RAN Labs to Host 2016 GIS Hackathon on Climate change

Resilient Africa Network (RAN) and partners are organizing the GIS Hackathon 2016 slated for Friday July 22 2016 at the RAN labs in Kololo. The main challenge for this year’s Hackathon will be climate change.

The event is expected to attract over 40 programmers that will be divided into groups of five. Kato Drake Smith one of the organizers has confirmed that the winning team will walk away with $250 (roughly 850,000 UGX) in grants, free work space at RAN and prospects for further funding.

The organizing team says that it will also ensure that the winning apps are published and used. First runner up will receive $150 (roughly 510,000 UGX) while the Second runner ups will walk away with $100 (roughly 340,000 UGX). The price money has been increased from last year’s $150 for first place due to the additional support and sponsors that the event has received this year.

The organizers are also keen on protecting the innovations that will be showcased this year. Protecting the innovations has come to fore front due to the fact that the Kuuma app, an innovation from last year’s edition of the hackathon was adopted by the Kenyan forestry ministry without compensation to the innovators.

Kato Drake who was part of the Kuma team, said, their idea was implemented without their consent.

The organizers are also working hard to ensure that the winning innovations are adopted by the sponsoring agencies. The team also notes that they will be looking for unique innovation that are practical so the challenge this year will be tougher.

USAID and Aid Data have already confirmed to sponsor the event.

Registrations for hackers is currently on going.