CABEI, EU and SICA inaugurate hackathon to reward natural disaster risk prevention and reduction ideas

San Salvador, March 22nd, 2022.- In order to promote innovative ideas, this Tuesday the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the European Union (EU) and the Central American Integration System (SICA) inaugurated the "Hackathon for Copernicus Central America: Disaster Risk Prevention and Reduction."

Participants, who can be students, researchers, professionals from public or private institutions, were presented with a problem during the opening of the tournament on March 22, and, using Copernicus satellite images and data, must submit their proposed solutions on the closing day, April 3.

CABEI Executive President Dante Mossi emphasized that "this event is of great interest to the Bank because, in addition to promoting spaces for knowledge research, generation and dissemination through geospatial technology, at the same time it promotes innovative initiatives as solutions to problems affecting the region, such as natural disasters."

The inauguration event was attended by CABEI Vice President Jaime Roberto Díaz, the head of the European Union's cooperation in Central America, Alberto Menghini, the Director of Government Innovation of Panama, SICA's Interim Presidency, students and researchers, as well as officials from public institutions.

There are two participation categories in the hackathon: atmospheric risks (hurricanes, floods and extreme weather events) and terrestrial risks (volcanology and seismicity). Six prizes are expected to be awarded, three for each risk.  

For more information, please contact info@copernicus-centroamerica.academy indicating "hackathon" in the subject line and some indication regarding your question.