UNDP South Africa is calling on makers and fabricators and developers who wish to Make their Mark on the country’s COVID-19 response efforts by assisting in assembling innovations that fight the spread of this disease

UNDP’s Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development in Singapore recently held a Global Innovation Challenge in partnership with companies such as Hackster, Google, Amazon, and many more. During the challenge, innovators were tasked with developing low-cost, easy to reproduce hardware solutions to fight the spread of COVID-19. Through a series of judging panels, the most promising innovations were selected, and South Africa was chosen as one of the few countries to implement these winning innovations. These are actual solutions that will be tested in the field - not just ideas

UNDP is calling on those who wish to assist in fabricating these inventions during a Makerthon hosted at Tshimologong Precinct from the 12^th of September to the 20^th of September 2020. Applicants must be 18 years or older

Not only will you have the chance to work on innovations that impact COVID-19, but the Makerthon will also provide you with opportunities to further develop your skills on the latest equipment under the guidance of experienced mentors. Some of the innovations you will assist in assembling include pulse oximeters, Infrared contactless thermometers, and automatic hand sanitiser dispensers

For safety, the number of makers for this event will be limited to 20 people. In addition, COVID-19 safety measures will be strictly enforced during the event in accordance with national rules including, but not limited to, appropriate social distancing measures, wearing of masks at all times, hand sanitation, and the screening of all participants who enter the premises

Please note that participation in this Makerthon is purely voluntary, with no promise of remuneration from either UNDP or Tshimologong. All innovations built during this Makerthon will remain open source and freely available to all

To apply, please complete the following Google form: Here

Applications must include a brief motivation on why you should be considered for the Hackathon, contact information, and experience/proficiency in dealing with maker equipment and material i.e. 3D printers, laser cutting, or  coding. The deadline for submitting the Google form is on Sunday mid-night 6 September 2020. No late applications will be considered, and successful candidates will be notified on Wednesday 9 September 2020.

Disclaimer

Please note that preference will be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, women, youth, persons living with disability and businesses that comply with the norms and standards of business practices in the Republic of South Africa.