From Crisis to Code: Caribbean Youth Tackling Climate Change
Climate Justice, Youth IRIE & Orbtronics brings to you
Climate & Tech Hackathon
The Caribbean Climate Justice Project Climate and Tech Hackathon is a regional event designed to build youth capacity and spark innovation at the intersection of climate and technology. By viewing climate change through both an environmental and justice lens, it seeks solutions that not only use technology but also address inequalities faced by vulnerable Caribbean communities. The Hackathon will guide participants to develop inclusive, context-specific tools that promote fairness, dignity, and resilience across Small Island Developing States.
Genisis Alfred, Program Manager, and Leandra Pinel, Program Officer at Youth IRIE and Climate Justice, proudly announce the launch of their very first Climate and Tech Hackathon. Tune in to discover what all the buzz is about!
Program Roadmap
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Registration – Sign up to join the Hackathon and be part of the movement!
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Pre-Assessment – Share your skills and ideas so we know how best to support you.
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Capacity Building – Learn, connect, and grow through training and mentorship.
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Hackathon Submissions & Judging – Pitch your big idea and show how your team can make a difference!
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End of Project Reporting – Celebrate your impact and help shape the next Hackathon.
Registration
Pre-Assessment
Capacity Building
Hackathon Submissions & Judging
End of Project Reporting
Why This Hackathon Matters
Objectives
This program aims to:
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Empower Youth Through Technology
Provide Caribbean youth with hands-on opportunities to build skills and develop tech- based solutions, particularly using IoT and sensors, to address the region's climate challenges and drive local impact.
2. Inspire Climate Innovation
Encourage participants to design creative and practical innovations that tackle climate- related issues, promote environmental advocacy, and support the restoration and resilience of Caribbean communities.
3. Deliver Actionable Climate Solutions
Produce concrete insights, prototypes, and recommendations that can influence policy, shape educational programs, and fuel grassroots interventions to strengthen climate resilience both regionally and globally.
4. Integrate Traditional Knowledge and Locally Led Adaptation Practices
Inspire participants to draw upon the rich body of traditional ecological knowledge and local adaptation practices that have long enabled Caribbean communities to live in harmony with their environment.
Tasks and Challenges
Smart Farming
Create a basic tool to help farmers track weather, soil moisture, or plant health so they can grow food more easily, even with changing seasons.
Solution Categories
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Sensor-Based Monitoring Systems
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IoT and Communication Tools
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Data Visualizations and Analysis
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Early Warning and Alert Systems
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Education and Awareness Tools
Submission Format
Each submission is to include a document presenting the solution and a 3-minute video pitch (a creative format is strongly recommended). They must include:
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The team composition
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Problem statement, objectives, audience, and alignment with this year’s challenges
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Explanation of the prototype
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Feasibility
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Sustainability
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Creativity
Timelines & Eligibility
Timelines
Applications open – 5th September 2025
Applications close – 26th October 2025
Online capacity building webinars for all registered participants – 8th November to 22nd November 2025
Deadline for submissions – 2nd December 2025
Judging process – 3rd December to 14th December 2025
Announcement of winners and awarding of prizes – 20th December 2025
Eligibility
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Participants MUST be 15 to 35 years old.
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Applicants MUST be a citizen of one of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
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Teams MUST comprise 2-5 members and can be national or regional. Individual registrants will be assigned to a team based on their indicated area of interest.
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Participants MUST be fluent in English (writing, speaking and reading).
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No previous experience is required.
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No copyrighted material may be used unless explicit permission is obtained and documented.
By participating in this program, participants acknowledge and agree to the following:
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Participants retain authorship recognition but transfer full ownership rights of all selected material to SOLORICON Ltd.
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Selected materials may be used by SOLORICON for promotion, education, or advocacy without further compensation.
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Participants agree not to reuse selected material in future work without written approval from SOLORICON.
Ready to Make A Difference?
Unleash your creativity, sharpen your skills, and collaborate with brilliant minds from across Saint Lucia and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, this is your chance to build something extraordinary, learn from industry mentors, and compete for exciting prizes.