B-hub 2020 open call winner HeHop has recently clinched victory in the prestigious LACCHAIN’s Blockchangel Challenge. This article delves into the significance of the Blockchangel Challenge and the innovative solution presented by HeHop.
Understanding LACCHAIN’s Blockchangel Challenge
LACCHAIN’s Blockchangel Challenge, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the everis foundation, is part of the LACCHAIN alliance, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering blockchain technology development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Blockchangel Challenge seeks to empower blockchain projects that aim to “prevent, mitigate, and control” violence against vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly within the Latin American and Caribbean regions.
The challenge welcomes participation from entrepreneurs, companies, startups, and NGOs that have at least a minimum viable product (MVP). The winners of the challenge are awarded:
- Access to LACCHAIN’s Infrastructure: Leveraging the robust blockchain infrastructure provided by LACCHAIN.
- Counseling Services and Technical Support: Expert guidance and technical assistance to enhance the project’s impact and efficiency.
- Preferential Access to IDB-LAB Co-Financing: Opportunities to secure co-financing from IDB-LAB, supporting further development and scaling.
- Promotion and Dissemination Support: Integration into the IDB Group’s global innovation network, offering significant visibility and promotional opportunities.
HeHop: An Innovative Solution to Combat Violence
HeHop, short for “Help for Hope,” is a groundbreaking application designed to address the pervasive issue of domestic violence. According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, the annual direct and indirect costs of domestic violence are estimated to be €109 billion. In France alone, one in five women faces harassment at work, and 90% of these complaints go unaddressed due to a lack of concrete evidence.
How HeHop Works
HeHop’s app provides victims with a powerful tool to record and certify evidence of violence securely. The application allows users to:
- Record and Timestamp Evidence: Victims can capture audio, video, or photographic proof of violent incidents.
- Certify Proof on Blockchain: The recorded evidence is timestamped and stored immutably on the blockchain, ensuring its authenticity and tamper-proof nature.
- Invisible Data Storage: The data remains invisible on the victim’s mobile phone and is securely encrypted on a remote server.
- Retrieve Evidence Securely: Evidence can be retrieved using a unique key, enabling it to be presented as incontrovertible proof in legal proceedings.
This innovative solution empowers victims by providing them with a reliable and secure way to document abuse, significantly enhancing their ability to seek justice.
Recognition and Impact
HeHop’s innovative approach has garnered significant attention, leading to its selection from among 52 projects worldwide. Co-Founder Sandy Beky highlights the importance of this achievement:
“Winning this challenge on the use of Blockchain in the fight against violence, in which 52 other teams from 7 different countries took part, confirmed the interest in HeHop as a concrete and conceivable solution.”
This victory not only underscores HeHop’s potential to transform the handling of domestic violence cases but also reinforces the broader application of blockchain technology in addressing critical social issues.
Conclusion
The triumph of HeHop in the LACCHAIN’s Blockchangel Challenge marks a significant milestone in leveraging blockchain technology to combat violence and support victims. By providing secure and immutable evidence, HeHop offers a vital tool for justice and protection. This achievement highlights the broader potential of blockchain to drive meaningful change in society.