24th this year at the Viva Tech Conference in Paris by IBM CEO, Ginni Rometty. At the inaugural event, IBM and DCC officially issued the Call for Code inviting the 22 million developers worldwide to compete in the inaugural Call for Code Global Challenge – to help address specifically the problem of Natural disaster preparedness and relief, with powerful software solutions that can have sustainable impact.
Since then, Caribbean developers from Antigua and Barbuda, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago – have submitted 100+ entries that would use cloud, data, AI, and blockchain technologies to create systems that allow for better responses to natural disasters around the globe. I’m so happy to see that. Our Caribbean Developers are world class and are used to using their unique skills to innovate for social good.
Submission Deadline Extended, so Jump In!
For those of you who have not yet gotten a chance to jump at this challenge, the submission deadline has been extended to September 28th and additional cash prizes for 4th and 5th place teams are being give in addition to the top 3 finalists. It’s also cool to know that since the launch of this Global Challenge – Call for Code days across 13 IBM Development Labs in eight different countries and in excess of 200 events in 50 cities around the world have been held and more events are happening. Check this website.
So Why The Focus On Natural Disasters This Year?
Natural Disasters are among the World’s Greatest Challenges. They are neither inevitable nor unavoidable, yet 2017 was one of the worst years on record for fires, floods, earthquake and storms.
• 2 Billion people directly affected since 2000
• $1.5 Trillion economic impact since 2003
And for the Caribbean specifically, there are 22 billion reasons why it’s important for our developers to be involved in projects like these and also to be thinking about launching startups to solve these problems.
Here is a quote from the Inter-American Development Bank( IDB) website — “ The deadly havoc that was caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 posed huge challenges to many Caribbean countries. While the Caribbean has historically been vulnerable to natural disasters, climate change is exacerbating these risks and is threatening the region’s quest for sustainable development. Unless confronted with substantial resources, the economic impact for the region could exceed US$22 billion per year by 2050, or about ten percent of current GDP.”
What do the winners of Call for Code Global Challenge Get?
In addition to the global recognition, winners receive a cash prize, introduction to the official Call for Code VC Firm—all with the intention that their solutions can be developed further and taken to market. There will now also be a US$ 10,000 cash award to the teams that finish 4th and 5th. With all teams also being invited to attend the Call for Code Award Celebration being held at the Regency Ballroom, San Francisco on October 29th, 2018.
