‘Big Hackathon’ seeking global software solutions for the future

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‍Story by CGTN America ‍

They are part of what’s being billed as the “Big Hackathon” – a software development marathon organized by the United Nations Development Program at Brazil’s Campus Party, the country’s biggest tech event. Participants were invited to create tech solutions to advance UN’s 17 sustainable development goals for 2030.

‍CGTN’s Paulo Cabral reports.

“Just imagine: all these people here are working to develop programs that can really change the world, reduce poverty, provide quality education for children,” said Bruno Marinho, a computer science graduate student.

Hopes are that the technologies being developed here will have practical impact in the short term and help to change minds in the long run.

Amanda Lima of UNDP in Brazil thinks events like these are an important investment.

“Maybe in 2030 we’ll have these young people in positions like big entrepreneurs concerned with vulnerable people, you know, thinking differently how we do business and how we can impact people who need,” Lima said.

Organizers expect about 120,000 people will take part during the five days of the event. For the people here living and breathing technology and innovation, the event is a golden opportunity for networking.

In addition to the UN’s hackathon, there’s also a space for entrepreneurs to present their ideas and startups and many hours of talks, conferences and expositions with innovators, experts and industry leaders.

Tonico Novaes, Director-General of the Campus Party says they receive more than 200 startups and projects from universities. We connect them with investors, accelerators and many other kinds of mentors.”

This event is a big party for tech aficionados. But it’s also an opportunity for many of them to change their lives and their world.