Hack2Change

Background

In the European Union and around the world, the amount of municipal solid waste is increasing year by year, half of this waste is compostable bio-waste. Among bio-waste, the amount of food waste is significant due to the growing population. Improperly utilized bio-waste can cause increased greenhouse gases, odour problems, and soil and water pollution. Centralised waste collection and recovery infrastructure cannot keep up with the rapidly growing amount of bio-waste, although there are many systems and solutions available for proper recycling.

Challenge owner

ProfiKomp (https://profikomp.hu/en/)

ProfiKomp Inc. is one of the leading technology providers of aerobic waste treatment technologies in Europe. 

Challenge questions

• Which tools could be used to increase the efficiency of bio-waste collection and recycling?

• What kind of novel systems can be developed from the already available tools such as decentralized systems, community solutions or bioplastics?

Background

When we think of smart cities, we usually think of smart infrastructure, smart buildings, smart transportation and so on. However, the most important pillar are the people inhabiting the city. The technologies of the future can contribute to increase people’s health, happiness, wellness, safety, level of education and culture, access to sport infrastructure etc.

Challenge owners

Politehnica University Timișoara (http://www.upt.ro/) + Cowork Timisoara (https://www.coworktimisoara.com)

The Politehnica University of Timișoara is one of the biggest and most well-known technical universities from Central and Eastern Europe.

Cowork Timisoara is a coworking space opened in 2017 with the mission of helping entrepreneurs, digital nomads and other creatives find the perfect place to work.

Challenge questions

• How might we reduce pollution and improve air quality for better overall health?

• How might we reconfigure public space so that we create sport (e.g. jogging) opportunities for all?

• How might we improve the safety of urban traffic so that citizens travel with peace of mind?

• How might we reduce food waste for sustainable urban living?

• How might we provide rich access to art and culture for the mind and soul?

• How might we create a socially Inclusive environment for all groups, not only for the technologically advanced?

Background

The impact of changing meteorological conditions and other factors on the development of harmful organisms (pests, weeds and fungal diseases) is becoming increasingly difficult to manage for farmers. It is difficult for small and medium-sized farms to adapt to climate change, which makes it difficult to reduce fertilizers and pesticides.

Challenge owner

Latvian Rural Training and Advisory Centre (http://new.llkc.lv/lv/latvian-rural-advisory-and-training-centre)

The only Latvian training and advisory institution for farmers, agribusiness and rural entrepreneurs, offering consultancy, agricultural extension and training services.

Challenge questions

• How can farmers reduce pesticides and mineral fertilizers to make their products greener?

• How can greenhouse gas emissions from production be reduced?

• How can soil and water be conserved in farming?

• How to reduce the number of employees on the farm to prevent farmers from becoming dependent on changes in the workforce?

• How to make an offer according to consumers' purchasing power?

• Could new technologies provide solutions? (like robotics, satellite monitoring, sensors, etc.)

Note: This challenge can be addressed by choosing to focus on either arable crops (wheat, legumes, oats, potatoes) or vegetables.

Background

In August 2021, the Unit for Technology and Digitization of the Lower Austrian Federal Government collaborated with around 30 citizens from Lower Austria in an innovative sandpit process to develop ideas and initial approaches for how digital solutions can contribute to successful village and community life in Lower Austria. The idea of NENA - The Neighborhood Network is now to be developed further in the E³UDRES² Hackathon 2021.

NENA - The Neighborhood Network is a platform idea in which citizens of a municipality can contribute with their ideas and also take responsibility to "do it themselves". Project suggestions, but also concerns can be deposited here, which can be supported, taken over or converted afterwards by citizens themselves, by enterprises or associations as well as by the municipality. This strengthens and actively promotes cooperation in the community.

Challenge owner

Office of the Lower Austrian Federal Government (https://noe.gv.at/)

The Office of the Lower Austrian Federal Government is the highest administrative body of the province of Lower Austria and offers (among other things) service and information for citizens.

Challenge questions

• What could a drafted design for the technical implementation of NENA - The Neighborhood Network look like?

• How could an open source solution for NENA - The Neighborhood Network be developed?

• How could citizens be encouraged to use the platform?

• How could the platform be moderated? Who is responsible?

• Are there any other use cases the platform could be suitable for?

Background

Apart from the 'early high-tech birds', Artificial Intelligence (AI) has just begun to make its appearance in the field of Human Resources (HR). Self-learning systems, in which algorithms make predictions about data, are starting to have an impact on candidate search and selection, while also predicting learning retention.​

As an SME in an Industry 4.0 landscape, ABN wants to explore the possibilities and advantages of AI in the field of HR. And this especially in small to medium-sized enterprises. In many companies, a lot of information is now lying around rotting. Information from which one can learn and which can provide important conclusions about the functioning of the SME.​

Challenge owner

ABN Cleanrooms (https://abn.be)

ABN Cleanroom Technology, is a design, construction, commissioning & maintenance company specialising in cleanroom activities in the fields of health care, biotechnology, microelectronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive and food processing. As leading innovator in providing Industry 4.0 connected Cleanrooms, they aim to make cleanroom technology affordable.​

Challenge questions

• How can AI help find the right talent that fits the profile of ABM Cleanroom company perfectly?​

• How can SMEs and medium-sized companies make use of AI in their staff search?​

• How can AI create a stronger connection between our company and our current staff?​

• Can AI support SMEs who would like to engage in talent sharing?​

• How can AI help as a Talent/Culture check in the matchmaking between employer and employee?​

• Can AI be used to detect upcoming burn-outs, stress or dissatisfaction in the workplace?

Background

Wine is the main export item of the EU within the food sector and an excellent witness of local traditions, skills and biodiversity. At the same time viticulture is the area with the highest use of pesticides, as its specialization and intensification made it more and more susceptible to pests and diseases out-breaks as well as to climate change effects. Furthermore, due to the increasingly alarming consequences of climate change, plagues have become a serious threat to grape quality and viticulture yields. Knowledge of the presence and distribution of pest species will aid growers in future management decisions.

Challenge owner

AVIPE (https://www.avipe.pt/)

AVIPE’s core business is grapevine consultancy, supporting about 4000Ha from 250 farmers at the Setúbal Peninsula in Portugal.

Challenge questions

AVIPE would like to get your support in development and commercialization of advanced pest traps, such as tools to support early detection/diagnostics/monitoring of vineyard infestations, such as, for instance:

• AI-powered vineyard pest traps - smart pest traps

• IoT devices to monitor and report pest activity in real-time and collect data that provides new insights into pest behaviour, help improving pest control

• new pest trap designs replacing or complementing the role of chemical attractants (pheromone lures) by other types of bioactive molecules or mechanical/physical technologies (e.g. coloured LEDs)

• new (modular) trap designs employing sustainable materials

Any other ideas on suitable solutions for integrated pest management in vineyards are not only accepted, but very welcome!