DivHacks is Columbia University's premier student-led annual diversity hackathon. DivHacks strives to create an empowering and inspirational space for students who are historically underrepresented in the tech industry, addressing the systemic exclusion and erasure of those who exist outside the standard definition of what it means to be a computer scientist. Our goal is an experience that not only reimagines what diversity should look like in the tech industry but gives students the tools to use technology to implement change.

Green Screen Tracks:

Climate Change: From rapidly shrinking ice cover to increased droughts and flooding, climate change has been creating lasting, irreversible harm to our planet. In this track, we invite you to create innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in order to fight global climate change.

• What are some ways we can improve our carbon footprint in our daily lifestyles?
• How can we reduce the air pollution caused by transportation?
• How can we lead the transition toward renewable energy sources?
• Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change. How do we mitigate deforestation, starting at the individual level? 

Flora & Fauna: The earth’s rich diversity of flora and fauna is at the cornerstone of human wellbeing—providing food security, regulating the climate, and supplying cleaner air and water. Yet due to human activity, many species are in jeopardy of extinction now more than ever.  In this track, we ask you to explore ways to protect and promote the biodiversity and health of our ecosystems. This can range from protecting endangered species to the conservation of wildlife and natural landscapes.

• Think about the main threats to biodiversity. How can we mitigate those threats?
• How can we support local, eco-friendly foods from local farms and businesses?
• What are ways we protect endangered species from habitat loss and exploitation?
• How can we cultivate awareness, funding, and support for the conservation of natural landscapes and national parks?
• How can we advocate for endangered species that often lack support and funding?

Lifestyles: Saving the planet starts with individuals adopting sustainable lifestyles. From reducing food waste to smarter home designs to biking to work, there are many ways individuals can reduce their environmental impact and incorporate sustainable, eco-friendly habits into their lifestyle. We want you to create solutions that guide individuals to move away from unsustainable habits and instead make healthier, more sustainable choices. 

• Can you think of reasons why people stick to unsustainable habits? Think of socio-economic and economic factors.
• Are there ways we can reduce waste in our daily lifestyles?
• How can we encourage people to practice zero-waste and learn to reuse, recycle, and reduce?
• How can we incentivize people to use greener means of transportation?
• How can we reduce food waste and promote ethical food consumption in our daily lives?

Water: As a result of human unsustainable behavior, our planet’s viable freshwater supply and marine ecosystems are in jeopardy. This track invites you to create more equitable and effective ways to manage water resources so that more people have access to safe drinking water, sanitation services, and are more resilient to water-related disasters.

• What are ways we reduce water consumption at home?
• Are there ways we can protect marine ecosystems from water pollution?
• Is there a way to identify contaminants in the water for proper treatment?
• How can communities grow more resilient to extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts?

Smart Cities: Now that more and more people are moving to cities, the impact of urban development on the environment is continuing to grow. This track welcomes you to envision the future of cities—from smarter water management and more efficient transportation networks to more energy-efficient ways to power buildings, we want you to lead the change toward more equitable, diverse, and sustainable cities. 

• How do we address the tradeoff between urban development and sustainability?
• How can technology be leveraged to increase the efficiency of urban operations?
• What are ways to sustainably promote a high quality of life in densely populated areas?
• How can we transform sustainability education to be accessible for people of diverse backgrounds and call them to take action?

DIVHACKS 2022 SCHEDULE

• Growth
  Demonstrates that the team explored new technical skills and harnessed problem-solving skills in the face of challenges.
• Creativity
  Is the idea unique compared to other hacks and real-world solutions? Does it provide any new perspectives or approaches to the solution?
• Functionality
  The extent to which the project has been completed. Is the project technically sound and actually work?
• Presentation
  Was the presentation clearly explained and well-organized? Is the presentation also compelling and persuasive? Did the presentation stick to the 2-5 minute limit?
• Concept
  Identifies a problem and solution that is relevant to the track and theme of DivHacks.