Global hackathon showcases creative tech-for-good ideas

“Our goal was to inspire developers to use their skills and our technology to turn their ideas for the betterment of the world into reality” 

Purpose-driven developers have used their skills to create innovative apps for the good of humanity, as part of a global hackathon aimed at making the world a better place, one app at a time.                  

The Worthy Web Hackathon was a six-week virtual competition featuring nearly 1,200 participants from 83 countries.

Organised by American software company Progress, the hackathon challenged developers to build apps for the good of humanity, using Progress Telerik and Progress Kendo UI developer tools.

The winners across nine categories have just been announced, sharing in a prize pool of US$40,000 (A$54,000).

The apps were assessed on their positive impact on the world or community, the quality of the idea, overall execution and implementation, and the use of developer tools.

Among the winners were:

• a platform for blood donation management to be used for blood banks and donation campaigns;
• an app measuring the impact of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project for worker rights in Pakistan and Vietnam;
• an app that helps people locate local shelters, community kitchens and other needed resources; and
• an app connecting volunteers with NGOs, charities and local communities.

Sara Faatz, senior director of developer relations at Progress, paid tribute to the winners.

“Our goal was to inspire developers to use their skills and our technology to turn their ideas for the betterment of the world into reality,” Faatz said.

“We are incredibly impressed with the apps we received and the level of innovation the developer community brought to bear.

“Congratulations to all winners and all participants who invested time and energy in the hackathon. We look forward to seeing the apps created put into action!”

You can find out more about the hackathon and see the list of winners here.