"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller
About PeaceRise
PeaceRise is a global initiative dedicated to fostering peace through innovation. Our mission is to help people develop peaceful initiatives through technology, creating a global community that collaborates to solve critical challenges. Our vision is to become the go-to repository of tools that facilitate peaceful initiatives worldwide.
Event Overview
On May 25th, we held the inaugural PeaceRise Innovation Challenge Award Ceremony. This event celebrated the incredible creativity, dedication, and hard work of our participants, who came together from across the globe, united by a common goal: fostering peace through innovation.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and partners who made this event possible:
- University of Cincinnati 1819 Innovation Hub
- Pieces for Developers
- The Ghost Agency, Inc.
- Disco
- Applied Intelligence Agency
- The Ironhook Group
- Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub
- BotsCrew
- Big Kitty Labs
Their invaluable support provided a conducive environment for innovation and collaboration.
Top 3 Pitches
1st Place: Litterless by Ben Booker and Atharv Shete
Litterless aims to motivate communities to eliminate litter through a digital marketplace that rewards users for picking up trash. Users record their litter pickups via a gamified interface and are rewarded with tokens that can be redeemed for rewards from ecosystem partners. This innovative solution addresses environmental, economic, and social impacts, promoting cleaner and healthier communities.
2nd Place: Weave 3 by Scott Frankum, MBA
Weave 3 is a Web3 project that leverages blockchain technology to address systemic challenges like poverty and climate change. It focuses on enabling real-time, bottom-up tracing from makers in the global south, from seed to store. This transparency empowers smallholders, helps them gain better market access, and supports sustainable development by ensuring products meet new legislative requirements for sustainability.
3rd Place: The One Thing by John Davis IV , Stefon Towler , Markia Thomas , and Daneika Farmer
The One Thing is an AI-powered companion designed to support adolescents' mental health. The app provides positive affirmations, guidance, and communication tools to help users manage stress and build emotional resilience. By deterring excessive social media usage and fostering better relationships, it aims to mitigate mental health issues and promote overall well-being.
Honorable Mentions
- Bharat Sukhyani - Empower Zones
- Prianca S. - Mantra Verse
- Shammon Payne and Vanny K Mwamba - Path of Peace
- Ashish Mor - PYAAR
Vision for the Future
This event is just the beginning. The PeaceRise Innovation Challenge has demonstrated the transformative power of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment will continue to drive our efforts forward. We envision a future where every individual and idea has the potential to spark a revolution of peace.
Our core philosophy is rooted in the belief that peace is not just an aspiration but a daily practice empowered by our global community's collective creativity and empathy. We are committed to fostering an environment where every Peace Partner is heard, valued, and empowered. Our platform is a beacon of inclusivity, integrity, and innovation.
Gratitude
We thank all participants and supporters for their incredible efforts and contributions. Your hard work, creativity, and dedication are the cornerstones of our success. Every idea submitted, every hour spent innovating, brings us one step closer to a more peaceful world.
Special mentions go to the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub for their unwavering support and to all our mentors who guided the participants throughout the challenge. Each participant, whether they won or not, will receive a certificate of recognition for their efforts, symbolizing their hard work and the knowledge they have gained.
Call to Action
Join us in this journey. Whether you are a student, educator, technologist, designer, or dreamer, your passion and insights are invaluable. Together, let's build a network of peace that spans the globe. Visit PeaceRise to become a part of our community, share your ideas, and collaborate towards a brighter future.
Together, let’s rise for peace!