We’re hosting a Hackathon at Venture Café Phoenix for the City of Phoenix. They have asked for our audience’s help to solve challenges in our beautiful city. Mayor Kate Gallego and Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari will be in attendance. Free lunch and and snacks will be provided. Cash prizes up to $600 per person.

This isn’t a technical challenge but more of a concept development challenge – you will be discussing the problem of Public Access to Chilled Drinking Water in Phoenix.

Groups of 5-6 people will “hack” their solutions and present them back to a panel of judges. Most creative and viable ideas, and best presentations overall will win a cash prizes.

Here are some of the details to consider and discuss:

We know that increasing access to drinking water in public spaces (in walkable areas and close to transit hubs) will take creativity and innovation. There are many things to consider including where to locate the systems, how to build community around a water system, mitigating vandalism to the system, arts component, shade, etc.

–What are new ideas for technologies to provide drinking water in public spaces? Is there something that could make a system more accessible?

— Any non-tech ideas to provide access to drinking water that do not involve handing out plastic water bottles.

— How do you keep the systems cool so the water stays cool in 110F + heat in the middle of the city? Is there a shade component that could be added to a system to mitigate heat/direct sun?

–How about education and communication strategies around the systems? How do you build interest so that people use the bottle filling stations?

— Maintenance and keeping the systems from being vandalized? Are there innovative ideas around either of these? Could be a tech solution or wrap-around support such as from community, businesses, etc.

— Is there a public art component that could support the project? What would this look like? Could it be incorporating into the shade idea? Does public art around the system encourage community buy-in, and preservation of the system, etc.

— We are also thinking about sustainability. Are they ways to alert if a system isn’t functioning properly and potentially losing water? What are some ideas if someone forgets their water bottle and would like to use a water filling station?

Come join us for a fun day at 850 N 5th St. with lots of invigorating energy!

Here is the link to register:

REGISTRATION TO BECOME A HACKER IS NOW CLOSED