Deadline: 30 May 2021
The Finish Mondial’s 2nd Annual SanTech Hackathon calls for applications to safely manage sanitation solutions for flood-prone and high-water table areas.
During rainy seasons, ground water tables rise. This may lead to flooding/waterlogging destructive to sanitation infrastructure. Sludge from pit latrines gets mixed with and contaminates ground and surface water (used for household consumption and agricultural activities) at great expense to public health. In addition, the following problems have been identified which make toilets expensive and unsustainable, especially for the rural poor:
- High cost of emptying, high fill-up rate due to infiltration of the ground water to the pit causing premature need for pit emptying.
- Substructure damage due to water level fluctuation.
- Frequent requirement for some retrofitting/maintenance after each flood.
- High need for toilets during flooding (when open defecation practice is not possible).
Live virtual event & winners’ announcement: 21 July 2021
What are they looking for?
- Innovations suitable for high water table areas (ground water table 1m below the ground) & flooded/water-logged (max. 0.6m above the ground).
- Improvements on existing systems or completely new ideas, created through: novel design, choice of materials, new processes, and/or any other component that can be applied situation detailed above.
- Innovations must address all components of the toilet and its functionalities: separation/used interface, collection & safe storage/treatment.
Prize
The winners will win prize money and chance to implement their innovation on the field.
- First prize: €3,000 + implementation of your solution in one of the FINISH Mondial countries
- Second prize: €2,000
- Third prize: €1,000
- Audience favourite (live voting during virtual event): €1,000
Eligibility Criteria
FINISH welcomes applications from a diverse range of candidates.
- You can apply as an individual or as part of the group (Research institution, academic institution, NGO, or entrepreneur).
- Participants with technical experience on toilet construction are encouraged to apply.
Panels will select finalists and winners based on:
- How novel is your idea? (20% of score)
- How does your idea address the challenge? Is your idea appropriate for the high ground water table and flood-prone areas? (40% of score)
- How technically feasible is your design, and how easy it would be to implement and scale? (20% of score)
- How cost-effective is your idea? (20% of score)
Tips for Success
- Since most residents in the flood-prone areas FM works are ‘washers, they encourage water based solutions/wet sanitation systems.
- They are not looking for eco-san sanitation systems
- This call is not for areas where flood levels are extremely high (above 0.6m from ground) in cases where houses get demolished an/or other assets are lost.
For more information, visit https://finishmondial.org/santech-hackathon-2021/