GreenHack, a European innovation marathon, takes place in Prague on 11 and 12 June, with the aim of strengthening the sustainability of consumer behavior as well as the activities of global companies. Within 36 hours, 200 hackers from the Czech Republic and other European countries will try to overcome major problems associated with climate change, consumption, irresponsible production and inefficient resource management. The events are held online and culminate in a solemn announcement. The winning teams will share 5,000 euros and a number of partner prizes. Subtitles are available at www.GreenHack.eu.

GreenHack is managed under the auspices of the European Commission within the European Green Week 2021. It is the largest innovation event on sustainability in Europe. Together with the partners, the organizers announced a total of 11 calls, which will be addressed by the participants: can recycling, energy saving in buildings, second life of non-returnable bottles, sustainable packaging of gift items, longer life of furniture, recycling of containers with hazardous substances, carbon neutral construction, heat regulation in public buildings, CO monitoring₂ in schools, the transmission system operator of the future AND platform for monitoring natural resources.

So far, a total of over 200 innovators from the Czech Republic and around the world have signed up for the hackathon. The event itself will last from Thursday 10 June to Saturday 12 June (Thursday 10 June is voluntary) virtually and will end on Saturday 12 June at 6.30 pm, when the jury will solemnly announce the winner of the H40 in Prague Market . During the event, mentors are available to all participants to help and advise them. The organizers also require several practical and interesting workshops. The main prize for the victory is 2,500 euros, the second team will receive 1,500 euros and the third 1,000 euros. Interesting prizes from partners are also prepared for other participants in the competitions.

“I am pleased that Prague has joined the European Green Week 2021 thanks to the largest innovation event in the region. Prague, and adds: “The interest of the registered participants shows that young people care about the fate of the planet. I am curious how young innovators will be able to use technology to find solutions to today’s burning problems, and I keep my fingers crossed for them.”

Pavel Zedníček from the Institute of Circular Economics stated: “Technological innovations will be one of the main pillars of the transition to the lowest carbon and circular economy. As for a certain part of the economy, such as electricity generation, we already have sufficiently advanced technologies, other sectors, such as construction and cement production, remain temporarily unresolved. Hackathons thus provide a great opportunity for innovation in sustainability, and the bridge contributes to the others ahead. “

She took over the auspices of the event Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic AND Capital City of Prague. The GreenHack event is organized by the company Crazy business ideas, which has organized over twenty hackathons in industries such as healthcare, mobility, energy or industrial production.

GreenHack’s main partners are companies Microsoft, Pilsner Urquell, Skanska, IKEA, ČSOB, BASF, ČEPS, ICT operator, Highlands region or Institute of Circular Economics.

GreenHack also supports the green investment accelerator Soulmates Ventures, which in the Czech Republic focuses on building a quality environment for the emergence of projects and technologies for long-term sustainable development.

Further information, detailed calls and a schedule of events can be found on the website www.GreenHack.eu.

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is a one-day or two-day event on which a group of programmers, designers or other experts build a prototype solution to a specific problem. These are so-called white, ethical hackers who use their abilities for the good of others. The theme of hackathons is usually the challenges of modern times, such as health, transport, energy or life in cities. Professional mentors, data from the public and private spheres, pizza, energy drinks and fast internet help the participants in their work.