Join PLEASEHack: South Asia’s Youth-Led Mission to Combat Plastic Waste

Plastic air pollution in rivers and seas is without doubt one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. To handle this vital challenge, the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project has launched PLEASEHack, a dynamic youth-driven hackathon aimed toward inspiring revolutionary options for plastic waste discount. Organized by SACEP, funded by The World Bank, and applied with assist from UNOPS, this initiative invites younger innovators from throughout South Asia to create impactful options that promote sustainability and environmental duty.

What is PLEASEHack?

PLEASEHack is a digital, two-week collaborative hackathon designed for members aged 18 to 30 from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The competitors offers a platform to develop and showcase inventive options to cut back plastic waste, with prime groups advancing to the grand finale in Sri Lanka. Winners won’t solely achieve worldwide recognition but additionally obtain substantial money prizes to additional develop their tasks.

Why Join PLEASEHack?

• Create Impact: Develop options that empower households and communities to cut back plastic use.
• Learn and Grow: Gain hands-on expertise in teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation with knowledgeable mentorship.
• Global Exposure: Showcase concepts on a high-profile platform and join with business consultants and friends.
• Shape the Future: Play an lively function in transitioning South Asia towards a round economic system by addressing plastic waste at its core.
• Win Resources: Secure funding and mentorship to flip concepts into viable merchandise inside two months.

Innovation Categories

Participants will work on tasks inside three key classes:

1. Household and Community Solutions: Develop instruments or options that people and communities can undertake to cut back their plastic consumption.
2. MSME-Focused Innovations: Create options that assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) decrease plastic use of their manufacturing and distribution.
3. Knowledge-Sharing Platforms: Build digital options, corresponding to cellular apps or web sites, to increase consciousness and empower shoppers to cut back their plastic footprint.

Rewards

Winning groups will obtain monetary assist to scale their concepts:

• Winner: $20,000
• First Runner-Up: $10,000
• Second Runner-Up: $5,000

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to residents of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Participants should be aged 18 to 30 as of December 31, 2025.

Key Dates

• Registration Period: January 20 – February 13, 2025
• Virtual Hackathon: March 3 – March 14, 2025
• Grand Finale in Sri Lanka: April 6, 2025

How to Register

The registration hyperlink and Hackathon guidebook can be found on the PLEASE Project website. Don’t miss this chance to be part of South Asia’s motion towards a plastic-free future.

Join PLEASEHack right this moment and take step one towards real-world innovation and lasting environmental influence.

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