Coding Challenge: Call For Code 2018

It’s not your everyday coding challenge; Call for Code is a global initiative that brings together developers, data professionals, celebrities, humanitarian response agencies, tech influencers, and major tech brands to search for a solution to one of the most devastating problems on the planet. IMHO, the lavish cash prizes are cool, but it’s the cause that matters. Keep reading to learn more…   I partnered with IBM to support Call for Code 2018 by creating the following video and working to get the word out among our community.  

What is the Call for Code Coding Challenge

Call for Code is a global coding challenge for developers and data scientists who want to put their skills to the test while working to solve one of the most pressing problems on the planet; The problem of NATURAL DISASTERS. The CFC Coding challenge enlists techies from across the globe to submit solutions for natural disaster preparedness.  

Why You Should Participate

Call for Coders are an elite group of data-driven do-gooders who’ve decided they’d rather spend their free time working to make a difference (instead of spending it getting caught up on the latest Netflix series, or whatever). But if the nobility of the cause does not inspire you to action, perhaps the $270,000 USD in cash prizes will.

The maker(s) of the top solution wins $200,000!

Just putting it out there, the maker(s) of the top solution wins $200,000! That solution will be brought into production by IBM, and the top 3 solutions will become part of the Linux Foundation.  

What You Can Build

Most of the developers and data scientists I know would love to try out building a solution for natural disaster preparedness, but many don’t know where to start. So to get your creative juices flowing, I put together a little portfolio of projects and initiatives that function to support natural disaster preparedness. Go ahead and take a look at what others are doing in this space, then ask yourself – How can I use technology and code to solve this same problem via a software solution?   Digital Humanitarian Network About 5 years ago, I did a lot of work with the DHN. This organization uses digital technologies and crowdsourcing to help resolve humanitarian crises that arise from disasters. They basically build crisis maps that serve as real-time intel for decision-makers at humanitarian response agencies. Some examples include:

• Hurricane Matthew Haiti Response
• Map Filter for Ecuador Earthquake
• Nepal Earthquake Response

  DataKind DataKind is a global collective of data do-gooders who selflessly volunteer their tech skills for the betterment of their local communities. Some of the projects they’ve undertaken intersect with issues at play during natural disaster scenarios. These include:

• Water Demand Forecasting in California
• Machine Learning to Help Rural Households Access Electricity
• Using Satellite Data to Find Villages in Need

  Elva Elva is another innovative solution in the digital humanitarian tech community. Take a look at some of their use cases to see if they strike some creative sparks:

• Crisis Monitoring in Central Africa Republic
• Conflict Monitoring in Libya

“Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken”

Although these are some great ideas, be sure to get creative. in the words of Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”.  

How You Can Enter

To enter the Call for Code coding competition, just pop-over to the website here – sign-up, form a team (or join a team), and start building. Act fast though, because the deadline for this year’s submissions is September 28, 2018.  Pro-tip: If you come up with a great idea but don’t get it perfected in time – worry now! The Call for Code coding competition will run again next year, so you can submit a better version of your solution then. Don’t know anyone to form a team with? Let me help! Write a comment below mentioning that you’d like to form a partnership to enter CFC. When I get more than 2 or 3 of this type of comments, I will email you all as a group to make that connection!