“Climate Challenge SL” invites data professionals to a first ever hackathon aimed at generating innovative data-driven solutions to climate change related issues in agriculture and fisheries

Colombo, Sri Lanka – With the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and in partnership with the Climate Collective Foundation (CCF), Lanka Impact Investment Network (LIIN), is proud to announce the launch of Sri Lanka's first-ever data hackathon, “Climate Challenge SL”. This hackathon aims to revolutionize the agriculture and fisheries sectors, by addressing climate change related impacts through innovative data-driven solutions. Data professionals from across the country are called to apply for “Climate Challenge SL” before October 31, 2024. Primarily a youth-focused initiative, aiming to encourage more youth to engage in climate action, anyone from any part of the country is invited to apply.

“Climate Challenge SL – Creative Data Solutions for Resilience” is designed to help mitigate       climate change related issues faced by the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Climate change results in       compounding effects on the two economic sectors, previously hampered by Covid 19 restrictions and the macro-economic crises. The two sectors in focus provide livelihoods for over 30% of the population, contribute to the country’s economic growth, and are critical for national food security. The Climate Challenge SL will open an innovators space for data professionals from across the country to incubate ideas and solutions for grassroots application in climate resilience practices.  

With the call for applications open from September 5, 2024- October 31, 2024 via www.liin.lk. LIIN, will reach out through workshops/ webinars and social media platforms to target 400 potential diverse and inclusive teams of data professionals from across the country for the hackathon. LIIN, USAID, and CCF will select 20 diverse and inclusive teams from these applicants. Through a series of workshops and webinars these teams will be provided with opportunity to access real-world data and to work together to address the challenges posed by climate change, utilizing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Climate Challenge SL will also offer these teams with valuable mentorship support from industry experts to help fast-track the creation of innovative data-driven solutions to climate change issues faced by the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The top 10 teams will also have the exclusive opportunity to further develop or scale-up their innovations by pitching their groundbreaking ideas and models to impact investors.  

USAID, through the Climate Adaptation Project, and LIIN commit to promote youth-led, context specific innovative solutions to foster a climate resilient future. This is underscored by the “Climate Challenge SL” which aims to harness the power of data to enhance the climate adaptation capabilities of the agriculture and fisheries sectors in Sri Lanka.

“The United States is committed to helping Sri Lanka tackle climate change head-on,” said Gabriel Grau, USAID Mission Director for Sri Lanka. “Climate Challenge Sri Lanka is about sparking fresh ideas to strengthen the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors. USAID is inviting a diverse group of data professionals from all over Sri Lanka to join us in this climate hackathon and develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.”

At the launch of the ‘Climate Challenge SL’ the Chairman of LIIN said “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a resilient and sustainable future for Sri Lanka's agriculture and fisheries sectors. The 'Climate Challenge SL' is not just a hackathon, it is a movement that empowers our country’s data professionals to harness the power of innovation and data. We are immensely grateful for the support from USAID Climate Adaptation Project and all our collaborative partners, in making this vision a reality”.

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About USAID Climate Adaptation Project:

The USAID Climate Adaptation Project (2021-2026) aims to enhance the capacities of the governments, private sector, and local communities to adapt to climate change in ways that contribute to sustained, inclusive, market-based growth in Sri Lanka and Maldives. This five-year USAID project works towards achieving its aim by identifying and scaling up innovative solutions to adaptively manage climate-related risks through market-driven private sector and community engagement; Strengthening central and/or local governance to address climate-related risks; and improving availability and access to high-quality information for decision-making to reduce vulnerability to climate change.

About The Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN):

The Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN) is dedicated to fostering social and environmental impact through innovative investment solutions, driving sustainable development across various sectors in Sri Lanka.

About The Climate Collective Foundation (CCF):

The Climate Collective Foundation (CCF) is an India-based organization focused on addressing climate change challenges through collaboration, innovation, and data-driven approaches.

For applications for Climate Challenge: apply via https://forms.gle/fXGJNLb1icdC1xGNA or visit our website www.liin.lk or call our hotline 0776051256