The startup world has helped us predict crop diseases, manage finances and even do karaoke in our self-driving cars. 2020, folks. Helluva time to be alive. Now, however, it might just empower netizens in Thailand as they work to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

 

Hack the Crisis, organized by Hackathon Thailand, invites anyone with bold ideas for fighting the virus to bring them to the table this Apr 24-27.

 

Whether it’s reducing the number of new infections, facilitating online education or alleviating some of the economic burden many of us are feeling now, all ideas are welcome.

 

The event is free to enter and open to all. There will be several cash prizes for teams, together totaling B310,000. One lucky team be rewarded with a seed grant of up to US$10,000 (B300,000), sponsored by the US Embassy in Bangkok, while another will take home a B200,000 innovation grant, courtesy of automotive components manufacturer Denso.

 

It should go without saying that this hackathon is being conducted virtually. Before it kicks off at 6pm on Apr 24, there are a bunch of pre-events taking place online, too. Check out the Facebook page to see what’s happening in the leadup to the event.

 

For more information about Hack the Crisis, visit the Hackathon Thailand website.