Hacks for humanity 2021- Summary

“Hacks for Humanity 2021” focuses on ways to intervene social issues with technology – Arizona PBS

“Hacks for Humanity” is an annual event that brings people together to come up with interventions to a variety of social problems. This year’s focus is healthcare and water issues, along with concerns in sports. ASU Foundation Professor Dr. Neal Lester is the founding director of “Hacks for Humanity.”

“For the 8th year it is still a competition that’s 36 hours that brings people from high school age 16 through retirees together to create technologies for the social good,” Lester said. Read more

2021 Tracks

Nearly 350,000 health apps are in circulation today. Yet, according to the World Bank and World Health Organization, at least half of the world’s population cannot obtain essential health services. What obstacles keep this issue alive? How can technology be a way to re-imagine existing approaches to healthcare that do not limit equitable access to quality care?

Sports can bring individuals and communities together in a moment of shared humanity. This vastly profitable industry also can cause damage to the environment, exploit the vulnerable, and be politicized to do harm. Athletes, administrators, advertisers and fans all have a role to play. How can technology dismantle the  inequity, injustice and sometimes downright abuse that occurs in sports?

Water is essential for creating and sustaining life on Earth. Whether people realize it or not, water plays a role in many social, political, environmental, and health issues. What solutions can lead to more respect for bodies of water and all the living things that need it to survive?

Hacks for humanity 2021 at-a-glance

The Achievers

First Place: Team 7 | Project: meaSURE

First Place: Team 7
Team Members: Christine Redhead, Farhan Pratama, Rachel Eisner, Avnish Singh
Project: meaSURE
Track: Water

MeaSURE is a platform that provides users the tools to see water quality everywhere they go, with real-time metrics in their hands—allowing them to speak up and speak out against those who see them as just another number on a spreadsheet.

Second Place: Team 14 | Project: SOS Kids

Second PlaceTeam 14
Team MembersJessica Cassidy, Laila H. Masoud, Michel Nzihou, Helena Makendengue, Crissel Ignacio
ProjectSOS Kids
TrackSports

Kids often face a variety of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and even abuse, when involved in competitive sports. SOS Kids provides mental health resources to help children identify and deal with these issues.

Third Place: Team 5 | Project: Expression

Third PlaceTeam 5
Team MembersMari David, Antonio Mendieta, Karl McPhee, Siddharth Singha Roy
ProjectExpression
TrackHealthcare

Expression is a note-taking app that journals the user’s thoughts. It addresses the mental health issues of dealing with stress, depression, and anxiety by providing a healthy and private way to express oneself.

Best Built Project: Team 6 | Project: Athleteaton

Best Built ProjectTeam 6
Team MembersKaushik Indukuri, Sibashis Kjadanga, Wilfred Chukwu, Yash Gadhade, Isaac Baidoo
ProjectAthleteaton
Track: Sports

In sports, it is often very difficult for upcoming or amateur athletes to participate in big sporting events or leagues. This solution provides a platform for athletes (especially beginners) to come together and play or have access to events all over the world.

Best Website: Team 1 | Project: ASD Allies

Best WebsiteTeam 1
Team MembersAastha Naik, Shifa Ibrahim, Pamela Appiah, Joy Agus, Carlos Cristerna
ProjectASD Allies
TrackHealthcare

ASD Allies differs from your standard autism resources websites because its website also connects clients to healthcare professionals, offers personalized programs for each child at different stages in their childhood, and provides parent-centered support and resources. Unlike other informative websites providing an exhaustive list of resources that can be time-consuming to navigate, ASD Allies provides an experience and information that is unique and also relevant.

Finalist: Team 12 | Project: PLUR

FinalistTeam 12
Team MembersHaemin Ryu, Idika Verma, Naomi Bisimwa, Chorya Harshal, Shreyal Geddam
Project: PLUR
TrackSports

PLUR is a web app that uses local resources and crowdsourcing to build a strong database of programs and facilities that are accessible for individuals with disabilities,while raising awareness about anti-bullying and inclusion in sports.

Finalist: Team 8 | Project: Seeing Is Believing

FinalistTeam 8
Team MembersBrian Neal, Christine Bisimwa, Sakshi Kodre, Natalia Sumali, Rachel Aitanun
ProjectSeeing Is Believing
TrackHealthcare

Seeing Is Believing is a comparison calculator that will help Americans see how much they have to pay (even with health insurance) and offers to mobilize them to demand changes from their leaders for better healthcare.

Judges

Christine Whitney Sanchez

Chief Culture Officer / University Technology Office Arizona State University

Laura Terech

President / Central Phoenix Inez Casiano chapter of the National Organization for Women

Tanushree Ghosh

Engineer & Supplier Manager / Intel

SPONSORS 2021

SUPPORTERS 2021