Odyssey blockchain hackathon seeks prototypes to address ‘societal challenges’

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There are all sorts of cities and countries that are interested in exploring how blockchain can be implemented to improve everything from infrastructure, whether it involves public transportation, government contracts, or court records, and countless other applications. The Netherlands is continuing its Odyssey tradition for the third year, where all sorts of talented individuals will gather to tackle societal challenges by offering solutions through emerging technologies.

Odyssey is a hackathon focused on both blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) that was previously branded as the Dutch Blockchain Hackathon and Blockchaingers. The hackathon markets itself as the largest in the world, and will take place on April 12-14, 2019. There will apparently also be 200,000 in rewards, 20 challenges, and 100 teams involved in the hackathon. The event brings in entrepreneurs, developers, and creatives from all countries, hoping to come up with real-world solutions to serious problems faced all around the world.

For those who are wondering what kind of challenges the hackathon might tackle, they cover a wide range of issues. For example, it includes improving sectors such as energy transition, digital identity verification, and food sustainability. Many have praised the fact that it brings together major blockchain players of all kinds in one setting, including those who fund blockchain startups, regulate the sector, and develop solutions.

The Netherlands government actually backs the annual hackathon, and they aren’t alone. Other major supporters of the hackathon include none other than the Dutch Central Bank and the Regional Development Fund, which receives support from the European Union in general. The hackathon also has a variety of support in all sectors, including media, legal, and acceleration partners, as well.

One of the main issues that many are trying to grapple is the idea that identification can be verified through blockchain, while still complying with the data privacy regulations set forth by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR was implemented last year in hopes of maintaining a certain level of data protection and privacy.

The Bitcoin Association is also hosting its first ever Bitcoin SV (BSV) hackathon to encourage developers around the world to build on the BSV chain. The hackathon, run by nChain and sponsored by CoinGeek, will be virtual so anyone can participate from anywhere in the world. It will take place on May 4 and 5, and three finalists will be selected in the virtual hackathon, and a representative from each team will fly to Toronto, Canada, to present their BSV-powered solutions at the CoinGeek Toronto Conference on May 30. Register here to join.

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In order for artificial intelligence (AI) to work right within the law and thrive in the face of growing challenges, it needs to integrate an enterprise blockchain system that ensures data input quality and ownership—allowing it to keep data safe while also guaranteeing the immutability of data. Check out CoinGeek’s coverage on this emerging tech to learn more why Enterprise blockchain will be the backbone of AI.