Individuals need better and newer solutions to keep themselves safe. Hack the Crisis is an online hackathon with the mission to design, test and execute concrete ideas to address the challenges we face. The three main focus areas are to save lives, save communities and save businesses.

The initiative is organised by the Swedish Government, the Swedish Agency for Digital Government (DIGG), Hack for Sweden and Openhack. On 3-6 April, innovators from the public and private sectors, academia, non-profit organizations and citizens will get together to find digital solutions that could be used rapidly by different authorities in Sweden. The hackathon will be carried out 100% digitally. Anyone can register, as an individual or in teams. 

The Stockholm School of Economics has joined the movement through its House of Innovation and Business Lab. We will be part of the jury selecting the best solutions, provide advice to the winning teams and fund the prize together with other organisations.  

Can’t code? Not a problem

Besides the three main challenges, Hack the Crisis has identified two tracks to include all those who might have an idea that is extremely relevant, but who don’t have the skills to create digital tools. The participants will be able to choose between developing e.g. a product, a prototype, or an app, or concepts for society that can be further developed through collaboration with government agencies or other organisations. 

Time is precious though. All solutions that are judged not to be realizable within two months will automatically be rejected.  

Corporate partners leading the way

We at SSE are not alone in our commitment to society, wanting being part of the solution and contributing where we can during these uncertain times. Our SSE community and stakeholders, especially our corporate partners, are leading the change and coming together to hack the crisis. Companies like SEB, H&H Group, Accenture, AstraZeneca, Electrolux, Sandvik, Telia and Swedbank are either sponsors or partners of this joint initiative from the public and private sectors to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden.