Accenture, in alliance with Expo 2020 Dubai, has launched its first global digital hackathon, challenging participants from 11 cities to develop prototypes of human-centered digital solutions to help improve the quality of urban living.

The 24-hour hackathon will take place simultaneously in Chicago, Bangalore, Dubai, Istanbul, London, Manila, Mexico City, Monterrey, Rome, Shanghai and Singapore on November 11 and 12.

In Dubai, the event will be supported by Etisalat Digital, Google, GE Digital and the American University of Sharjah. Registrations are open to recent graduates, undergraduates, entrepreneurs and individuals from start-ups with expertise in technology development, design and marketing, at accenture.com/digital by November 6.

Inspired by Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” participants will compete on finding digital solutions that organizations can use to address urbanization challenges. Over half of the world’s population currently lives in cities and urban areas. This trend, which is expected to continue, is raising challenges such as creating truly inclusive environments, improving work and travel conditions in cities areas, and adopting a more sustainable approach to urbanization.

The proposed solutions need to meet two requirements:

•    Putting human beings at the heart of the experience;
•    Using latest digital technologies including wearables, artificial intelligence, analytics, augmented and virtual reality, blockchain and the Internet of Things.

Mike Sutcliff, group chief executive, Accenture Digital, said: “We are asking people with digital talents to apply their creativity and ingenuity to two game-changing trends – urbanization and digitization. With both, it is people who should come first. Accenture strongly believes that digital experiences have the power to make cities more livable for customers, patients, workers, students, and citizens, but these experiences can only be successful if they are truly human.”

Gillian Hamburger, senior vice president of Commercial at Expo 2020 Dubai said: “World Expos have always been a showcase for innovation. This hackathon, with our Official Digital Services Partner Accenture, is another example of Expo 2020 encouraging innovation and connecting people from around the world to exchange ideas and contribute to the future.”

Francisco Salcedo, senior vice president, Etisalat Digital, said: “We are proud to have partnered with Accenture for this forward-thinking initiative that looks to support the start-up community. At Etisalat, as we move in into the digital future, we are always looking for ways to spark innovation and inspire local talent in line with the vision of our nation’s leadership.

“This is done by providing them similar platforms to nurture their innovative talent to unlock a world of opportunity. Today, businesses are looking for unconventional ideas as these are a source of true digital innovation. Initiatives like the Accenture Digital Hackathons, which taps talent from outside the traditional corporate environment, provide opportunities to create truly novel solutions and identify the best minds of tomorrow.”

Accenture was named Digital Services Premier Partner and Systems Integrator of Expo 2020 Dubai earlier this year to provide technologically advanced and innovative experiences to participants and visitors.

Accenture will award prizes worth up to a total of US$ 80,000 to the top teams in each city, region (Europe & Middle East, North America & Latin America, Asia), and globally. The best works will be determined by a panel of judges of experienced practitioners from Accenture, Expo 2020 Dubai and local sponsors.

Expo will select its favourite project from among the three regional winners and shortlist it for the Expo Live “Innovation Impact Grant Programme”. The program is expected to provide winning projects with grants of up to US$ 100,000 and a chance to showcase their innovations at the next World Expo.4
Individual participants demonstrating exceptional teamwork, problem-solving and goal orientation skills whose profiles are in line with Accenture’s recruitment plans, may be interviewed for roles in Accenture Digital, or elsewhere in the company. – TradeArabia News Service