With participation from Brazil to Thailand, these are the main solutions of the Global Call for Code 2021 Challenge – Universities Edition
In the fight against climate change, new ideas and innovations can come from anywhere. However, every year, university applications on the Call for Code inspire us. And, this year was no different. The five finalists cover a wide range of solutions, ranging from agriculture to waste management, and from sanitation to zero hunger. Check out entries from around the world and tune in to Call for Code Awards 2021 on November 16, to find out who will be the winner of the Universities Edition of the Global Call for Code Challenge.
Agrofate (Brazil)
Agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, with the problem growing as rainfall decreases and agricultural water needs increase. Agrofate is tackling the issue with a simple mobile app to help small farmers get crop irrigation recommendations based on real-time weather data and soil conditions. The team saw the need for this firsthand in Brazil, where 35 million people do not have access to clean water and agriculture is the biggest consumer of water.
FarmAid (Australia)
Even minor floods and droughts can affect small farmers, who account for more than 80% of the world's food supply. These farmers are often left without care due to poor infrastructure and financial constraints. FarmAid provides AI solutions and advice to help farmers stay one step ahead of extreme weather events that threaten their livelihoods, including access to weather reports, photo-based crop analysis, production cycle recommendations and more.
Mile-12 (United States, United Arab Emirates, India)
Many small farmers and food producers struggle to create a sustainable business model to support themselves and their families. This becomes increasingly difficult as climate change and more risks are introduced into the system. This app uses artificial intelligence to help food producers form cooperatives, establish links with distributors and consumers, and receive advice on how to increase profits by providing tools such as product price recommendations.
Trashtag (France)
The waste issue has serious implications for climate change, with nearly 10 million tonnes of waste dumped into the oceans and natural environments each year. Trashtag is trying to change that by offering a platform to encourage local community members who can play an important role in waste removal. Considered “garbage warriors,” these community members can share the work they've done through the app, using AI to analyze “before” and “after” photos of an area that has been cleared. Jobcoin, a purpose-built cryptocurrency, is granted through the platform to encourage positive action
well well (Thailand)
As climate change increases the risk of drought, finding the right location for a water well is a growing problem in many parts of the world. Using machine learning and historical data, Well Well simplifies this tiring and costly process by helping to predict locations to drill. For those without internet access or mobile devices, Well Well also offers an inexpensive handheld device that guides users to the closest ideal location to drill based on GIS data.
These five college finalists answered the call and demonstrated what can happen when young talent, innovation and technology connect. Agrofate, FarmAid, Mile-12, Trashtag and Well Well are still in the running, from Universities Edition, for the grand prize of US$ 10,000 and a chance to interview with IBM.
So who will win? stay tuned for 2021 Call for Code Awards on November 16 to find out!
