Hacking Zero – Inspiring Innovation for Net-Zero Emissions

Date: 23-25 August 2023

Venue: Entrepreneurship Center 

Click here for the Registration.

Last date of submission: 15 August 2023

Who can join: Students, researchers (can be accompanied by faculty)

Accommodation is provided for free

Calling all aspiring change-makers, problem-solvers, and innovators! Join us for an extraordinary journey towards a sustainable future at the “Hacking toward Zero” Hackathon. This groundbreaking event aims to ignite a collective spirit of innovation and collaboration, as we tackle the urgent global challenge of achieving net-zero emissions. 

This Hackathon is organized as part of the AIT Sustainability EXPO, an Institute-wide event from 23-25 August 2023, to connect to neighboring universities and stakeholders for mutual knowledge transfer and collaboration. Through this expo, we intend to announce AIT’s plans to become a botanical garden campus with a goal to move forward to be a net zero campus by 2030. This event also includes AIT Research Centers workshops, inter-university research fairs, center & school booths, and Interuniversity Hackathon.

In recent years, the world has witnessed a momentous shift towards addressing climate change through international cooperation. The landmark Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), sets the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, aiming for 1.5 degrees Celsius. It highlights the critical importance of global collaboration and collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Inspired by the Paris Agreement and the shared urgency to combat climate change, numerous countries have made commitments to achieve net-zero emissions. The United Kingdom, for example, has legislated a net-zero emissions target by 2050, becoming the first major economy to do so. The European Union has set a collective target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The United States, Thailand, China, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, and many other countries have also established similar net-zero targets, committing to transition towards carbon neutrality by specific target years, typically between 2040 and 2060.

Moreover, organizations and institutions are also leading the way toward net-zero emissions. The Asian Institute of Technology, for instance, has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. Their commitment aligns with the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

The private sector, too, recognizes the need for transformative action. A growing number of companies and organizations across industries have pledged their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. The Race to Zero campaign, led by the United Nations, unites a coalition of businesses, investors, cities, and universities committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Many companies have adopted science-based targets aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce emissions in line with what is required to limit global warming. Additionally, financial institutions are incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their investment decisions, promoting sustainable investments and green financing.

Now, it’s your chance to make a real impact by contributing your ideas, expertise, and passion to this monumental endeavor. Join us for the “Hacking Zero” Hackathon, where we will harness the power of technology, innovation, and green financing to drive the transition to a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. Together, we will explore nature-based carbon capture, waste reduction, behavioral changes, and more, redefining the boundaries of what is possible.

Through workshops, mentoring sessions, and intense hacking sessions, you will collaborate with brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds. Together, we will develop groundbreaking solutions that have the potential to reshape our world and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions.

The “Hacking toward Zero” Hackathon culminates in the thrilling final presentations, where you will showcase your proposed solutions for emission reduction or removal. A panel of esteemed judges will evaluate your innovations based on effectiveness, innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. 

This is your chance to be part of a global movement, to leave a lasting legacy, and to drive real change. Join us at the “Hacking Zero” Hackathon and unleash your potential to shape a world with zero emissions. Register now and be a catalyst for transformation!

Win your award :

The “Hacking Zero” Hackathon celebrates and recognizes exceptional contributions towards achieving net-zero emissions. The top three teams who demonstrate outstanding innovation, feasibility, and potential impact in their proposed solutions will be awarded prestigious accolades. The top three teams will be awarded prestigious accolades and recognition for their outstanding contributions.

Best Overall Solution for Net-Zero Emissions: This award will honor the team with the most comprehensive and effective strategy for emission reduction or removal, encompassing all aspects of net-zero emissions in the amount of THB 20,000

Most Innovative Solution for Emission Reduction: This award will recognize the team that introduces a novel and groundbreaking approach to tackling emissions, showcasing their creativity and originality in finding innovative solutions. in the amount of THB 15,000

Best Green Financing Solution for Emission Reduction: This award will acknowledge the team that presents a viable and sustainable financial framework to support emission reduction initiatives, demonstrating their ability to integrate innovative green financing mechanisms and THB 10,000 B.

Criteria for Judging

1. Effectiveness (20%): The proposed solution’s ability to demonstrate a clear and measurable impact on reducing or removing emissions.
2. Innovation (20%): The uniqueness, creativity, and originality of the solution, along with its potential for scalability and transformative impact.
3. Feasibility (20%): The practicality and realistic implementation plan of the proposed solution, considering technical feasibility, economic viability, and resource requirements.
4. Potential Impact (20%): The anticipated magnitude of the solution’s impact on emission reduction, including its potential for replication, scalability, and ability to inspire broader change.
5. Presentation and Communication (20%): The clarity, organization, persuasiveness, and overall quality of the team’s presentation, including their ability to effectively convey their solution’s value, potential impact, and feasibility.

for more information and to secure your place in this groundbreaking event. Together, let’s hack for a sustainable future!

Organizer: Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC)

Co-organizer: Entrepreneurship Center

Main Sponsor: Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, Interim President AIT  

Co-sponsor: Indorama Ventures

Co-Organizers: Entrepreneurship Center

Chair of the Organizing Committee: Prof. Nophea Sasaki, Faculty Natural Resources and Management, Department of Development and Sustainability, SERD AIT

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Hacking Zero – Inspiring Innovation for Net-Zero Emissions

Program

Facilities are to be provided for the non- AITian participants.

1. Food coupons will be provided for 

2. Free accommodation provided (Non-Air-conditioned dormitory) on 23rd August 

3. The air-conditioned accommodation is also available- but at an additional cost 

4. Accommodation facilities will be provided on 24th August only for award-winning participants.

For more information :

Call : +66(0)25246008 /25245801

Email: director-osc@ait.ac.th