PLEASE Hack Challenges Youth to Innovate Solutions for Plastic Waste

Plastic Free Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) project invites young changemakers from South Asia, including Maldives, to take part in PLEASE Hack, a regional Hackathon aimed at developing sustainable solutions for plastic waste management. Open to individuals aged 18–30, the competition will take place in two phases: a virtual Hackathon from March 3–14, 2025, followed by an in-person Grand Finale in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 6, 2025.

The event, themed Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Plastic Management, encourages youth to develop impactful solutions to combat plastic pollution. With a total prize pool of $35,000, winners will receive $20,000 for first place, $10,000 for second, and $5,000 for third.

Aspiring participants from Maldives, Srilanka, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Afghanistan can compete individually or in teams of up to five members, with extra points awarded for gender diversity and inclusivity.

Participants will work on solutions across three key categories:

Household Solutions – Practical tools to reduce plastic usage at the community level.

Enterprise Innovations – Sustainable practices for MSMEs using or distributing plastics.

Knowledge Sharing Systems – Digital platforms to raise awareness and promote eco-friendly habits.

The application period opened on January 21, 2025, and interested participants must apply by February 13, 2025. Information sessions will be held on January 28 and February 5, 2025, to guide applicants.

PLEASE Project is funded by The World Bank, implemented by South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) with implementation support provided by United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

More details and application submissions can be accessed at https://please-project.org/please-hack/.

This youth-driven Hackathon presents an exciting opportunity for young innovators from Maldives to gain international recognition while making a real impact on plastic waste management.