COLUMBUS, Ohio – GiveBackHack, a local organization dedicated to launching social enterprises, hosted their annual GiveBackHack weekend on Oct. 13 to Oct. 15, where they awarded $15k in seed funding from IGS Energy and The Columbus Foundation to finalists.
The event kicked off on Friday, Oct. 13 at 5 p.m., where attendees exchanged their ideas for social impact and rallied around the crowd favorites. Teams then vetted and built their ideas into a product or service over the course of the week, with mentorship provided by expert community leaders within the social impact ecosystem. Teams then pitched their ideas for potential seed funding.
The seed funding will be awarded within the next few weeks following the conclusion of the event, with awardees chosen by vote of a panel of judges consisting of local social entrepreneurs, non-profit leaders, and other community leaders.
Finalists
Planting Life
In today’s world, taking action to preserve the environment is crucial. Unfortunately, we often come across complex issues that hinder our progress. The Planting Life website was established with a straightforward yet powerful goal in mind: to make native planting a hassle-free experience. Fueled by the need to restore ecosystems, the founder, Doug Cichon, embarked on a journey that started with reading about native plants and culminated in the creation of this game-changing website. Now, you can effortlessly choose the appropriate native plants for your yard!
Check out their website here!
Autistic Armory
Autistic Armory is an AI-powered app that helps people with Autism manage tasks and make decisions. It simplifies task management by breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and offers decision-making support by presenting information in a clear and organized manner. The app caters to the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals on the Autism spectrum, providing a user-friendly interface that allows users to input, organize, and prioritize tasks, and establish structured routines.
Check out the app here!
Hatch + Nest
Hatch+Nest is a groundbreaking project that tackles the complex challenges of modern reproductive health. With an abundance of information that can often be overwhelming and lacking personalization, Hatch+Nest offers a refreshing solution. They help bridge the isolation and knowledge gaps that individuals face by providing access to a network of vetted professionals, empowering individuals with educational resources, and fostering connections among mothers. Their commitment to inclusivity means they actively combat racial bias and ensure that everyone has access to the support and knowledge they need during their reproductive journey.
The team at GiveBackHack is incredibly thankful for the invaluable support extended by the organizers, mentors, and facilitators during the weekend. We are especially grateful to IGS Energy, AndHealth, and The Columbus Foundation for their unparalleled generosity. GiveBackHack’s mission is only achievable through the unwavering support of so many.
Check out the rest of the pitches here!
