WORLD CHANGERS
Join us for a uniquely challenging international hackathon
Social Storm 2021
Unfortunately the event has been postponed until November 2022
Social Storm is a global hackathon based in multiple locations, with teams comprised of participants from at least two other locations, often in other countries. Virtual communication technology will play a large role in connecting participants together.
The teams will be given a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and tasked with finding a sustainable and commercially viable solution. This year we will be focusing on Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Climate Action (SDG 13).
Get involved by signing up as a university, mentor or participant, using the links below.
We want world class, forward thinking and innovative universities to join our unique event.
Social Storm is an out of the classroom, experiential learning activity, where participants are challenged to apply theory to a real life social problem.
In a hackathon style event, participants will be working in teams to find a sustainable solution to a Sustainable Development Goal.
Universities from across the world are invited to join us.
Download our university guide to learn more:
Are you a passionate social entrepreneur? Do you believe young people can find solutions to our society's problems?
We are looking for individuals from a range of industries, backgrounds and experiences to mentor our teams.
You will be mentoring teams of young people tackling society's issues with innovative and sustainable solutions.
All mentoring takes place virtually, using free communication software, so you can take part from anywhere in the world, for as much time as you can give.
Download our mentor guide to learn more:
Are you passionate about building a better society? Can you use your skills and ideas to find solutions to our society's problems?
We’re looking for people who believe they can make a difference to society, from any background or degree discipline.
You will be working in teams comprised of students from other universities, to find a sustainable solution to a real life problem, and submitting a video pitch to a team of judges.
If your university is not currently involved get in contact with us to find out how they can.
Download our student guide to learn more:
FAQs
Do you have questions about the event? Read through our Frequently Asked Questions to see if we can answer it for you. If we haven’t answered it, email your question to info@worldchangers.org.uk.
How long is the hackathon and do I need to commit to attending all of it?
The event runs for 32 hours between 12:00 UTC (midday) on Friday 12 November and 20:00 UTC on Saturday 23 November. We will have lots of sessions going on during these hours, plus time for you to work in your teams to develop your ideas.
Ideally you should be available to attend the whole event (apart from sleep of course), to get the most out of the experience and add value to your team. But we understand that you might have 1-3 hours of lectures or other commitments to attend – if that’s the case simply let us know when you sign up.
See the timetable below for timings. This is based on a UTC time zone - you will be provided with the timings for your country in your student guide, once you sign up to participate.
Is this event virtual or face to face?
This hackathon is entirely virtual – you can take part from anywhere. If you wish to work in person with your team members, please follow your university guidelines on COVID-19 safety.
Who can participate in the event?
Any student from any background can participate including undergraduates and postgraduates. This event is also to recent graduates who have attended a university listed on the sign up form.
How do the teams work?
You will be placed in a team of 6-8 members during the start of the competition. You will be working with other students from different universities and countries - which is a brilliant way to develop your communication skills.
How should I prepare for the event?
Read our student guide and any emails we send to you. Research the Sustainable Development Goal you want to tackle. See if your friends or class mates want to join the event.
What platform will you be using?
We will be using Microsoft Teams to connect everyone together. We will send you a link to join the event via email, nearer to the time.
What equipment do I need to participate?
A computer, with a video camera and microphone, and a reliable internet connection.
About us
Find out about our unique event and aims
Our partners
Find out about our partners and supporters
Student resources
Access resources to support your competition entry
Past entries
Be inspired by past entries for Social Storm 2014-2018