Co-operatives UK hosts ‘Co‑op Hackathon’ to develop co‑op‑boosting tech

In partnership with The Co-operative Bank, Co-operatives UK will be holding an innovative Co‑op Hackathon in London in May.  

This trailblazing event 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 designed to meet the following challenges:  

• How can we increase the campaigning power of the co‑op movement on issues that matter?    
• How can we use data to strengthen the co‑op movement and make it more resilient in the face of a rapidly changing business environment?    
• How can we use technology to increase collaboration between co‑ops? 

People throughout the co-op movement are invited to take part and can do so in number of different ways:  

• Bring an idea to develop. Those with an idea that solves one of the above challenges will have the chance to build a team around it and develop it further. It needs to be a clearly defined idea that can be easily pitched to an audience. 

• Contribute skills to a team developing an idea. Digital skills are particularly welcome: developers, data scientists, designers, project managers, etc. Other skills are also welcome, as there are many ways to contribute.   

• Meet the teams and see the results. Those who wish to can attend the launch event the evening before the Hackday and see the presentations at the end of the Hackday. 

DUE TO THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF TRAIN STRIKES FOR 12 AND 13 MAY THE EVENT MIGHT MOVE TO 15 AND 16 MAY. WE WILL UPDATE THIS PAGE AS SOON AS THE NEW DATES ARE CONFIRMED.

The Co-op Hackathon will begin with a meet and greet session on the evening of 11 May, where teams will pitch their ideas. The following day, they’ll work together to develop them. At the end of the day, they’ll present their work, along with their next steps. 

To showcase the pioneering solutions developed at the Hackathon – and galvanise interest in building and investing in them – a Co-op Tech Awards ceremony will be held at Co‑op Congress in June.  

Teams will be shortlisted from those who submit ​a slide deck by 31 May. An expert panel will evaluate the proposals before the event. A £10,000 prize will be awarded at Co-op Congress after the teams’ live pitches. 

Ludovica Rogers, Co-operatives UK’s Interim Head of Co-operative Business Development, said: “Co-operatives UK is on a mission to promote digital innovation in the co-op movement – it’s a key focus of our current three-year strategy.  

“So we’re excited to be hosting the Co‑op Hackathon. It will be an inspiring day of creativity, teamwork and innovation. It’s just one of a series of activities we are planning to amplify and foster collaboration around the development of technology that empowers co-ops.  

“There’s a plethora of talent, skills and passion in the co-operative movement. Bringing them together to strengthen, connect and advance co-ops through technology is a bold step we’re proud to be taking – and I can’t wait to see the results. 

“We’re committed to championing the development of co-op-boosting digital solutions, so we’ll continue our support after the Hackathon, through to Co-op Congress and beyond.”  

The Co-op Hackathon is a partnership between Co-operatives UK and The Co-operative Bank, supporting fair and ethical business together. It takes places on 11-2 May at The Foundry in London. Find out more and sign up here. 

DUE TO THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF TRAIN STRIKES FOR 12 AND 13 MAY THE EVENT MIGHT MOVE TO 15 AND 16 MAY. WE WILL UPDATE THIS PAGE AS SOON AS THE NEW DATES ARE CONFIRMED.