What is a Hackathon?

The word "hackathon" consists of the words "marathon" and "hackers", joined together to define a software development marathon. An event where teams of participants gather-in the same physical space to collaboratively develop applications in a short time. The duration of the event can vary from 10 to 72 hours.

The hackathon methodology is used to very quickly develop innovative and efficient applications targeting specific problem or thematic areas. In recent years we have seen private companies like Facebook and Google , civil organizations like Sunlight Foundation , regional institutions like the World Bank , international media as Mashable, entire cities like London , New York and Sydney , whole countries like the very interesting case of Moldova , and even NASA with International Space Apps Challenge , appropriating the use of the hackathon as an innovation tool. Even today there have been organizations dedicated exclusively to coordinate and promote hackathons methodology, such as Random Hacks of Kindness (RHoK), and Developing Latin America.

Developing the Caribbean (DevCA) is a 24-hour hackathon competition, held in 8 countries simultaneously. We also refer to the event as a "Codesprint" , identifying with the region's athletic prowess. Participants at all sites are connected virtually through this website, our CKAN data management platform, and constant livestreaming. DevCA is a special hackathon because it uses open data as the main source of their applications, and also brings together the efforts of several countries in the Caribbean, on the premise that countries in the region face very similar social problems. DevCA is closely affiliated with Developing Latin America. For more information on hackathons, be sure to check out our FAQs page!