42 Hours of Hacking in the Heart of Zurich
Introduction to the Swiss Blockchain Hackathon #SBHACK19 and Two Team Interviews
From June 21–23 the Swiss Blockchain Hackathon #SBHACK19 takes place in the center of Zurich at Trust Square. Switzerland’s blockchain ecosystems finest have come together to organize, support, and sponsor the event. The list of partners reads like a who is who of the ecosystem. Hackathons are great opportunities for the industry and (young) talents alike. The pressure and buzz they create can lead to inspiring ideas and bring to the surface hidden talents. In the following article, I am going to share some information on what is happening before, during, and after the 42 hours of hacking at Trust Square.
Blockchains Finest
As a warm-up for the hackathon, a series of training sessions are held at the University of Zurich together with top blockchain industry partners. Training topics include managed blockchain, reduction of time to market, and AI & machine learning.
Six verticals will be hacked to find out who is the most creative team of hackers in the competition: Mobility, Intelligent Parcels, Supply Chain, Finance, Agriculture & Food, and eGovernment. Within each vertical, three challenges are offered to the candidate teams to be solved during the hackathon. All challenges focus on real-world problems and are presented by Vertical Partners facing those problems in their everyday business. The candidates are free to choose on what platform/blockchain and in what manner they develop. In the end, they will have to hand in their Submissions according to the rules: code, project entry information, team participant information, demonstration videos, and documentation.
More than CHF 350'000 in Prize Money!
There are crypto bags, an entrepreneur kickoff prize, and in-kind prizes up for grabs at #SBHACK19. The entrepreneur kickoff prizes include:
- Two free desks at Trust Square until the end of 2019
- A pitch at the Swiss Blockchain Investor Day 2019 at CV Conference in Zug
- One winning team joins the fast track at the CV Labs incubator (worth CHF 125'000) and aid by a SICTIC advisor.
- FROIREP will help seven winning teams with the incorporation of their company
- All participants will receive a BlockFactory “100% tamperproof and verifiable crypto certificates with their certification blockchain solution.”
We are looking forward to a buzzing beehive of inspiring minds. Teams, don’t forget to get some shut-eye and lots of success with your efforts!
