Could we help change the world in a weekend? UNSW Founders Program, within the university’s School of Art & Design and organiser of this eco-friendly event, hopes this two-and-a-half day Hackathon will help.
The UNSW Circular Economy Hackathon asks participants to reimagine existing approaches and channels for communicating key messages about climate change and, in doing, so bring new life and hope to the delivery of the climate action narrative.
‘As the present and growing threat of climate change looms, we need to rethink how we communicate about climate change to inspire positive climate action,’ the Founders Program states.
The Circular Economy Hackathon: Positive Communication for Climate Change 2021 gives participants two and a half days to work on their ideas for transforming the way we communicate issues related to climate change and drive action towards the regeneration of the planet.
‘How might we transform the way we communicate issues of climate change to diverse audiences in order to create positive action towards the regeneration of systems on individual, local and global scales?’ is the question you’ll be seeking to answer.
Proposed solutions should be underpinned by circular economy principles and should also consider opportunities to reduce waste, activate space, and promote positive social and economic change.
Ongoing support and mentoring will be provided with respect to your solution and for your team. You’ll get to collaborate with others who have the skills and backgrounds needed to create new solutions for communicating the climate crisis at hand.
There will also be activities before, during and after the hackathon to support attendees’ innovative ideas.
This hack is brought to you by UNSW Founders, UNSW Art and Design and the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA).
As a bonus, there’s $5,000 in prize money going to the teams that come up with the most compelling hacks.
What to expect
Three epic days!
Over the weekend, everyone gets to work together on solutions for combating the harmful impacts of climate change, be mentored by experts, learn new techniques, collaborate with fellow students and staff, and pitch your ideas.
New, like-minded people
The hackathon is a great opportunity to meet new people with similar interests, connect with fellow students, staff and academics and those involved in the circular economy and climate-change mitigation industry – all in cyberspace.
Opportunities to upskill
There are various different workshops you can join during the hackathon, covering creativity and design thinking, rapid prototyping; and ideas-pitching.
Hackathon schedule
The hackathon is scheduled to run from 15-17 October 2021:
- Friday 15 Oct: 5.30pm – 8pm
- Saturday 16 Oct: 9am – 8pm
- Sunday 17 Oct: 9am – 6pm
Participants can also attend pre-Hackathon sessions:
- a Digital Lean Canvas workshop on Thursday 30 September: Book your spot here.
- a networking session, ‘No team? No problem!’ on Tuesday 7 October at which attendees get to meet potential teammates for the hack – along with the opportunity to meet people interested in sustainability solutions.
Prize money
The Michael Crouch Innovation Centre and UNSW School of Art & Design have generously contributed $5,000 in cash prizes for the winning teams, with three prize categories. A top prize of $3,000 will be awarded to the winning team; $1,500 second place winners will get $1,500 and the team that is the people’s choice wins a handy $500.
Who can attend?
This Hack is available to all UNSW students, alumni, and staff. Non-UNSW students are welcome but must be part of a team that includes at least one current UNSW student.
Limited spots are available, so sign up now and and join a community of global changemakers.
Further information and registration
Get more information here. Or visit the event web page.
To book your place, click here.