In the face of COVID-19, hundreds of startups, innovative businesses, and individuals ready to roll up their sleeves have been recruited into New Zealand’s largest taskforce to Hack the Crisis. Designed to solve real problems in a post-COVID New Zealand, Hack the Crisis is a 48-hour challenge open to all, kicking off April 13 at hackthecrisis.nz

In acknowledgement of the great work the government and health sector are doing, the public are being asked to share their problem statements to drive ideas beyond personal protection equipment and frontline medical platforms. What will life look like after COVID, and what practical tools and services will we need to manage?

This will be the first time New Zealand’s publicly supported incubators will collaborate on such a scale. Between them, the hubs support over 800 startups and emerging businesses in their communities. Louise Evans, Chief Activator at COIN South thinks Southlanders will have plenty of ideas. “Already we’ve seen businesses pivoting and responding to the crisis.” She says. “Southlanders like to think around a problem. That practicality will help us innovate for a life beyond COVID.

Hack the Crisis is 100% digital and will be run through online platforms Zoom, Slack, and Guaana, meaning anyone with an internet connection can join the effort.

Evans says “This event is a great opportunity for anyone with an idea to team up with people from across the country, access the skills the need and bring ideas to life.”

Hack the Crisis, launched in Estonia in response to the COVID-19, has been extended to over 30 countries across the world.

Hack the Crisis focus areas

  • Secondary wellbeing measures such as resilience and mental health
  • Connecting people and communities
  • Protecting and supporting businesses

For more information: www.hackthecrisis.nz

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