#hack4detroit Hackathon To Create App To Benefit Detroit
By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - The deadline is nearing to register to for the upcoming #hack4detroit event organized by Automation Alley.
Participants have until June 10 to register for the event which will use the city of Detroit's new Open Data Portal to create an app to benefit the city.
"The challenge to create an app using data from the city's new Open Data Portal provides a unique opportunity for the hackers to show off their creativity. There's a mountain of data available for them to use, so it will be interesting to see which data they choose to incorporate and how they make it accessible to users." said Beth Niblock, CIO of the City of Detroit, in a release. "We're excited to partner with Automation Alley on this project and to see what solutions come out of it."
The 24-hour hackathon will take place at Grand Circus Detroit from 7 p.m. on June 12 to 7 p.m. on June 13. The specific challenge hackers will be asked to address using the data will be announced on the day of the event.
The cost to participate is $20, which includes breakfast and lunch. In advance of the event, participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Open Data Portal, and other community information sources, at https://data.detroitmi.gov/.
The winning individual or team will receive a $5,000 grand prize. Apps will be judged by Niblock; Sean Hurwitz, CEO of Pixo; Brian Balasia, CEO of Digerati; and Will McDowell, Business Analyst at Detroit Labs.
"We're looking forward to seeing what our participating #hack4detroit coders can create for the city," said Diane DeForest, Automation Alley director of events and marketing, in a release. "The developers of the winning app are not only receiving a great cash prize, but they are also giving back to the Detroit community in a charitable way. We'd like to thank Grand Circus Detroit for partnering with us to make this event possible."
For more information, or to register, visit http://www.automationalley.com/Events/Calendar/Event-Detail.aspx?uniqueid=16840, or contact Automation Alley at 800-427-5100.
This report was updated at 2:42 p.m. Friday.
