The GreenHack Challenge 2023 event, a social innovation virtual hackathon that attracted bright minds globally, was held by Hong Kong Baptist University's (HKBU) Centre for Innovative Service-Learning (CISL). Three student teams (Team 7, 10, 24) from Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC), showcased their exceptional and feasible solutions to tackle climate change and got special mentioned and won prizes.

Participants from the event’s Key Partner, Pacific Alliance Liberal Arts Colleges (PALAC), were significantly represented with 27 participants from UIC, 6 from Soka University, 13 from Fulbright University of Vietnam, and 13 from HKBU.

With the theme "Climate Action", it was a 48-hour virtual event running from 20th to 22nd October 2023. The event received a total of 241 applications, and entered the finale with 110 students forming 23 teams from 16 regions, submitting their solutions to address the pressing environmental and climate change challenges of our time.

The hackathon organising committee engaged the student teams virtually under the guidance of mentors and facilitators from around the world. Master classes from the experienced Guru from the field, Mr Freddy Law, led participants to, develope innovative solutions through Design Thinking workshop.

The GreenHack Challenge 2023 has invited a distinguished panel of judges to select the top three teams and three special mentions, including Prof Ho Kin-chung BBS JP from Polar Research Institute of Hong Kong and Wofoo Community Services Network, Mr Thomas Ho from Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Hong Kong and Macau, Ir Kin WK Leung from HK Electric, Mr Thierry Leung from CarbonCare InnoLab, Mr Kim Solomon from Humanitarian Affairs Asia, and Ms Julie Wong from Hysan Development Company Limited.

"The participants worked hard to address the global challenges we face, particularly the rise in global temperatures. The event was a testament to the power of young minds when focused on solving critical issues," remarked given by Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) at HKBU. "We're thrilled with the level of engagement and the innovative ideas put forward during the challenge," says Dr Lisa Lam, Director of the CISL at HKBU."The participants worked hard to address the global challenges we face, particularly the rise in global temperatures. The event was a testament to the power of young minds when focused on solving critical issues," remarked given by Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) at HKBU. "We're thrilled with the level of engagement and the innovative ideas put forward during the challenge," says Dr Lisa Lam, Director of the CISL at HKBU.

"In the competition, we communicated with students from different countries and realized the power of a team. It was a wonderful experience!!"

Zihan LU (Y2 Accounting), member of team 10

" Root To Reward" App, showcased by Team 10:

In the gardening world, lush landscapes beckon, but connecting enthusiasts with resources can be tough. Gardeners often lack motivation, while companies find reaching customers a challenge. Root To Reward, an innovative app, gamifies gardening. Earn experience points for nurturing plants and unlock vouchers from our top plant-based partners. Free users track progress and connect with a community. Plant companies reach their audience. We bridge these groups, fostering greener cities and combating climate change. With Root To Reward, we're sowing a green revolution, one plant, one point, and one reward at a time. Experience the transformation with Root To Reward.