AI & Democracy Hackathon
9:30am - 10:00pm EST
3:30pm - 4:00am CET
4:30pm - 5:00am EET
About this event
With AI capabilities rapidly expanding, so, too, are opportunities to explore how AI can be used for social good—that is, to fortify institutions against challenges to democracy such as deepfakes and misinformation. In the aftermath of the Mexican elections, in which deepfakes targeted candidates, AI-based tools can develop actionable, scalable solutions to misinformation and a lack of trust and transparency in governing bodies.
This year, the GMF Technology Program, in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, will build on its content authenticity work in Mexico by hosting a November 11, 2024 AI & Democracy hackathon to develop technologies that harness the power of AI to work in favor of democratic values.
Who can join?
The Hackathon will feature 40–50 Mexican as well as international participants, including:
- Data scientists
- Democracy researchers
- Activists
- Journalists
- Newsroom staff
Participants will be grouped into teams of four to five people. Each team will propose a democracy-affirming technology prototype that harnesses existing AI tools to work in favor of democratic values.
Frequently Asked Questions and Agenda
AI & Democracy Hackathon - November 11 Agenda
8:30 Doors Open
8:30 – 9:00 Welcome Reception with Light Refreshments
9:00 – 9:30 Opening Ceremony
9:30 – 10:00 Group Introductions
10:00 – 12:00 Teamwork: Share, Brainstorm and Prototype
12:00 – 1:00 Teamwork: Prototype, Test, and Prepare Pitch
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 - 6:00 Teamwork: Prototype, Test, and Prepare Pitch
5:00 – 6:00 Working Dinner
6:00 – 7:30 Final Presentations & Pitches
7:30 – 8:00 Judging & Awards
8:00 – 9:00 Awards & Celebrations
Will this event be in English?
Yes, the hackathon will be held entirely in English. All participants should have a working-level proficiency.
Do I need technical knowledge/coding experience to participate?
No. Participants will ideally have some technical background or knowledge of the AI/disinformation space, but no coding experience is necessary (although it is a benefit). Prototypes will take the form of mockups created on a no-code User Interface (UI) software. All participants will receive training resources to familiarize themselves with a prospective UI tool prior to the hackathon.
Further, the interdisciplinary nature of the hackathon will ensure that at least one participant with coding experience and knowledge of existing AI software is placed on each team. Participants on each team with technical knowledge will conceptualize a sketch of the product’s backend and implementation of AI to present during the pitch.
Will filling out the linked registration form guarantee my acceptance?
No. Participation in the hackathon is by invitation only. Filling out the registration form will be treated as an application and indication of interest; our hackathon organizers will select participants for invitation whose background and expertise best align with the goals of the event.
Do I need to create a team prior to registering?
No. Registration for the hackathon is by invitation only, and teams will be pre-selected by the hackathon organizers upon confirmation of all participants. Participants will be notified of their team assignment in the weeks leading up to the hackathon and have the opportunity to connect with their group members over Slack and in the hackathon pre-convening.
What if I don’t have an idea for a prototype?
All teams will have the opportunity to convene prior to the hackathon and select the thematic bucket related to AI & Democracy under which their prototype will fall. Each team’s prototype will be designed to center AI to address an issue under this bucket that industry participants themselves have faced in their work.
Will travel costs be reimbursed?
Yes. GMF has funds available to support travel and hotel costs for non-local participants and travel to and from IPADE Business School for local participants. All participants will receive a voucher for transit on the day of the event. All other reimbursement requests must be approved by GMF before the Hackathon and receipts must be submitted within 30 days of the event.
Will food be provided?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at IPADE’s venue. Lunch and dinner will be served during the hackathon development sessions and treated as working meals.
Will devices be provided?
No. All participants should bring their own laptop or tablet devices. Your device should be equipped to handle UI design software and tools.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
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