Hackathon to find solutions for natural disasters
Representative ImageBHUBANESWAR: In an attempt to find solutions for various challenges and impacts of different natural disasters, IBM- an IT giant in association with Odisha government and the Xavier University organised Call for Code Hackathon here on Saturday. Over 300 software developers took part in the hackathon and provided innovative and unique solutions on issues related to natural disasters like flood, earthquakes, tsunami, cyclones and landslides using cutting edge technologies. IBM is bringing together developers, equipping them with cutting edge technologies that can directly address on-ground situations.
“The rescue and recovery operations took up by Odisha government after the devastating cyclone Fani on May 3 was lauded by many. Our achievement is not because of the actions that we took, but more due to our preparation over the last 20 years. We leveraged technology for tracking the cyclone, predicting time and extent of impact. We were able to prepare in advance with sufficient equipment. Call for Code is topical and explores how to leverage information technology solutions that can tackle natural disasters in the future,” said Bishnupada Sethi IAS, Relief Commissioner, Orissa Govt.
The Odisha state government was highly successful in minimizing loss of life and damages during Cyclone Fani. The focus in the hackathon is on preventing, responding to and recovering from natural disasters with an emphasis on individual health and community well-being. The solutions developed during the hackathon will further contribute to the state’s disaster management preparedness, said the organisers.
“The recent category 4 storm Cyclone Fani in Odisha was one of the worst cyclones to hit India in last two decades. While natural disasters are inevitable, their impact can be reduced through technology. IBM is empowering the developer community around the world to aid people in distress and safeguard them against future disasters. We are giving developers access to technologies, free code, and training with experts to help them build innovative tools for natural disaster relief,” said Priya Mallya, country leader, Developer Ecosystem, IBM India and South Asia.
During the hackathon, developers will have access to resources, codes, tools and technology from IBM, across areas like Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Weather Prediction and Machine Learning to build their solutions. There will be an enablement session organized for the developer teams, which will orient them to adopt a creative problem-solving approach.
“All entries for the Call for Code Odisha edition will be considered for the global competition,” Mallya said.
The hackathon will have five finalists, the grand prize is of $200,000 USD, the first and second runners up would get $25, 000 USD each while the third and fourth runners up will get $10,000 USD along with long-term open source project support from The Linux Foundation.
“IBM provided a unique platform to developers to showcase their talent as well as providing solutions to challenges caused by natural disasters. This is a unique event in Odisha that will bring together student developers, who are the future kingmakers, to build solutions for a better society,” said, Fr. Paul Fernandes, Vice Chancellor, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar.
“The rescue and recovery operations took up by Odisha government after the devastating cyclone Fani on May 3 was lauded by many. Our achievement is not because of the actions that we took, but more due to our preparation over the last 20 years. We leveraged technology for tracking the cyclone, predicting time and extent of impact. We were able to prepare in advance with sufficient equipment. Call for Code is topical and explores how to leverage information technology solutions that can tackle natural disasters in the future,” said Bishnupada Sethi IAS, Relief Commissioner, Orissa Govt.
The Odisha state government was highly successful in minimizing loss of life and damages during Cyclone Fani. The focus in the hackathon is on preventing, responding to and recovering from natural disasters with an emphasis on individual health and community well-being. The solutions developed during the hackathon will further contribute to the state’s disaster management preparedness, said the organisers.
“The recent category 4 storm Cyclone Fani in Odisha was one of the worst cyclones to hit India in last two decades. While natural disasters are inevitable, their impact can be reduced through technology. IBM is empowering the developer community around the world to aid people in distress and safeguard them against future disasters. We are giving developers access to technologies, free code, and training with experts to help them build innovative tools for natural disaster relief,” said Priya Mallya, country leader, Developer Ecosystem, IBM India and South Asia.
During the hackathon, developers will have access to resources, codes, tools and technology from IBM, across areas like Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Weather Prediction and Machine Learning to build their solutions. There will be an enablement session organized for the developer teams, which will orient them to adopt a creative problem-solving approach.
“All entries for the Call for Code Odisha edition will be considered for the global competition,” Mallya said.
The hackathon will have five finalists, the grand prize is of $200,000 USD, the first and second runners up would get $25, 000 USD each while the third and fourth runners up will get $10,000 USD along with long-term open source project support from The Linux Foundation.
“IBM provided a unique platform to developers to showcase their talent as well as providing solutions to challenges caused by natural disasters. This is a unique event in Odisha that will bring together student developers, who are the future kingmakers, to build solutions for a better society,” said, Fr. Paul Fernandes, Vice Chancellor, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar.
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE