(New York, USA, 26 September 2019)

The Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), the leading industry association for the blockchain technology ecosystem, partnered with Blockchain for Social Impact (BSIC), the NYC Blockchain Center, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to host “Scaling Impact for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals” a blockchain hackathon at the NYC Blockchain Center on September 21st and 22nd.

Developers and strategists teamed up to build creative and innovative blockchain-based solutions to solve for one of three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 2: Zero Hunger — Supported by the World Food Programme’s Innovation Accelerator.

Goal 6: Clean Water & Sanitation — Supported by Procter & Gamble.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities — Supported by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).

Leading blockchain companies: Orbs, Microsoft, Bitfury, and JPMorgan’s Quorum provided teams with the tools and resources to build and test their solutions on an array of blockchain protocols.

One winner was selected in each of the three challenges by a panel of judges, composed of: Frantz Beznik, R&D Director, Global Head of Sustainable Innovation, Proctor and Gamble; Bernhard Kowatsch, Head of Innovation Accelerator, United Nations World Food Programme; Roya Mahboob, CEO, Digital Citizen Fund (TIME 100 Most Influential People); Kimberly Quinones, Executive Director, NYC Blockchain Center; Carol Staubi, CEO of DigitalWitt and Board Member of Working for Women; Tanya Stephens, Senior Innovation Leader, Procter & Gamble; Nandini Sukumar, CEO, World Federation of Exchanges; Jane Thomason, CEO Fintech Worldwide; and Yoshiyuki Yamamoto, Professor at Osaka University and Former Special Advisor for UN Engagement and Blockchain Technology.

The winners of the Scaling Impact for the UN SDGs Hackathon are:

Goal 2: Zero Hunger ($10,000 Prize)

Winning Team: Dynamic Digital Cooperatives — Claire Rhodes and David Acton

Solution: A farmer-led cooperative system to connect the unconnected and transform women farmers into entrepreneurs.

Built on Orbs.

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation ($10,000 Prize)

Winning Team: HomeHero — Redwan Meslem, Joshua Elias, Jason Tissera, Tiffany Marroquin

Solution: An app to measure in-home water consumption without smart meters and incentivize better water management using a credit system.

Built on Quorum.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities ($10,000 Prize)

Winning Team: Trash 4 Cash — La Fountain, Matt Steele, Tejaswini Thethi, Annie Xu

Solution: A decentralized, sustainable waste management system empowering some of India’s most vulnerable populations.

Built on Quorum.

At the conclusion of the hackathon, Sandra Ro, CEO, Global Blockchain Business Council, said: “Against the backdrop of the United Nations General Assembly, we are thrilled to have partnered with leading blockchain companies, enterprise, and institutions to host the Scaling Impact for the UN SDGs Hackathon. The solutions that have emerged from this hackathon will no doubt advance the conversation around the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and move the dial on employing blockchain technology to advance our shared vision of a better, more sustainable and equitable future for all.”

Notes to editors:

The Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) is the leading industry association for one of the most impactful technologies to emerge since the inception of the internet. Just as the internet enabled the frictionless peer-to-peer exchange of information, blockchain facilitates the frictionless, digital exchange of value. GBBC brings together innovative organizations and founding thought-leaders from over 50 countries to advance understanding of blockchain technology amongst governments, regulators, business leaders and change-makers.

Learn more at gbbcouncil.org

NYC Blockchain Center is an inclusive focal point for NYC’s growing blockchain ecosystem, harnessing its energy, expertise and innovation for the benefit of New Yorkers. The Center provides a welcoming meeting place for local and global companies, academia and government to interact with entrepreneurs in the sector. Learn more at blockchaincenter.nyc

Blockchain for Social Impact Coalition (BSIC) incubates, develops, and implements confederated blockchain products and solutions that can address social and environmental challenges across the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

We aim to inspire, federate, and create bridges between NGO’s, and government agencies, foundations, impact investors, philanthropists and technologists by focusing on the following focus sectors: Financial Inclusion; Supply Chain; Identity & Vulnerable Populations; Energy & Environment; Human Rights; Health and Wellness; Humanitarian Sector; Education.

Learn more at blockchainforsocialimpact.com

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.