The pan-European hackathon aims to develop innovative solutions to overcome societal challenges related to coronavirus, with Ireland's involvement being spearheaded by Sapien Innovation, and co-founders David Pollard and Colin Keogh acting as national curators.

Connect innovators, partners and buyers

The European Commission and EU member states have unveiled a call for participation in a pan-European hackathon to connect innovators, partners and buyers across Europe to develop innovative solutions to coronavirus.

The hackathon, led by the European Innovation Council, takes place from April 24-26 and is structured around categories of problems that need short-term solutions in relation to coronavirus health and life, business continuity, remote working and education, social and political cohesion, digital finance and an open category for other challenges.

There have already been more than 200 participant entries from Ireland, with the country's involvement being spearheaded by Sapien Innovation, and co-founders David Pollard and Colin Keogh acting as national curators.

Throughout the weekend, the commission will host the pan-European #EUvsVirus Hackathon, under the patronage of Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. 

Commissioner Gabriel said: “The #EUvsVirus Hackathon is a great example of the European cooperative spirit I so admire. When times get tough we come together, work together and we will beat this virus together for everyone. I thank all those that have given their free time, boundless energy and expertise to make this a reality. Tomorrow is just the beginning - the solutions will be the true reward.” 

Together with Commissioner Gabriel, interventions at the opening ceremony tomorrow are foreseen at highest level from representatives of EU Institutions, namely Luca Jahier, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the European Committee of the Regions, and Cristian-Silviu Bușoi, Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy ITRE at the European Parliament. 

Several categories of problems

More than 12,000 participants have registered to the hackathon, which is structured around several categories of problems that need short-term solutions in relation to coronavirus health and life, business continuity, remote working and education, social and political cohesion, digital finance and other challenges.

All 27 EU member states are taking part as well as other countries. The winning solutions will be invited to join a European Innovation Council COVID Platform, which will be launched here on April 27, to facilitate connections with end users, such as hospitals, and provide access to investors, foundations and other funding opportunities from across the EU.

Participants can still register on the EUvsVirus Hackathon website. The event will be streamed live on this webpage. The commission is committing hundreds of millions of euros in research and innovation actions to develop vaccines, new treatments, diagnostic tests and medical systems to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

More information is available here.