Climathon 2024: Local ideas for climate protection

Around 150 participants from business, science, non-profit organizations and administration took part in the ninth Climathon in Zurich this year. For 32 hours, they worked together in teams to develop ideas to help the city of Zurich achieve its climate protection targets. The city and Patagonia set the tasks - known as climate challenges - and supported the teams with expert knowledge. The solutions were diverse, ranging from an Olympics with sustainable disciplines for companies to an awareness campaign that makes flight emissions tangible.

Diverse range of innovative ideas

This resulted in 16 project ideas, 6 of which were awarded a total of CHF 40,000 in prize money by the jury. "Achieving the city's climate targets and overcoming local challenges requires creative approaches and the active participation of the population and businesses. The Climathon offers an ideal platform for this and has also produced some promising project ideas this year," says René Estermann, Director of Environmental and Health Protection for the City of Zurich. Following the hackathon, all teams will have the opportunity to further develop their projects in dialogue with other partner organizations. The prize-winning projects will be further developed and implemented by the winning teams.

The following projects particularly impressed the jury:

Kaleido Fäscht - 9000 francs

With interactive exhibitions on climate protection topics, the Kaleido Fäscht invites Zurich residents to an immersive art experience that inspires them to imagine a world in which creativity and sustainability go hand in hand.

Elderflower - 9000 francs

To minimize the risk of dehydration and heatstroke for older people, Elderflower offers an easy-to-use assistant in the form of a wilting plant that reminds them to drink regularly.

Greendoor - 7000 francs

Employees can use the public online platform to anonymously assess how sustainably their company operates. This enables jobseekers to compare potential employers on the basis of sustainability criteria.

GreenMiles - 5000 francs

GreenMiles aims to encourage climate-friendly travel with a bonus system. Anyone who travels by bus or train instead of by plane receives points for the amount of CO₂ saved and can redeem them at partner companies.

The Climathon was initiated by the knowledge and innovation community EIT Climate-KIC. Climathons are held in over 200 cities around the world. In Zurich, the event is organized by the Impact Hub Zurich. The main local partner and sponsor is the City of Zurich, other partners are Patagonia Switzerland and Google. Lara Mogge, Programme Manager at Impact Hub Zurich, says: "Every year, the Climathon Zurich mobilizes and connects many people for local climate protection. Many of the participants are inspired to continue their commitment to a sustainable Zurich beyond the event. One thing is clear: everyone can contribute to a future worth living - if not now, then when?"

(Joint press release by the City of Zurich and Impact Hub Zurich)