Co-op Hackathon
The Co‑op Hackathon will take place on 1‑2 October 2024 in Staffordshire. It’s for co‑operators passionate about creating joined‑up digital infrastructure for the co‑op movement.
The Co-op Hackathon aims to boost the development of co‑operative, ethical tech. It’s an exciting, FREE, two‑day event that brings co‑operators together to develop digital solutions.
Delivered by Co‑operatives UK, the Co‑op Hackathon is sponsored by The Co‑operative Bank and Central Co‑op. It will take place on 1‑2 October at Central Co‑op’s Staffordshire headquarters.
Our first two hackathons took place in October 2023 in London and May 2024 in Manchester. Co‑operators collaborated to boost 26 innovative projects, such as:
- Developing open-source AI
- Using tech to tackle the climate crisis
- Supporting local communities
- Helping to alleviate poverty
- Increasing alternative solutions for housing and education
Our mission for the next hackathon is to harness more ethical tech expertise, energy and ambition to develop solutions to movement-wide challenges – and we’re already working towards it.
Our first step was to bring people together at Co‑op Congress in June for a dynamic and highly productive Hackathon Round Table. Next, we’ll further develop the ideas with online sessions to design the October hackathon.
How to get involved
Do you have a vision for how joined‑up digital infrastructure can boost the co‑op movement? Do you have the skills, passion and expertise to contribute to its development?
- Register your interest in the Co‑op Hackathon on 1-2 October by completing our expression of interest form. A member of our team will be in touch to confirm your attendance
- Take part in online sessions ahead of the hackathon to help shape and prepare for the hackathon
Travel bursaries
Co-operatives UK is committed to making our events as accessible as possible. Thanks to our event sponsor, The Co-operative Bank, we will have a limited number of bursaries for this event to contribute towards the cost of travel and accommodation. Details of this will be confirmed by the end of August.
Venue and timings
The Co-op Hackathon is taking place on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 October 2024 in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Any questions, please contact [email protected]
Tuesday 1 October
9.30am-5.30pm and an evening social:
- Introductions and networking
- Opening presentations followed by collaborative hacking in teams
- There will also be a social event in the evening
Wednesday 2 October
9.30am-6pm:
- A second, full day of working together to develop tech that boosts the co-op movement with joined-up digital infrastructure
- From 4-6pm there will be final presentations and networking. Teams will present what they’ve done and what the next steps will be
What goes on at the Co-op Hackathon?
We captured this short video after the Co-op Hackathon in October 2023. See the collaboration and innovation in action!
Who is involved with the Co-op Hackathon?
It’s being delivered by Co-operatives UK, in partnership with The Co-operative Bank – supporting fair and ethical business together. It’s hosted by Central Co-op at its Staffordshire headquarters. The Co‑operative Bank and Central Co‑op are both sponsors of the event.
Previous Co-op Hackathons
October 2023, London
May 2024, Manchester
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