Hackacity is back to solve challenges through open data

Created in 2016, the Hackathon of Porto has set a date for its sixth edition: 24th of November 2023 (the location is to be announced soon). Applications are open and all technology, innovation and data enthusiasts are challenged to, throughout this day, fully dedicate themselves to solving Porto’s urban challenges.

The event is free and teams of three to five elements can apply in two phases – the first ends on the 29th of September and the second on the 12th of October (individual applications might be accepted after validation by the organisation).

At the end, prizes will be given amounting to a total of 7 thousand euros, distributed by 4 teams. Other than the podium, in the 2022 edition, the Data Quality Award (Prémio de Qualidade de Dados) was created to highlight the solution that was best suited to the city’s interests.

The participants can not only analyse and improve the data made available in Portal de Dados Abertos, but the initiative also allows an interesting networking between pairs and mentors specialized in data, without forgetting the creation of positive impact for the community.

More than a data base, the Portal de Dados Abertos of the Municipality is a collaborative interface which challenges the active participation of citizens, companies, academia, institutions and other organisations and entities of diverse areas of intervention, public and private, in a governance strategy oriented towards transparency and participation.

It is important to remember that the 2022 edition gathered 120 participants distributed into 30 teams and counted with the presence of about 70 data scientists and software engineers, from the academic and corporate spheres. Topics addressed included mobility, environment and security.

Hackacity is an initiative by Porto City Hall, coordinated by Porto Digital through the Porto Innovation Hub, and counts with Ripply as a strategic partner.