CALLING all innovators, problem solvers, tech heads and designers, the University of Newcastle needs you to solve the world’s ageing population crisis.
The university’s NeW Space city campus will host the New Futures Hackathon for Aged Care, a two-day event where participants will learn from aged care experts and technical mentors before working in teams on a 10-hour “hack” to evolve their ideas into a viable, technological solution.
The New Futures Hackathon is a health-focused creative problem solving challenge aimed at addressing the implications of the world’s ageing population, the university’s manager of the integrated innovation network, Siobhan Curran, says.
“The number of Australians aged 75 years or older is expected to rise by four million by 2060,” she said.
“Consequently, health systems are predicted to face an array of challenges to meet an increasing demand for aged care health services.”
The team with the best technological solution – a website, app, or anything in the tech realm – will receive $3000 and a three-month residency at the University’s Three76 Innovation Hub with specialist mentorship. The runner-up will receive $2000 while the Rising Star award will acknowledge a standout team with a $500 reward.
The New Futures Hackathon is on from May 11 to 12 and is open to people from all backgrounds with no technical expertise required.
The university will host a free warm-up event at Three76 Hub, Newcastle, to introduce hackathons. The Ideas Collider, kicking off at 5pm on Tuesday April 17, will challenge participants to prepare and pitch an idea to a panel of judges in 60 minutes. Registration is essential via Eventbrite.
For more information or to register for the hackathon visit newcastle.edu.au/hackathon.
