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Co-op Hackathon announced to boost innovative digital projects

News item

Published
5th April 2024
Last updated
24th April 2024
Topic
IT & Technology
Image
People at the Co-op Hackathon

Following the success of the Co‑op Hackathon in October, Co-operatives UK has announced another event for spring 2024.  

Delivered in partnership with The Co‑operative Bank, and in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Design Factory, the next Co‑op Hackathon will build on the popularity and success of the previous year’s event.  

Taking place in Manchester on 8-9 May, it will see co‑operators join forces to collaboratively develop digital solutions to support the UK co‑op movement. Working in teams, they’ll turn their ideas into pioneering technology.  

Submissions for projects are now being accepted and all ideas will be considered, with projects related to sustainability and housing of particular interest.  

Got an ethical tech idea to develop at the Co‑op Hackathon?
Find out how to submit an idea here.
Remote video URL
Video from Co-op Hackathon, October 2023; Filmed and produced by Alex Evans Productions

Last year’s Co‑op Hackathon saw teams work on a wide range of innovative ideas, including developing open-source AI and using tech to tackle the climate crisis, help alleviate poverty and support alternative solutions for housing and education.  

Rose Marley, CEO at Co‑operatives UK, said: 

“Co‑operatives UK is on a mission to promote digital innovation in the co‑op movement – and the Co‑op Hackathon forms part of that mission.

“We had such an amazing response to last year’s event. Many of the ideas that were developed there have since been built upon, improved and launched. We want these events to add value to the co-operative movement and society at large.

“It also created a huge appetite for more innovation amongst co‑ops, which we’re facilitating through another hackathon. We can’t wait to get together with lots of talented, passionate people to collaborate on more exciting ideas and products.”

The event will amplify and foster collaboration around the development of technology that empowers co‑ops. People throughout the co‑op movement are invited to: 

  • Bring an idea that they want to develop collaboratively with a team 
  • Contribute skills to a team. Developers, data scientists, designers, project managers, are particularly welcome, as well as those with other skills that can support a team 

The Co‑op Hackathon is taking place on Wednesday 8 to Thursday 9 May at Manchester Metropolitan University with its Design Factory – a new university initiative that aims to open‑up opportunities for students and researchers from any discipline by developing innovative partnerships with businesses across Greater Manchester. 

Find out more and sign up at www.uk.coop/hackathon  

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