Watch Code & Response

Code & Response is a documentary released in 2019 that explores the intersection of technology, disaster response, and humanitarian efforts. The film follows the experiences of four different teams of software developers as they developed innovative digital solutions to assist with disaster relief efforts. The movie is produced by IBM and directed by Austin Peck.

Pedro Cruz, IBM's Director of Corporate Citizenship, acts as the film's anchor, providing background information about the program and guiding the viewer through each team's journey. Cruz explains that Code & Response is part of IBM's larger Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, which aims to use technology to create positive social impacts and give back to the community.

The documentary's main focus is on the four teams of software developers who are participating in Call for Code, a global competition that challenges developers to create open-source technology solutions that address societal issues. The theme of Call for Code 2019 was "natural disaster preparedness and relief." The competition received thousands of entries from developers around the world, and the four teams followed by Code & Response were the finalists.

The four teams represent different regions and countries and have very diverse backgrounds. The first team, Project Owl, originates from New York and designed a mesh network that enables communication during natural disasters when all other forms of communication are down. Their device, which resembles a small white owl, also acts as a flashlight, a siren, and provides location data to emergency responders, making it an invaluable tool during disasters.

The second team, Prometeo, hails from Spain, and created a wearable device that monitors the health of firefighters. The device collects data on factors like body temperature, heart rate, and smoke concentration levels, which can help prevent injuries or deaths in high-stress environments.

The third team, MushCognition, is from Japan and designed an AI-powered tool that helps agricultural workers monitor crop health and pests. The tool provides real-time analysis and recommendations, making farming more efficient and sustainable.

The fourth team, Rove, is based in India and created an app that helps individuals during natural disasters by providing a platform for sharing information and connecting people with emergency services.

Throughout the film, each team discusses their motivations for entering Call for Code and their overall goal of aiding disaster response efforts. Viewers get a unique perspective into the development process as each team works through the logistics and technical challenges of building their solution. Interviews with each team member are interspersed with footage of them collaborating and coding.

Code & Response explores the importance of collaboration and public-private partnerships in disaster response. The film discusses the need for open-source technology solutions that are widely accessible and can be easily replicated in different regions. The movie emphasizes that the participation of the private sector, and technology companies specifically, is crucial in driving innovation and improving disaster response outcomes.

Apart from the four teams, Code & Response also features interviews with humanitarian aid workers, emergency responders, and IBM staff. These interviews offer additional insight into the challenges of disaster relief efforts and the important role that technology can play in overcoming them.

Overall, Code & Response is a fascinating documentary that highlights the transformative potential of technology and collaboration in disaster response efforts. The film stresses the importance of innovative solutions that prioritize accessibility, scalability, and sustainability. It is an excellent watch for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, social responsibility, and disaster relief.