Donor:

USAID
UK International Development

Project:

Transparency and Accountability in Public Administration and Services (TAPAS)

Open Data Challenge

Industry

Open Data and Anticorruption

Open Data Challenge is a national competition for IT projects based on open data.

Background

The Open Data Challenge (ODCh) is a pioneering international competition format for projects rooted in open data, originating from the Open Data Institute (London). Launched in Ukraine in 2017, the competition was established to harness the transformative potential of open data, aligning with the legal definition of public information that allows automated processing and free access. The foundational drive was to spur the creation of services and products that hold substantial social benefits, elevate the efficiency and transparency of government operations, and contribute to diminishing corruption levels in Ukraine.

Development

Product

The ODCh unfolds in a structured series of stages:

  • Online Application Submission: Participants submit their projects online, paving the way for the competition journey.
  • Intensive Weekend for Semi-Finalists: Successful projects undergo an intensive weekend, where teams refine their solutions with mentoring and expert support. The focus is on testing, improving Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), and enhancing presentation and pitching skills.
  • Incubation Program: Finalist teams advance to the incubation program, a comprehensive educational initiative facilitated by the 1991 Open Data Incubator. The program encompasses lectures, practical components, and personalized consultations with mentors. The goal is to guide teams in developing prototypes, business plans, and MVPs, testing their solutions from a user perspective.
  • Demo Day: The culmination of the competition, where finalist teams present their projects to a qualified jury. Winners are chosen, paving the way for future grant support.

Results

The ODCh has delivered noteworthy results over four cycles:

  • Over 700 applications from 35 Ukrainian cities indicated widespread interest and engagement.
  • 54 finalist teams underwent an incubation program, refining their ideas and designs.
  • A total of 40 mentors and experts actively engaged with the teams, providing guidance and insights.
  • 19 teams with projects showcasing substantial anti-corruption and social impact received grant support totaling 11.5 million hryvnias.

The ODCh has fostered a vibrant community of 19 winning teams and 40 finalists. Many of these teams persist in developing products and services based on open data, contributing to social and economic benefits while enhancing the transparency of government operations.

The ODCh has played a pivotal role in advocating for open data policies and encouraging the publication of data sets. It acts as a communication channel, bridging the public and officials, and has initiated changes by demonstrating the potential impact of open data projects.

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