CodeVsCOVID19: a global online hackathon to fight COVID-19

Under the patronage of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) and in collaboration with partners such as ETH Zurich, Careum Foundation and CSS Insurance, the initiative #CodeVsCOVID19 calls out to individuals and communities with expertise in data science or healthcare to contribute solutions or to propose challenges for the hackathon. Further, the initiative is reaching out to organizations who can contribute data, technology or support communications globally. Tech and medical talents, scientists and health experts, tech and data driven companies and humanitarian organizations, as well as creative individuals can sign up now on external pageCodeVsCovid19.orgcall_made to contribute solutions, challenges or mentoring.

The 72h online non-profit hackathon #CodeVsCOVID19, happening from 27 to 30 March, is the first step. It will be followed by the #VersusVirus initiative, which will build on the solutions and prototypes previously developed with a special focus on Swiss challenges, from April 2 to 4, within 48 hours. The two initiatives thematically build on each other and the results are then jointly summarised, communicated and followed up.

The topics to work on are constantly added on external pagethe hackathon websitecall_made to avoid duplicates and to enhance efficiency during the hackathon. Topics include novel public information and rescue systems, methods of infection detection and tools for medical support, logistics and
operations, distancing and e-learning tools to facilitate social interactions.

The goal of #CodeVsCOVID19 is to develop dozens of open-source prototypes, developed online within 72-hours, starting on 27 March, 5 pm CET. The prototypes and solutions should provide innovative approaches for the most pressing health, social and economic challenges of the current coronavirus crisis and beyond.