Edmonton’s downtown innovation district buzzed with activity this past weekend as more than 150 developers, designers, and entrepreneurs gathered for a 48-hour hackathon focused on creating sustainable solutions for urban living. Hosted at the Edmonton Tech Hub, the event challenged participants to address issues such as waste reduction, renewable energy adoption, and eco-friendly transportation.
Teams were formed on the first evening, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, including software engineering, environmental science, urban planning, and marketing. “The mix of skill sets is where the magic happens,” said event coordinator Priya Desai. “We want people to approach these challenges from every angle.”
Several standout projects emerged by the final pitch session. One team developed an AI-powered app that helps households track and reduce their food waste, offering recipe suggestions based on items nearing expiry. Another group created a prototype for a modular solar-powered charging station for e-bikes, designed to be installed in high-traffic urban areas.
The hackathon also emphasized community engagement. Participants consulted with local non-profits and city officials to ensure their ideas aligned with ongoing municipal sustainability initiatives. “We’re not just building cool tech,” said competitor Alex McGregor. “We’re trying to solve real problems that affect the city we live in.”
Judges, including representatives from the City of Edmonton, local start-ups, and environmental organizations, awarded top honours to a project called GreenLoop. The platform connects residents with neighbourhood swap-and-share networks, reducing waste by encouraging the exchange of goods and tools instead of buying new.
Prizes included seed funding, co-working space memberships, and mentorship from industry leaders. Organizers hope these resources will help turn the most promising ideas into viable start-ups over the coming months.
As the hackathon wrapped up, participants expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities ahead. “Events like this remind us that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand,” said Desai. “And that Edmonton has the talent and passion to lead the way.”