BHUTAN HOSTS 72-HOUR HACKATHON TO DEVELOP LEGAL AID DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Improving Access to Justice through Digital Solutions
Thimphu, August 11 - The Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology (GCIT), GovTech Agency, Legal Aid Center and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bhutan collaborated on a 72-hour hackathon to develop an advanced Legal Aid Data Management System (LADMS). This innovative project aims to simplify and speed up the legal aid process, making it more accessible for those who need it most.
Event Details
- Date: August 9-11
- Location: Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology (GCIT)
- Participants: 55 students from GCIT grouped into 11 teams
Winning Team and Prototype
The Zero Pixel team, led by final-year student Dorji Thogmey, emerged victorious and was awarded $5,000 to refine their prototype with real-time users. The winning team showcased a solid system architecture that optimizes performance and availability, features registration, tracking, and decision information delivery, and has real-time data capabilities.
Collaboration and Impact
The hackathon’s unique aspect was the collaboration with Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law students and Legal Aid Centre, which provided valuable legal advice and guidance throughout the event. The project aims to ensure access to justice for everyone in Bhutan.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
- “This hackathon is a great opportunity to bring innovative ideas and technical skills together to create a more organized, effective, and purposeful legal aid system.” - Tshering Pem, Deputy Chief Legal Officer at Bhutan National Legal Institute
- “This hackathon is vital part of our joint effort with GCIT to improve access to justice for vulnerable groups in Bhutan.” - Khurshid Alam, Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP
Next Steps and Future Initiatives
The winning team, Unicorn-coders, will continue to work on their prototype, and four runner-up teams received $1,000 each. Their feasible features will be incorporated into the final system.
For more information, please contact: Mr. Karma Jamtsho, Programme Communications and Advocacy Analyst, UNDP Bhutan | Email: karma.jamtsho1@unpd.org