Hackathons as a Catalyst for Social Change
An interview with Trinidadian tech entrepreneur, Mark Pereira
In 2021, during the global uncertainty of the pandemic, I was introduced to the concept of hackathons by my friend Mark Pereira. Before meeting Mark, the idea of a hackathon—a collaborative event where participants work together to solve specific problems through technology—was entirely new to me. But Mark, founder of Zed Labs, saw the potential for hackathons to drive social change, particularly in addressing pressing issues in our communities.
Together, we co-organised the Women Initiated Progress (WIP) Hackathon from April 30 to May 2, 2021. The focus of the virtual event was to develop technological solutions that could combat gender-based violence in Trinidad and Tobago’s transportation sector. Our goal was clear: to address the growing crisis where women were repeatedly at risk, sometimes fatally, while using public transportation.
In this interview, Mark reflects on his journey into the world of tech, the potential of hackathons to drive meaningful change, and how we can sustain innovation beyond these events themselves.
The Tech Entrepreneur’s Journey
Can you share a bit about your journey into tech and entrepreneurship? What inspired you to focus on digital transformation and financial inclusion in the Caribbean?
“My journey into tech began while studying engineering. I was fascinated by coding, which led me to specialise in robotics at Sydney University. However, I struggled with the traditional education system and sought alternative ways to learn programming. A ‘Learn to Build a Website in a Day’ workshop introduced me to a software development bootcamp, which I decided to enrol in. This bootcamp changed my path, leading me to a job that I hadn’t expected so quickly.
After participating in a Smart Cities and blockchain hackathon, I became intrigued by blockchain’s potential to solve real-world problems. Winning second place at the blockchain hackathon, I used the prize—Ethereum—to buy a MacBook Pro and launch Zed Labs. While I believed in blockchain’s promise to "bank the unbanked," I soon realised much of the focus was on the financially savvy.
I pivoted back to the Caribbean, where I saw the financial challenges people faced and how the right technology could make a difference. I made a commitment to use blockchain and other technologies to drive digital transformation and financial inclusion for underserved populations across the region.”
Hackathons as a Tool for Change
How would you personally define a hackathon? What core outcomes should they aim to achieve?
“A hackathon is an event where teams collaborate to solve a problem within a set timeframe, usually between a day and a week. The goal is to get people excited about addressing a challenge and working on practical solutions. For companies, hackathons can also be a great way to discover talent and fund promising ideas.
For me, the core outcome of a hackathon is the creative and enthusiastic solving of meaningful problems. It’s about bringing people together to tackle real issues and develop ideas that could potentially turn into long-term solutions.”
How do you see hackathons contributing to the development of tech ecosystems in the Caribbean?
“Hackathons play a significant role in developing tech ecosystems by connecting people with technologists and innovators. Building something impactful requires more than just technical skills—you need a mix of business minds, marketers, and software developers. This mirrors successful tech companies, which rely on collaboration across various fields.
I’ve seen hackathon projects turn into million- or even billion-dollar ventures because they provide the initial spark for innovation. Globally, hackathons have launched transformative products and services, and they are powerful networking tools where lifelong connections—and even business partnerships—are often forged.”
The WIP Hackathon: A Case Study in Action
Let’s talk about the WIP Hackathon we co-organised during COVID. What stood out to you the most, and what were some key takeaways?
“The enthusiasm from everyone involved was incredible. The mentors, speakers, and participants were eager to contribute, share knowledge, and support each other throughout the event. The level of engagement from industry leaders who mentored and motivated entrepreneurs was especially impactful.
Many innovative ideas came out of the hackathon, and one memorable moment was hearing from the winner a year later. They shared how our event was the only initiative that provided both funding and the support they needed to develop their solution, which went on to impact public transportation safety.
The key takeaway is that the success of a hackathon doesn’t end with the event. Sustaining momentum is crucial. Prize money can help, but having ongoing support through co-working spaces, accelerators, and networks is essential to help startups continue growing and overcoming challenges.”
Building Sustainable Innovation
Post-hackathon, what strategies do you think are crucial for sustaining momentum and turning ideas into viable solutions?
“Post-hackathon, it’s vital to provide resources that help participants develop their ideas. This includes mentorship, funding, and access to co-working spaces or accelerators, where teams can keep refining their solutions.
Mentorship is especially critical, as it connects participants with experienced professionals who can guide them through product development and market validation. Seed funding or grants give teams the financial runway to take their ideas further.
Building a strong community around these initiatives is also important. Networks of technologists, entrepreneurs, and investors can offer continued support, while government bodies and corporations can provide financial, infrastructural, and policy backing. This long-term support is essential for bridging the gap between idea creation and sustainable ventures.”
What’s Next for You and Your Ventures?
Are there any upcoming projects that you’re particularly excited about?
“Over the past four years, I’ve focused on three key areas: education, community, and products. These pillars guide my work—educating people on software development, building a strong developer community, and creating products that can contribute to the country’s growth.
It’s been challenging to grow a profitable business while disrupting traditional industries, but we’ve made significant progress. This year, we launched a co-working space to strengthen the local tech ecosystem, where we’ll run software development bootcamps three times a year, helping more people enter the tech industry and create meaningful change.
I’m also excited about launching the WAM mobile money app. It will provide much-needed financial services to the Caribbean, allowing people to make local transactions, receive remittances, and enable tourists to spend at small businesses. Our goal is to empower the unbanked and underbanked, creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
By focusing on these initiatives, I believe we can significantly impact the economy. Trinidad and Tobago has long struggled with diversification, but with our co-working space, bootcamps, and WAM app, we’re helping to drive the country toward a more innovative, tech-driven future.”
Harnessing Hackathons for Lasting Social Impact
Reflecting on the WIP Hackathon, one thing stands out: the power of community-driven innovation. Hackathons are more than tech competitions—they are spaces where real solutions to real problems are born. Whether it’s addressing gender-based violence or improving financial inclusion, hackathons provide the spark, but they need a supportive ecosystem to turn that spark into sustained impact.
Mark’s journey demonstrates the power of resilience, collaboration, and using technology to create meaningful, lasting change. It’s this belief that continues to drive both of us forward in our mission to use innovation for social impact.
You can find Mark on LinkedIn or via email at mark@zed.io
With love and intention always,
Mari