Cities are responsible for 70% of the planet’s carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, they play a central role when it comes to efforts on global decarbonisation and pushing forward the local energy transition. In the lead-up to the global climate conference COP26 in Glasgow, a two-day hackathon will bring together young talents from Switzerland and the UK. The Energy & Climate Hack is part of the Decarbonising Cities conference and will be held entirely in English.

Be part of the hackathon and accelerate the change towards energy-efficient and climate-friendly cities!

SCHEDULE

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

Two exciting, exhausting and challenging days await you! Together, we will develop innovative solutions for decarbonising the future of our cities, thinking about renewable energy production, climate monitoring, sustainable innovation, smart cities and more!

In cooperation with the challengers we are preparing exciting topics and datasets for you, just waiting to spark innovative solutions. On the first day of the hackathon, you will be able to choose the challenge team that you want to join.

Of course, there will also be plenty of brainfood, exciting datasets, a motivated crowd and diverse know-how and knowledge from all around the world, especially from the UK and Switzerland!

LOCATION

The hackathon will take place at INNOSPACE, Gurtenbrauerei 31, in Köniz (near Bern). You can reach the location from Bern main station within 10-15 minutes by public transport.

PARTICIPATION

The ENERGY & CLIMATE HACK is open to anyone interested to think creatively, design, and crunch data around energy, cities, mobility… We are particularly inviting students in software development, design, data science and analytics, but also urban planning, architecture, sociology, engineering, etc... Let us join together and design a decarbonised urban ecosystem.

Register here until the 17th of August 2021

Participation and catering are free thanks to the support of our partners and sponsors.
UK students may apply for a travelling grant (see FAQ below).

All attendees, sponsors, partners, volunteers and staff at our hackathon are required to agree with the Hack Code of Conduct. Organisers will enforce this code throughout the event. We expect cooperation from all participants to ensure a safe environment for everybody.

CHALLENGES

Together in teams, you will solve tough and exciting challenges about optimising energy resources in all fields of urban life. We will keep you informed as we upload the challenges around a month before the event.

Topics of the hackathon challenges:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a project idea or a team to participate?

No, this is not necessary. At the beginning of the hackathon different project ideas and challenges will be presented. You can contribute to the project idea that inspires you the most.

Is the hackathon only for developers or students?

No, the hackathon is not only for developers or students, but also for visualizers & designers, economists, urban planners, enthusiasts, journalists, lateral thinkers & doers.
Programming skills are very welcome but not required.

Do I have to stay on site for 48 hours?

No, that’s not necessary. However, to contribute efficiently to the success of your chosen project, discuss well with your team when, where and on what you work.

What do I need to bring with me?

Most importantly: don’t forget to bring your laptop. You may also want to bring a notebook, best pens... However, we will provide you with a basic supply of material, such as papers, flipcharts, post-its, food and drinks. 

Do I have to bring food?

No, all meals will be for free on both hackathon days. 

What about accommodation?

Participants of the hackathon are expected to organise accommodation themselves. Unfortunately, we cannot provide accommodation on site. British students may apply for a travel grant (see registration form).

I'm a student and would travel from the UK, do I get travel expenses refunded?

Students from the UK may apply for a travel grant. Please confirm your interest for a travel grant in the registration form.

Can my company or organisation present a challenge?

If your company or organisation is interested in presenting a challenge, please contact us.

When is the registration deadline?

In order to ease the organisation, please register by the 17th of August 2021.

What if I have to cancel my registration?

If you happen to have to cancel your participation, we kindly ask you to inform us and unregister from the list at least 14 days before the event, by the 17th of August 2021.

We don’t want to waste food and neither do you, right?

Will the Energy & Climate Hack take place in spite of COVID-19?

We are keeping an eye on the current developments and will make sure to adhere to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health's guidelines and recommendations.

We will keep you informed on this website and by e-mail, once you have registered.

Further questions?

If you have any questions, you can reach us via email

Feel free to ask!

HOSTS