The search for tech-based solutions to save our seas is back!

The Haquathon seeks individuals, groups, or organizations to create and pilot solutions that address coastal- and marine-related sustainability issues. Proposals may be a platform, software, hardware, or piece of equipment.

Haquathon 2.0 (H20) is looking for solutions from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Proposals must fall under one of the five themes: (i) climate change; (ii) illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; (iii) sustainable tourism; (iv) seatizen engagement; and (v) sustainable consumption and production.

H20 is a project of Save Philippine Seas (SPS), American Spaces Philippines, and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

Learn more about the 1st Haquathon here.

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Themes

Much of the overfishing and destructive fishing activities in the region can be attributed to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Examples of proposals: tools to monitor, detect, or report illegal fishing activities

Sustainable consumption and production is about "decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles."

Examples of proposals: tools for better traceability in a company's supply chain; transparency mechanisms for consumable goods

Before COVID-19, Southeast Asia had one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing tourism industry in the world. Technology and innovation could help kickstart a sustainable recovery.

Examples of proposals: a platform consolidating "green" ratings for tourism establishments; a tourism carbon footprint calculator

Long coastlines and heavily populated low-lying areas make Southeast Asia extremely vulnerable to weather extremes and rising sea levels associated with climate change.

Examples of proposals: tools to monitor a country's progress towards the Paris Agreement, low-cost hardware to harness renewable energy.

Addressing marine issues requires active, intentional, and effective ways to engage others and inspire new ways of advancing or promoting scientific information.

Examples of proposals: citizen science platforms, innovations that promote transparency and accountability

ELIGIBILITY

Open to individuals, groups, or organizations based in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Proponents must be citizens and residents of one of the five countries.

Proponents must be at least 18 years old and above.

Groups and organizations must identify up to three members. One must be the lead team member and a secondary representative as the points of contact.

All concepts must be past the conceptual phase and in the more advanced stages of development (i.e., prototyping, piloting, existing minimum viable product).

Proposals may be submitted by individuals, pairs, or groups of three.

CRITERIA

Applications will be assessed based on the following:

FEASIBILITY

The proposal demonstrates an understanding of the problem being addressed and capacity to be further developed within seven months.

CREATIVITY

The proposal exhibits innovation through a new idea or a different approach to tackling an issue.

POTENTIAL FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT

The proposal exhibits economic and societal value, and is accessible to the target audience. It must also show potential for sustainability.

POTENTIAL TO IMPROVE REGIONAL COOPERATION

The proposal shows possibility for replication in other countries in the region, or possibility of collaboration with other countries in the region.

FAQs

Timeline

Application Period (February 1, 2021 to March 14, 2021)

Apply through the online form here. Download the draft application form here. Participants will be notified about the status of their application by March 27, 2021. Up to 18 teams will be selected for the next phase.

Reboot Camp (April-May 2021)

Participants from the 18 teams will be required to attend the project kick-off meeting on April 17, virtual workshops on May 8 and 22, and two one-hour mentorship sessions to enhance their proposed initiatives. See Reboot Camp schedule for details.

Project Pitching (June 2021)

H20 participants will pitch their projects to a panel. The top five entries (one per country) will receive up to $2,000 of seed funding to support activities during the incubation period. The funds may be spent on the purchase of equipment or materials, professional fees for resource persons or consultants, or subscription platforms (e.g., cloud storage). Proponents must submit a budget proposal for review and approval before disbursement of funds.

Incubation (June-December 2021)

Initiatives that receive funding will implement activities and provide bi-monthly updates (every other month) to SPS on their progress through short online calls.

H20 Summit (January 2022)

Participants will attend the H20 Summit in the Philippines to report and celebrate accomplishments (pending restrictions on travel and mass gatherings).

APPLY NOW!

REBOOT CAMP