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This summer Hack the Gap is hosting the Radical Re-envision, a showcase event to re-envision institutions that have historically under-resourced or harmed BIPoC communities. Join us as we address, imagine and ideate on how we can exist and prosper in the future. We'll be specifically re-envisioning the following themes and integrating technology as a tool to build solutions.

Physical Spaces

Urban development has historically separated and disrupted the economic growth of Black and Brown neighborhoods through the construction of highways, a lack of recreational amenities, increased distance from quality services (schools, hospitals, parks, etc.) and other tactics. How can we reimagine our physical spaces in a way that makes sense for the Black community as it exists today?

Maternal Health

Black people are three times more likely to pass away from pregnancy related complications than White people (this includes before, during and after pregnancy). These deaths are almost always preventable and are a result of healthcare providers misdiagnosing the symptoms expecting BIPoC and in particular Black birthing people experience. Within this context, what does reproductive justice look like? And how can we center holistic perspectives and traditions in the birthing process?

Food Accessibility

There are multiple federally designated food deserts in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Although, we prefer to use the language food apartheid because it acknowledges the role that race and class plays when it comes to accessing healthy foods. We also recognize that food scarcity is a myth. There is enough fresh and healthy food to go around, but the issue is accessing it and making it affordable. How can we rethink the entire food ecosystem and development processes? And how can we challenge the relationship between growing food and the detrimental effects it can have on our environment, society and cultures?


Do you have experience in any of these sectors? This is your opportunity to pitch an open-source project related to one of the challenge areas at our Radical Re-envisioning Showcase on August 5th. We highly encourage having a diverse team. We’re seeking participants that reflect and represent those who are impacted by these issues (i.e. BIPoC, women, non-binary). All teams should be comprised of 2-4 people. However, if you’re unable to find other team members, we will try to pair you with participants based on your shared interests and skills.

We're looking for participants who have professional experience in fields like architecture, land development, nursing, public health, food and hospitality, or urban agriculture. We welcome all ages to participate to encourage a holistic perspective. The showcases will be a 3 hour long event dedicated to demonstrating your projects, connecting with community stakeholders and distributing prizes (TBD) for the top projects.

Timeline

Today - July 30: Start your project

  • Form your team (at least 2 people) and register your project idea

  • Identify and define your challenge and/or opportunity related to one of the theme areas above

  • Develop a solution that can be made tangible (i.e. design, blueprint, prototype, app, website, digital service, funding strategy, etc.)

  • Projects should have a tech component (even if it's not built out all the way)

July 31 - August 1: In-person and online working sessions

  • Finalize your projects with optional in-person working sessions hosted by Hack the Gap

  • Connect with team members via Zoom or in a virtual setting to finalize the projects

  • This is an opportunity for you and your team to receive feedback, support or ask questions

August 5: Radical Re-Envision Showcase (Hybrid in-person and online)

  • Present your project at the Radical Re-Envision Showcase

  • Top projects will receive a cash prize for each theme area

  • Guests are welcome to come and support

Teams 

  • We highly encourage having a diverse team. We’re seeking participants that reflect and represent those who are impacted by these issues (i.e. BIPoC, women, non-binary).

  • All teams should be comprised of at least 2 and ideally no more than 4 people

    • If you’re unable to find other team members, we will try to pair you with participants based on your shared interests and skills.

  • Personal or professional experience in at least one of the theme areas

Deliverables

  • Identify and define the challenge related to at least one of the theme areas

  • Develop a solution that can be made tangible (examples below)

    • Design, blueprint or prototype

    • App, website, digital service

    • Funding strategy

  • Projects should have a tech component even if it is not built out

  • Present solution at Radical Re-envision Showcase

Radical Re-envision Showcase

Hosted on August 5th from 5pm-8pm at Wellworth in St. Paul, the Showcase will be a hybrid virtual and in person event. This is an opportunity for teams to present their solutions to the community and celebrate their projects.

To register as a guest, click here.

To register as a participant, click here.

Prizes 

  • TBD

PRIZE CATEGORIES

🏆 We are working on getting prizes so stay tuned! 🏆

Judging Criteria

How to support or engage

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I start my project earlier than June 14th?

A: Yes

Q: Can I start later than June 14th as long as I complete my project by July 30th?

A: Yes

Q: How big does my team have to be?

A: You need a minimum of 2 people and ideally no more than 6 people

Q: Is the showcase in person or online?

A: The showcase will be in person and online so people will be able to attend as they feel comfortable

Q: Will Hack the Gap help us out with the project?

A: Yes, Hack the Gap will be able to support teams in their project from June 15th - June 27th

Q: Who owns the projects that we create?

A: This is a community sourced rapid innovation experience. The projects created will be open to the community to use

Q: Do I need a tech solution for my project?

A: While the tech solution is not required for this event, all the project should have technical components even if they are not built out.

Q: How will I stay connected with Hack the Gap

A: You will be invited to our slack group, we will be sending periodic emails to the teams & will be able to connect with the Hack

the Gap team through our office hours.

Q: If I complete my project before the deadline of July 30th?

A: We will have project form for you to submit your project, any time before the deadline has passed

Q: Why is the registration timeline a whole month?

A: The registration time is a period to construct your team and start working on your projects with your team. The Hack the Gap team will be present to support the teams as they build their projects.

To all of our prior hack the gap participants and community members, thank you for being a part of our community. We hope that you are able to engage and participate in the virtual hackathon. Together, we're breaking down barriers and amplifying the voices and talents of people as well as showcasing the work of individuals.