Using artificial intelligence (AI) to advance the SDGs and urban sustainability

March 20 – 21, 2021

Join NTNU’s 2021 International Hackathon!

NTNU’s 2021 Hackathon is designed to address sustainability challenges in urban areas after Covid-19.

The Covid-19 pandemic had touched all of humanity, but has hit the poorest hardest and harmed progress towards gender equality. The role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in creating safe, resilient, sustainable and gender-equal cities has never been more important. In a post-Covid world, how can we use artificial intelligence (AI) to dramatically boost progress towards achieving the SDGs?

Join us in our international 2-day Hackathon with students from Norway and China!

Welcome to NTNU’s 2021 Hackathon!

Through a collaborative 2-day event, passionate students from Tongji University (Shanghai), Nanjing University, The College of Management (Israel) and NTNU (Norway) will form teams to collectively solve problems and contribute to the sustainable development of cities and communities around the world by harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The 2021 Hackathon will be held online, therefore teams and individuals are encouraged to develop software and programmable solutions. However, innovative hardware solutions are welcome, if achievable.

Why should you participate?

As an individual or group, gain a unique opportunity to experience intense international collaboration and Norway-China teamwork online. Glimpse into the future of data and technological services, and make a real impact on future smart cities and the environment.

Physical space and food for NTNU students in Trondheim!

We’re really excited to announce that we’ll be offering a physical space for NTNU students in Trondheim on the weekend of the Hackathon – DIGS Coworking Space, in the city centre! We’ll also be providing a free breakfast and lunch on both days.

DIGS will be open on Saturday 20th from kl.8-17, and on Sunday 21st from kl.10 until the end of the hackathon.

MOTIVATION AND BACKGROUND

The world’s population is increasingly centred in urban areas creating challenges such as pollution, overcrowding, safety (especially for women) and a loss of community. The pandemic has, in many cases, exacerbated existing issues and inequalities. There are many issues that need to be addressed, fast!

The goal for Sustainable Cities 2021 Hackathon revolves around Sustainability Development Goal #11 (SDG 11) determined by the UN, “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable“, while promoting gender equality and awareness.

The impact of COVID-19 in urban areas has been enormous – read more here.

The goal can be achieved through innovation in a plethora of fields: communication, accessibility, information-management, transportation, municipalism, security and much more. Enlist your imagination and aim high! The Hackathon staff, professors, teachers and guides is present for consultation, inspiration and gathering of information during the event.

The Process

Register your details through the online form in the bottom of this webpage as group or individual.
Option: Submit an idea for solution answering the Hackathon core issues.
On the first day of the Hackathon, we will form teams of 3-5 participants. We highly encourage diverse and inclusive team formations.
Choose a field in which your team will focus during the Hackathon.
HACK!

Timeline

The winners

The winning teams will be given a the opportunity to realize their innovation into creation, from seed to first fundraising. A full scale mentoring sphere including instruction and consultation for 3 months. On a weekly basis professional developers, VC specialists and organizational consultants will guide the team through the process of establishing a start-up. Peak Event – Once mature, the winning teams will pitch in front of senior investors, researchers, academic leaders, venture capital funds and other potential stakeholders.