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HACKATHON: AI FOR SOCIAL GOOD


  • Bay Area California United States of America (map)

Event Overview

Join us for an innovative one-day hackathon where participants will collaboratively build a comprehensive AI solution addressing a critical social challenge. Unlike traditional hackathons where teams compete on separate projects, this event brings together diverse talents to work on different components of a single, deployable system with real-world impact.

 

The Collaborative Challenge

This hackathon reimagines how we approach social problems through technology. You'll work within a framework where each team develops a specific component that will integrate into a cohesive, deployable solution. The focus will be on leveraging artificial intelligence to address pressing social issues, creating systems for reporting, classification, identification, analytics, and much more.

 

Exceptional Incentives

We're offering several compelling benefits to participants:

  1. Travel Reimbursement: Up to $500 in travel expenses covered for selected participants who are traveling outside of Bay Area, CA

  2. Accommodation: Lodging provided for the duration of the event

  3. Recognition: Cash prizes for participation & completion of modules

  4. Career Opportunity: Successful teams will be considered for founding engineer and social scientist team

  5. Professional Networking: Exclusive opportunity to connect with and receive mentorship from Bay Area tech and social impact professionals

  6. Real-World Impact: Build technology that directly addresses critical social justice issues

 

Component-Based Approach

Teams will be assigned to develop one of the following interconnected components:

  1. Data Collection & Preprocessing System

  2. AI/ML Model Development

    • Natural Language Processing (NLP) components

    • Large Language Models (LLM) adaptation and fine-tuning

    • Computer Vision systems

    • Multi-modal models

    • Classification and prediction models

    • Pattern recognition and anomaly detection

  3. Backend API & Services

  4. Frontend User Interface

  5. Analytics Dashboard

  6. Deployment Infrastructure

Each component will have clear specifications and integration requirements, ensuring all pieces work together by the end of the day.

 

Team Structure

Participants will work in teams of 1-2 person(s), with each team focusing on a specific component. We'll match participants based on similar/complementary skills and interests to ensure balanced teams.

 

Required Skills & Experience

We're looking for participants with expertise in:

Technical Skills

  • Artificial Intelligence(AI)/Machine learning(ML) modeling

  • Full-stack web development

  • UI/UX design

  • Data visualization and analytics

  • Cloud deployment and DevOps

Domain Expertise

  • Social Science Background: We particularly welcome participants with backgrounds in sociology, anthropology, social work, or related fields

  • Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with social justice issues, marginalized communities, and systemic challenges

  • Research Experience: Experience in qualitative or quantitative research methods relating to social issues

Interdisciplinary teams combining technical and social science expertise will be prioritized. All experience levels are welcome, but basic programming knowledge is required for technical roles.

 

Resources Provided

  • Once participants are selected, a meeting to understand their requirements for resources will be arranged. Necessary resources will be then provided based on the social topic that is selected to be addressed as part of this Hackathon

  • Examples of resources:

    • Data and API specifications for integration

    • Starter code templates

    • Cloud deployment infrastructure

    • Technical mentors and domain experts

    • Documentation on ethical AI development

 

Timeline

  • 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

 

Code of Conduct

This hackathon is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the hackathon at the discretion of the organizers.

 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the event, please contact thehandfulambedkarites@gmail.com.

Join us in leveraging technology for social good and be part of building a solution with meaningful impact!

 

How to Apply

To participate, please submit your application by March 20, 2025 with the following information in the application:

  1. Your name and contact information

  2. Your technical background and/or social science expertise

  3. Why you're interested in AI for social impact (max 200 words)

  4. Links to your GitHub/portfolio/research (optional)

  5. Your Idea: Please share one specific social challenge you believe AI could help address, and how you envision technology making an impact in this area (max 300 words)

  6. Component preference (rank your top 2 from the list above apart from your expertise)

Submit below application.