The member of CONNECT International network from Croatia, EduNorth, is taking part in the organisation of online hackaton “VersusVirus – Viral Action Against the Virus” which will be held on April 17, 2020. CONNECT is proudly supporting this event and we are happy to invite you to apply and to take part in it.  All relevant information can be found in the text and on the links bellow.

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The COVID-19 virus took us by surprise forcing us into a global lockdown of people, cities, economies. However, it also showed us that change can happen overnight and on a global scale and that is up to us to drive the change we need in our communities.

The coronavirus crisis will not be the last crisis we confront. In fact, it’s not even an isolated health crisis, it brings economic, health and climate challenges to our local communities in Croatia and all over the Planet. Especially for those who are not yet part of the digitalized global economy.

The question we formulate is: What can we do to help our Croatian local community?

We invite you to help us find answers together within 48 hours of intense online participation during the next VersusVirus hackathon.

What is a Hackathon?

In a Hackathon, people come together to implement creative solutions and concepts from scratch in a limited and short amount of time.

What is VersusVirus?

VersusVirus is a viral action designed to share and rapidly develop ideas for urgently needed solutions in the face of the current crisis, as well as to build post-pandemic resilience, and to regenerate economy and communities.

Who can participate in VersusVirus?

Anyone can apply – from individuals to government representatives – students, businesses, scientists, workers, adventurers, employees, the unemployed, activists, institutions and individuals who do not yet know that they hold a potential solution.

Who is involved in VersusVirus?

The initiative for the VersusVirus has emerged as a voluntary partnership of different types of organizations and individuals to jointly address the challenges of the coronavirus crisis, as well as any future crisis. This partnership brought together organizations that participate in the dialogue, decision-making and implementation of the responses that participants will develop, for the benefit of all people.

Why VersusVirus?

As the organizers point out: “Now we have the chance to rethink what happens next, what comes after the COVID-19 crisis. We have a unique opportunity to re-start and recreate our common future, the future we wish for. Let’s engage, right here, right now!”

How can I help?

1. Have a post-crisis Problem/Idea that needs a solution?

Participants will submit solution ideas to Versusvirus by 12 PM, the 17th of April at an special link provided or that.

2. Have the time, skills or knowledge?

If you have the necessary knowledge, time, and skills, you can apply as a Volunteer by writing an email to: versusvirushr@gmail.com or as a Mentor at this link

3. Have funds or goods to donate?

Maybe you want to support this initiative as a sponsor? Become part of VersusVirus at this link

When is it? and how do I register?

The hackathon starts on Friday 17th April and registrations are open here, teams will be formed if participants apply individually and developing ideas will follow since day one on Friday.

On Saturday and Sunday (18th and 19th of April), the teams will continue ideas with the guidance of a mentor, and wrap-up will happen on Sunday night after the teams present their final solution to the judges, which will announce the winners.

The hackathon will be carried out entirely through online tools such as Slack and Zoom.

The Call for the VersusVirus Hackathon

What are the rules?

The organizers have set clear guidelines for anyone who wants to participate:

1. Think and imagine how our health, jobs, cities and communities can be more resilient to crises of any kind.

2. Explore ways in which we can be less vulnerable and more responsive to crises like the pandemic, broken or delayed supply-chains and food-chains, interrupted transport systems or energy&water supply systems, earthquakes, wildfires, floods or climate change.

3. We want you to focus on regeneration after the crises, not solely from economic perspective.

4. How to make the economy and life after the crisis smarter, more efficient and with less carbon emissions?

Some of the areas that participants can focus on and for which they can offer solutions are:

• Arts & Creativity

• Crisis Response

• Economy

• Education

• Empowerment

• Environment

• Governance

• Health & Wellness

• Media & Entertainment

• Mental Health

• Solidarity in Action

• Work

Learn more about this challenge and apply at https://versusvirus.hr/

The organizers of VersusVirus are: Impact Hub Zagreb, Technology Park Varaždin, Green Energy Cooperative, Terra Hub, EIT Climate KIC, North-West Croatia Regional Energy Agency, Lean Startup Croatia, Rijeka Development Agency PORIN, Ivy Digital, Total Croatia News, VileraAvila, EduNorth, Mohacho, Enfinita. CONNECT International is a supporting organiser of this event.