Introduction: The Better World Hackathon, hosted by MakeHaven, recently concluded in Downtown New Haven, Connecticut. As a proud member of the organizing team and a participant in the event, I am excited to share my experience and highlight the incredible innovations that emerged during this inspiring weekend.
Fueling Innovation: When i first put togeher the idea of this hackothon i was excited about the oppurtunity to have tech enthusiasts, makers, and problem solvers from diverse backgrounds united under one roof, fueled by a shared passion for creating a better world. As participants brainstromed I was inpired to do the same.Being someone who has witnessed food insecurity first hand the idea of a food ATM came naturally. Luckily for me i had three brilliant minds agree to team up with me thus "Team food Insecurity was" born
Our Journey to Victory: As part of a dedicated team that included One Makehaven facilitator who is an intellegnent and innovative thinker and two talented members from Gateway Community College, we embarked on a mission to address an urgent issue—hunger and food insecurity. Drawing on our collective skills and experiences, we developed a groundbreaking solution: a food ATM or vending machine. This innovative device simplifies the process of food donations and aims to alleviate hunger in our community. To our delight, our project garnered recognition from the judging panel, earning us the prestigious first-place position and a cash prize of $200.
Celebrating Innovation: While our team was honored to receive this recognition, it was truly inspiring to witness the incredible creativity and innovation displayed by all the participating teams. From safety devices to tackle falls in hospital beds to ingenious IoT solutions, each project showcased the transformative power of technology.
Gratitude for Sponsors: None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors—the Entrepreneurship Foundation and ClimateHaven. Their commitment to fostering innovation and social impact provided not only the cash prizes but also ensured that participants were nourished and energized throughout the event. We are deeply grateful for their contributions in making the hackathon a resounding success.
Looking Ahead: As the Better World Hackathon drew to a close, it became clear that this was just the beginning of a much larger movement. MakeHaven has exciting plans to organize another hackathon in the upcoming fall, with a vision to attract even more participants and ignite further innovative ideas. The hackathon serves as a catalyst for change, fostering a community that values collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to building a better future.
Conclusion: The Better World Hackathon was an incredible journey of innovation, collaboration, and social impact. It provided a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and unleash their creativity to address pressing global challenges. As a public allie dedicated to community work I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this transformative event and am inspired by the lasting impact that the projects and the hackathon itself will have on our community.
As we continue to strive for a better world, let us remember the power of innovation and the potential we hold to effect positive change. Together, we can create a future that is not only sustainable but also filled with hope and possibility.
Thank you to everyone one who made this possible!!