A hackathon, also known as a codefest, is an event that brings computer programmers and other interested people together to build new software and other approaches to bring solutions to a target issue.

Zhang says vision solutions may include, “a mobile application navigation aid for the blind or new algorithmic solutions to improve rare retinal disease diagnosis.” For those with other interests, solutions will address computer literacy, gender and disability equity, and the environmental factors of food and water security. For the event, a group of student volunteers will support an anticipated 150 to 200 participant hackers. Hackers can expect the challenge of hackathon problem statements for the event held at Edlin School, in Reston, on March 12, beginning at 8 a.m. The event seeks to attract students with computer interest and skills from across the metropolitan area. A variety of technical skills workshops also are planned. 

The hackathon’s search for solutions to visual impairment is in partnership with the non-profit Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB). The organization’s on-going efforts seek to speed low vision awareness, fund clinical trial research from donations, and collaborate to create innovative solutions to problems related to vision and disability.