The Call for Code Global Challenge, now in its sixth year, was launched in February 2023 with a focus on developing AI-based technology projects that address sustainability and climate change. Hosted by Call for Code author David Clark Cause, IBM Founding Partner, UN Human Rights Philanthropy Partner, and Linux Foundation Program Affiliate, this year’s challenge saw a significant change in format from a single annual competition to quarterly “Challenge Rounds.” All year round.
The 2023 Call for Code hackathon winners, announced by the organizing body on December 6, were AGNO from Hexaware Technologies, Phyto from the University of Sydney, and Synergy Squad from Perpersist. These teams have each distinguished themselves with innovative AI solutions in the areas of small-scale crop management, soil rehabilitation, and waste reduction.
Team AGNO from Hexaware Technologies won the developer category with their Farmistar AI platform. Built with IBM’s watsonx.ai and IBM watsonx Assistant, the tool is designed to support small-scale farmers with AI-driven crop management strategies and up-to-date weather forecasts.
The university category winner was Phyto, a group of students from the University of Sydney. They developed AI-based geospatial and weather analysis tools using IBM Watson Studio and IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite. The tool aims to help farmers restore contaminated soil naturally.
Percious’ Synergy Squad emerged as the winner in the Independent Software Vendor/Startup category. They created Offshelf, a text-to-speech support platform powered by IBM Watson Speech to Text. Offshelf is designed to reduce household food waste by notifying users before their products expire.
Since its inception, the Call for Code initiative has been a critical platform for developers and problem solvers around the world, inspiring them to create solutions that address key planetary issues such as sustainable agricultural practices, water quality, and clean energy. This year’s award-winning projects highlight how emerging technologies, such as IBM watsonx, are being leveraged to create impactful solutions that contribute to sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
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