Blockchain is the hot buzzword in tech at the moment –this technology holds the promise of allowing teams to collaborate in a secure, transparent way via a digital ledger. Blockchain is a new type of database system that maintains and records data in a way that allows multiple parties to share and collaborate to execute transactions. This technology has the power to move any kind of data securely and auditably among all parties to a transaction. The data on a blockchain is trusted and secure, preventing random changes.
Accenture and Hyperledger are teaming up for a “Blockchain for Good Hackathon in Dublin on Sept. 30, asking developers to come together to create blockchain apps around Digital Identity or Sustainable Supply Chain using open source Hyperledger code from the Linux Foundation. The challenge of the Hack is to utilize Hyperledger open source code & tools like Hyperledger Fabric, Hyperledger Composer, Hyperledger Indy and Hypeledger Sawtooth to build applications that will benefit humanity.
Blockchain has shown great promise in establishing provenance of goods, to expedite routine business processes and to enable the world’s unbankable to receive payments via cryptocurrencies through mobile apps at their fingertips. Successful blockchain for good implementations like Plastic Bank have allowed plastic that was littering the ocean to be recycled for rewards.
The possibilities are truly endless. Blockchain technologies can be used to enhance routine business processes and thereby enhance the quality of life.
The Hackathon Prizes
The inaugural “Blockchain for Good Hackathon” is taking place at The Dock, Accenture’s multidisciplinary research and incubation hub, on Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1. The two organisations (Hyperledger & Accenture) are inviting developers across Ireland to help apply blockchain technology to develop game changing ideas and solutions for providing secure digital identities and sustainable, eco-friendly supply chains.
The grand prize winning team will receive an 8,500 EUR cash prize and a two-day all expenses paid trip to visit Accenture’s Blockchain Center of Excellence in the South of France to develop their hack into a proof of concept.
Hackathon registration and details
The Blockchain for Good Hackathon is open for registration to all Blockchain developers with an interest in Hyperledger and blockchain who are 18 years old or older.
Participants in the Blockchain for Good Hackathon will work together with top coders, architects and experts from Accenture & Hyperledger to build innovative solutions that can positively impact millions of lives and the environment.
- To register for the event visit:
http://events.linuxfoundation.org/events/blockchain-for-good-hackathon/attend/register
- To review the agenda visit:
http://events.linuxfoundation.org/events/blockchain-for-good-hackathon/program/agenda.
Registrants should bring their laptops and their creativity.
The Blockchain for Good Challenge
With blockchain for a sustainable supply chain, data can be collected about the path of food products including produce and livestock. Products can now be tracked from farm to table help reduce spoilage and prevent diseases.
[easy-tweet tweet=”For Digital Identity, blockchain offers the opportunity for individuals to obtain a unique proof of identity” hashtags=”Blockchain, Digital”]
For Digital Identity, blockchain offers the opportunity for individuals to obtain a unique proof of identity to gain access to essential services, such as healthcare, social benefits and financial services. It also is essential to have access to better job opportunities. But over a billion children and adults worldwide do not have a recognized form of identity. In many countries, the design and implementation of civil registration and identification programs are shaped by cultural preferences, regulatory requirements, technological maturity and privacy needs.
Each team will be asked to develop a working prototype around either Sustainable Supply Chain or Digital Identity. Prototypes must be developed using Open Source Hyperledger Code publicly available via the Linux Foundation and Git Hub.
Each team will be required to create and present to the judges a proof of concept using blockchain driven concepts.
Why Blockchain?
“Blockchain technology is on course to revolutionize how the world exchanges value, information and material,” said David Treat, event co-host and managing director in Accenture’s global blockchain practice. “This hackathon is geared to channel these innovations for humanitarian and environmental benefit, beginning with the right to identity and the need for environmentally sustainable supply chains. And we’re calling on the many talented engineers in this region to help.”
“The Linux Foundation and Accenture both have long histories looking for ways to apply technology to improve the way people live and work,” said Hyperledger Executive Director Brian Behlendorf, co-host of the Hackathon. “We see blockchain in particular as a technology that can drive positive impact in areas that may not have reaped the full benefit of the digital revolution.”
Mr. Treat of Accenture and Mr. Behlendorf will both be onsite at the Hackathon to meet with attendees. Developers will also get to hear from Dakota Gruener, the executive director of ID2020 , about the challenges that 1.1 billion people face living without an official identity, and why blockchain may play a crucial role in the technical solution. The combination of expert speakers, amazing prizes and a chance to interact with the best & brightest developers make the “Blockchain for Good Hackathon” a must for coders.
Follow all the Hackathon news on Social Media in real-time with the hashtag #Blockchain4Good.
Neil Cattermull, Director of Cloud Practice, Compare the Cloud
Neil's focus is on developing cloud technology and big data. You can often find him advising CXOs on cloud strategy.