SHARE researchers win first prize at the London Sanitation Hackathon | Source: SHARE, Dec 7, 2012
The first ever Sanitation Hackathon took place on 1st and 2nd December, challenging computer programmers and others in the field of software development from around the globe to develop innovative software solutions that address real-world sanitation problems. A total of 181 new software applications were developed by thousands of programmers across 14 cities. 
SHARE researchers Sophie Tremolet and Marie-Alix Prat took part in the London Hackathon, developing the idea for a mobile app called Upraisemyloo, which would locate sanitation facilities and report associated expenditure. The concept for the app, which was a collaboration with developers from ARUP and Taarifa, was judged ‘dragon’s den’-style by Alex Kay (venture capitalist and one of Qismat Fund’s trustees) and Andrew Stott (World Bank and former UK civil servant, who was behind the setting up of data.gov.uk). The Upraisemyloo app beat stiff competition to win first prize at the Hackathon, with IRC’s financial sustainability checker and Water For People’s LatrineSurfer receiving second and third prize respectively. Sophie and Marie-Alix were delighted to receive their prize which includes two months’ access to ‘start-up laboratory’ HUB Westminster, and mentorship from both ideo.org and Hackathon judge Alex Kay.
Can mobile phones be the answer to some real-world sanitation problems? To find out, the next step for Sophie and Marie-Alix is to create the app before 7th February 2013, where it will be competing against other apps for a Hackathon public vote. Developing an app is ‘easier said than done’, so they will be making the most of their Hackathon prizes alongside support from SHARE and collaborations withTaarifa to make the idea of Upraisemyloo a reality. They are also investigating synergies with existing technologies, such as the SHARE-funded Sanitation Mapper.
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Hmmm But Various contracts may well not be appropriate than they employed to be. It could need changes to fine-tune solutions supplied.