Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world, having undergone several startling transformations over the centuries. From ancient silk road trade hub to utopian garden city, what might be next for the Armenian capital? When the city of Yerevan was being redesigned in the early 20th century, architect Alexander Tamanyan had the idea of creating a new kind of city, one that put the social, economic and political well-being of its citizens above everything else.

When the history books are opened in 100 years’ time, might we see a new chapter for Yerevan: birth of the Smart City? 

Apply by October 13th to become part of this story ?

When the city of Yerevan was being redesigned in the early 20th century, architect Alexander Tamanyan based many of his ideas on the Garden City Movement. At its core was the idea of creating a new kind of city, one that put the social, economic and political well-being of its citizens above everything else.

Today’s challenges are even greater than those faced by Tamanyan: population increases, the need to account for the environmental and climate change-related concerns, ageing infrastructure, and so on. Though at the same time, the opportunities are also more plentiful: new technologies, and a population known for its creativity and entrepreneurial potential, along with one of the fastest growing IT sectors in the region.

When the history books are opened in 100 years’ time, might we see a new chapter for Yerevan: birth of the Smart City?

The rise of Smart City applications is by now well-documented. From San Francisco to Singapore, municipal policymakers are thinking differently about how they solve a host of issues. Everyday problems, from parking to policing to city planning, are under attack from a range of new tools: the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Sensors, Smartphone Technology, Citizen reporting, and most critically, data. Now more than ever, officials are able to put to work the mountains of data generated from how we go about our daily lives.

What solutions does Armenia have to offer? We’re teaming up with Yerevan municipality,Union of Employers in ICT, Airesvalley Development Foundation and we want to hear from you! Think you could transform a municipal service with IT? Is there any underused data source that could help officials react quicker to emergencies?

How can YOU contribute to a smarter Yerevan?

Register for the Hackathon before 13th of October, 2017. 

What

Kolba Lab, supported by the European Union and in partnership with Yerevan Municipality, is organising 24-hour Smart City Hackathon. All ideas and approaches are welcome, but we are mostly interested in:

1. Data analysis: what solutions can be developed by analysing data that we already have? The hackathon will provide datasets in several areas, including transportation, lighting and waste management.
2. Data visualisation: how can we help citizens understand data through visualisations? What innovate things can you develop?
3. New data: what new sources of data can be developed to aid the municipality in delivering public services?

During the Hackathon teams will use provided datasets (more info coming soon) to address announced challenges or can come-up with own data solutions which will address some issues we see in Yerevan. You can use your own datasets as long as there are no restrictions on demonstrating those datasets in your final demos.

When & Where

On 21st October Yerevan Municipality will host two day Hackathon. First floor of the Municipality will be adjusted for hosting teams of great minds, creativity, hacking mood and Your laptops!

Updated agenda will be published soon!

Who

The hackathon is open to everyone with skills and experience in data analysis and visualisation. Participants can create teams or participate as individual hackers. You need to fill in a short application form here. Every single member of the team needs to fill in the form. Please indicate if you wish to join your colleagues’ team in the relevant field.Teams can be made up of any size. Teams can be formed before or after the induction pitches.

Pitching & Awards

Each team will have up to 5 minutes to present their solution. The presentation shall describe the problem, the solution and its impact / customer value.

Best Smart City solutions for Yerevan will be accepted to Kolba Lab’s incubation cycle with a possible start-up support, according to the judges evaluation:

1. The best idea will receive up to 5000 USD for project implementation.
2. Second winning team will get up to 4000 USD for project implementation. 
3. Third winning team will get up to 3000 USD for project implementation.