Hypergive, a Halifax-based startup that uses blockchain technology to fight hunger, was the recipient of the 2017 Year of Giving award at the World Government Summit in Dubai, a conference dedicated to giving entrepreneurs and policymakers an opportunity to discuss ways to shape future governments based on developments in tech and innovation.
Hypergive uses blockchain to let people make secure donations to Hypergive’s partner organizations, which store donated funds on a unique card that is distributed to individuals in need. The technology ensures that funds are spent on food, and it allows for daily spending limits, deactivation, and value recovery if it’s lost or stolen.
Hypergive was created by BlockCrushr Labs, which focuses on developing new products using blockchain. Hypergive’s team includes Scott Burke, founder of BlockCrushr Labs; Brian Jeffcock, a co-founder at Sidestory, a Halifax-based startup that lets people share photos, texts, and stories with their social network; and Andrew Redden, a data infrastructure lead at Kinduct Technologies, which provides organizations with health and wellness software solutions.
“We’re incredibly honoured and humbled by the recognition of Hypergive at the 2017 World Government Summit,” said Burke. “As technology continues to rapidly transform society, it’s now our task to create and embrace future solutions without fear in order to tackle global challenges. It’s immensely meaningful to be a part of moving a vision forward which can help enrich the lives of those around us, and in turn, enrich our own.”
Hypergive was presented the award by UAE’s prime minister and emir of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on February 14. The startup, which was a finalist at the 2017 UAE Blockchain Virtual GovHack, says its next step is to pilot Hypergive in cities around the world.
