Why an Entrepreneurship Hackathon focused on creating economic opportunity in communities of color?

Each year Jefferson held its Health Hack, we worked to capture those circumstances that are very much “in the moment.” From reverse engineering drones for health and humanitarian purposes, to reimagining applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health care, our Hacks have been forward facing events. Since 2016, over the course of our Hacks, we have had thousands of participants, including those forming teams; mentors; volunteers; and judges; dozens of track; 52 winning teams; and countless of hours of creative energy driven toward problem-solving, in a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial endeavor.

Last year, we hosted the “Health by Zip Code” track. This track was an acknowledgement that where you live in Philadelphia is a major determinant of your health. As Dr. Klasko observes, if you live in Philadelphia zip codes separated by only a few miles, that’s a determinant of your longevity and your health and wellness. The obvious question is, “Why?” And the obvious answer is poverty, and lack of economic opportunity for too many Philadelphians of color.

This year, the Jefferson Health Hack is focused on putting the tools of opportunity into the hands of communities of color. This is not a traditional Hackathon. But it is a serious effort to “Hack” into economic solutions/opportunities for people of color who have been left behind. 

We have assembled teams of experts who can help participants understand emerging opportunities; give participants tools to access capital; help develop prototypes of ideas; enhance understanding of methods for new business development, or expanding into new businesses, like supply chain. We will foster teams, and support teams who are aspirational, and want to move the needle on their economic destiny.

“Rise Up Philly”  is a down payment on new opportunities and new futures for people and communities of color, in an effort to break the stranglehold on poverty, and enhancing health and economic well being.