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Connect Anacostia Business Model Hackathon

Connect Anacostia Business Model Hackathon

Oct 17, 2023

12:00 PM

Tackle the technical and digital skills gap in the historic Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, DC.

About Connect Anacostia 

Welcome to the Connect Anacostia Business Model Hackathon! This event seeks to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing the Anacostia community – the technical and digital skills gap in the historic Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, DC. InnovateDMV proudly presents this event in collaboration with the Anacostia Business Improvement District, DC Startup Week, and CivStart.


Problem Statement

Washington, DC neighborhood's historic lack of reliable and affordable Internet access has resulted in residents falling behind in digital skills and literacy, the skills required to engage in critical aspects of the modern economy.


Challenge Statement Summary

Create feasible business models that technically and entrepreneurially upskill Anacostia residents. We are looking for community-centered solutions that should facilitate opportunities for Anacostia residents to acquire digital skills, digital literacy, and career development skills. Ultimately, the aim is to empower the community to make better and safer use of the internet, improve their access to information, services, education, career opportunities, and entrepreneurship.


Why It Matters

Addressing the digital skills gap is crucial for the holistic development and resilience of communities. Without these skills, Anacostia residents numerous challenges, including economic disadvantages, educational disparities, limited access to information and services, inequity exacerbation, the erosion of cultural identity, reduced civic engagement, and social isolation.


Prizes

Cash and non-cash prizes, specific number TBD.


Hackathon Event Details

Date: October 17, 2023

Start Time: 8am est

End Time: 8pm est

Duration: 12 hours

Location: 1205 Good Hope Rd SE suite 300, Washington, DC 20020, USA

Number of Teams: Maximum 20 

Participants per Team: 3-5

Total Participants: 60-100


Kickoff Webinar Event Details

Date: October 12, 2023

Start Time: 7pm est

End Time: 8pm est

Duration: 1 hour

Location: Zoom


Final Pitch Event Details

Date: October 20, 2023

Start Time: TBD

End Time: TBD

Duration: 1-2 hours

Location: National Building Museum

Number of Teams: 5


Who Should Register

  • Anacostia Residents

  • Local Entrepreneurs

  • Local Technologists

  • Community Advocates

  • Local Students and Professors

  • Members of the Public from DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV)


Eligibility: Registration is open to all skill levels. Each registrant will be assigned to a team that will have 3-5 members. Each registrant should have a fundamental understanding of one of the following domains and the passion to learn more:

  1. Entrepreneurship & Business Strategy

  2. Technology & Innovation

  3. Community & Local Business


Join Us: Don't miss the chance to be part of this impactful event. Register now and contribute to bridging the digital divide in Anacostia while creating opportunities for its residents!

Stay up to date on all CivStart events by signing up here.
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