AI-based platform Sparrow first runner-up at IBM Call for Code 2019

Open-source artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled platform Sparrow, which provides a platform for medical and psychological services during and after disasters, has emerged as the first runner-up in the Call for Code 2019 Global Challenge.

Technology giant IBM and the David Clark Cause recently announced the winners of Call for Code 2019 Global Challenge.

Call for Code is a $30 million, five-year global initiative that brings together startups, academic, and enterprise developers to address pressing societal issues.

Barcelona-based AI firefighter safety startup Prometeo won the Call for Code 2019. The system uses AI and the internet of things to keep firefighters safe as they battle the blaze, according to a statement.

Sparrow platform helps people in disaster areas connect with critical service providers, including access to medical records or real-time advice from a doctor. Its members hail from India, China, and the US. The team describes the platform as an “Uber for medical help” and claims it works with or without the internet. 

Purva Suchak, a flood monitoring system, has won the Call for Code 2019 Asia Pacific region, IBM said in a statement. The project is aimed at preventing flooding in the Indian subcontinent. It collates data with weather forecast information by continuously checking reservoirs, dams and bodies of water. 

The platform helps generate effective flood prediction data that can be stored on the blockchain and accessed by government agencies and disaster management teams. 

IBM also said that the regional winners will have the option of developing and implementing their solution through its Code and Response initiative, a $25 million initiative that fosters the creation and deployment of open source technologies to help solve some of society’s most pressing challenges.

“We are seeing increased participation every year from all across the world and it’s bringing together some of the greatest minds of this generation to build innovative solutions that can save lives in disaster-stricken areas,” said Priya Mallya, country leader, developer ecosystems, IBM ISA.