Disaster Hackathon’s top prototypes to be developed for disaster management

The top three prototypes from Disaster Hackathon 2.0 are set to be developed to advance disaster management technology in Bangladesh.

The champion team, SIDR, designed a real-time cyclone tracking system. The first runner-up, Team Sounders, worked on solid waste management through crowd reporting, while the second runner-up, Relief Tech Squad, proposed a relief distribution management system.

These prototypes will now be further developed and introduced in the next phase to strengthen the country's disaster resilience.

Organised by Start Network, in association with Start Fund Bangladesh, the hackathon concluded in October after engaging tech-savvy youth to create innovative solutions for humanitarian challenges.

Abrar Faiaz, a third-year Civil Engineering student at BUET and the leader of Team SIDR, highlighted the impact of the event on his skills.

"This was my first experience at a hackathon focused on disaster-related products. Our app can provide real-time cyclone data, including position and speed, which will measure critical situations effectively. Mentors and stakeholders have shown interest in working with us," he told The Business Standard.

The Disaster Hackathon is a social coding event that challenges participants to use open-source data and technology to create solutions for disaster management.

According to Khan Mohammad Ibtehal, hackathon coordinator at Start Network, "This series harnesses the power of innovation to tackle Bangladesh's disaster management challenges. We aim to expand collaborations with academic institutions, humanitarian organisations, and policymakers to create practical and impactful solutions."

The second runner-up team, Relief Tech Squad, developed a model to optimise relief distribution during post-disaster periods.

"Our system works both online and offline, identifying low-risk areas where relief servers can be placed. This ensures efficient distribution and timely warnings to stakeholders," explained team leader Mashrafi Bin Rashed.

Team Sounders focused on biodegradable waste management.

Arnob Deb Nath from Brac University shared their idea, "We designed a project for identifying and managing waste collection points, with plans for waste segregation and monetisation. If implemented by the government or private organisations, it could turn waste into economic resources."

The hackathon's top five teams participated in a four-day residential workshop under the mentorship of FOREWARN Bangladesh experts. The final three teams were selected by a jury board following prototype presentations.

Md Afzal Hossain, risk monitoring officer at Start Network, underscored the significance of the event.

"These hackathons inspire the development of tools that strengthen early warning systems, optimise resource allocation, and enhance data-driven decision-making. The innovative solutions generated will help make Bangladesh a global example of resilience and innovation," he said.

As the winning prototypes move into the development phase, organisers hope to further inspire youth and foster a culture of disaster preparedness and innovation in the country.