General Information

WHAT IS THE MIT COVID-19 CHALLENGE? 

The MIT COVID-19 Challenge is a series of virtual hackathons. During these hackathons, multi-disciplinary teams will collaborate to develop innovative solutions that can help address the COVID-19 crisis. We are focused on connecting teams with the tools and resources needed to develop mature solutions that can be implemented by our partners. After each event in the Challenge, selected teams will have the opportunity to bring their solutions to life with the support of our partners.  

What is Hack4theFuture?

Hack4theFuture, an MIT COVID-19 Challenge series 48-hour hackathon (from Friday to Sunday) and virtual event where teams of hackers from multiple industries come together to ideate, iterate, develop, and pitch timely solutions to influence operations, policy, and decision marking in the public and private sector. Past events have had up to 1,500 participants. The COVID-19 Challenge is sponsored by the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, MIT Hacking Medicine, and MIT Innovation Initiative.

WHERE IS THE CHALLENGE TAKING PLACE? 

This is a virtual event. Teams will work together throughout the two-day event using tools such as Zoom, Google Drive, and/or Slack. 

WHEN WILL THE CHALLENGE TAKE PLACE?

The virtual challenge will take place from Friday, Nov 6th through Sunday, Nov 8th. More information about the schedule will be posted soon.  

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO COMMIT?

The Challenge is a 48-hour sprint beginning on Friday afternoon (11/6) and ending on Sunday afternoon (11/8). Since the goal is to rapidly bring meaningful solutions to life, participants should expect to commit Friday evening, most of Saturday, and Sunday morning/early afternoon to the Challenge. Participants do not need to be available 24/7 for the duration of the event but should communicate their availability to team members.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE WEEKEND?

After the weekend, the best ideas and teams will have the opportunity to co-develop and implement their solution with the support of our partners.

WHAT DO WINNING TEAMS GET?

Winning teams will receive organizational support, computing resources, and direct access to key partners to further develop, validate and implement solutions developed. 

WHO OWNS THE PRODUCT/SOLUTIONS TEAMS CREATE? 

In an effort to expedite the development and implementation of solutions developed in this event, all products and solutions developed in this event will be open source.

Participation 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE? 

We are seeking a diverse group of participants. Participants ages 13+ of all experience levels, professional and academic backgrounds, and skill sets are welcome; what matters most is your commitment to making an impact and your willingness to collaborate. DO I HAVE TO HAVE A TECHNICAL OR CLINICAL BACKGROUND TO PARTICIPATE? 

No! Participants of all academic and professional backgrounds are welcome! Technical or medical experience is always helpful, but it is not required. 

DO I HAVE TO BE AN MIT STUDENT OR MIT AFFILIATED TO PARTICIPATE? 

No! Participants do not need to be affiliated with MIT, just need to be eager to Beat the Pandemic! As above, technical or medical experience is always helpful, but it is not required. 

HOW DO I APPLY? 

Please complete the application form found here. Applications are due by Nov 4th at 12:00 PM (Noon) EST. If you are applying with a team, all team members must submit individual applications. 

WHEN WILL I HEAR BACK ABOUT MY APPLICATION?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and our review team will try its best to respond to applications within a few days of receiving them. The latest you should hear back by is the afternoon on Thursday, May 28.

HOW ARE APPLICATIONS EVALUATED?

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring  a diversity of skill sets and demographics are represented among participants. You will receive an email from the MIT COVID19 Challenge team with an update regarding your acceptance. 

HOW ARE TEAMS FORMED?

Participants will work together in teams of 4-5 members. We strongly encourage participants to apply individually, and form teams at the event – this event is not designed for pre-existing teams other than teams continuing from the previous Beat the Pandemic event. We will form teams based on interest and experience upon reviewing applications.

DO I NEED TO COME WITH AN IDEA?

The Challenge is focused on solving some of the most pressing problems that are resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. Participants are encouraged to come with these problems in mind, but you don’t need to have an answer in hand. You’ll work with teams to develop solutions that will have a meaningful impact on the COVID-19 crisis. 

WHAT TOOLS/RESOURCES WILL BE PROVIDED? 

Teams will be connected with technical resources, data sets, developer platforms and experienced mentors throughout the weekend to help them create, iterate, build, and develop solutions as quickly as possible.  

Support 

HOW DO I BECOME A MENTOR? 

Please complete the application form found here.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MENTORS?

Mentors will work with teams based on their experience and expertise. Mentors do not need to be available for the entire weekend. Once mentors have been accepted, they will select one or more 2-3 hour shifts that best accommodate their schedule. 

HOW DOES MY ORGANIZATION/COMPANY BECOME A PARTNER?

Thank you for your interest! Please email covid19hack4future@mit.edu. A member of the organizing team will contact you to determine how your organization’s expertise, resources, and reach can be most effectively utilized as part of this effort. 

Miscellaneous