What is PolicyHack?

PolicyHack is an event bringing Indian policymakers together with top developers to tackle real-world problems standing in the way of a more effective, efficient, and transparent government. Participants will have the opportunity to interact directly with mentors from the top tiers of the policy world to design and build technical solutions to some of today's most pressing policy problems, giving participating developers the unique opportunity to build applications that are immediately relevant and applicable to the challenges that stand in the way of better government.

Who is hosting the event?

PolicyHack is being hosted by Evidence for Policy Design, a Harvard-based research center working in partnership with IFMR LEAD out of an office in Delhi. Evidence for Policy Design seeks to bring data and economic insights to the design and implementation of public policies through direct, long-term engagements with Indian policy partners. PolicyHack is hosted as part of EPoD’s Building Capacity to Use Research Evidence (BCURE) program, funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development.

What should I expect?

Interested applicants should submit an application to join us as coders in the PolicyHack. If selected, you will be invited to participate in our two-day hackathon on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19. Policy problem tracks will be posted within three days of the PolicyHack, giving you time to consider your options and brainstorm ideas before showing up to the event and choosing your track. Upon arrival, you will have the option to form a team with other developers if you wish. From 10 am Saturday through 3:30 pm Sunday, you and your team will build your own prototype according to the track of your choice. You will then have the opportunity to present your solution to a panel of judges combining technical and policy experience.

PRIZES

Winners of each policy problem track will receive a cash prize. The winner(s) of the grand prize will receive space in Evidence for Policy Design’s Delhi office for a two month incubation and mentoring period with our technical team. Following the two month incubation period, we will send you to our home office at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA), to spend a week with our top policy and technical team to gain exposure to more cutting-edge work at the intersection of policy and technology.