Asian Development Bank Challenge: Smart Cities Datathon 2021

Challenge Background
Why a Datathon?

Cities around the world are still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery will most likely be much longer and more challenging than initially expected, with vaccines only covering parts of the populations and new COVID-19 strains and other diseases emerging concurrently. Consequently, many cities will have to develop new means of safeguarding citizens’ health and livelihoods in both the shorter- and longer-term, which takes into consideration the need for social distancing, online services, and protective measures for the most vulnerable groups. Digitalization and online services have been crucial components in supporting healthcare systems and communication with citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digitalization, online and touchless services, etc. are expected to remain crucial components of future-proofed, resilient societies and help them to “build back smarter.” To be truly resilient and smart, cities need to ensure that the accessibility and inclusivity of solutions are given the highest priority.  Open-source data has proven to be considerably valuable, particularly in the context of the pandemic and in light of the need to increase accessibility and transparency of data. Open-source data can be an important component for countries’ digital transformation to enhance their ability to respond to-, recover from- and transform in the wake of the current pandemic.
 

Challenge Areas
Challengers, you are invited to answer the following problem statement while orienting your solution towards one of the 3 areas of focus considered as top priorities for ADB, especially for the vulnerable groups, for the coming years post-Covid 19. 
If you have multiple solutions that could address the different areas of focus, you can submit up to 3 projects!
 

To build back smart, how can digital solutions be used to make cities more livable with a focus on one or more of the following:
1. Access to Urban Services and Amenities
2. Participation and influence in the decision-making process
3. Improving financial access
 

Timeline
Application Phase: March 17 - May 31, 2021 
First Voting Phase: June 1 to 14, 2021
Mentoring Phase: June 14 to June 28
Second Voting Phase: June 29 - July 5, 2021 
Final Phase: Mid-July, 2021
 

Find all the information you need, the rules and how to submit your projects here.