Media Advisory - 48 Hour National Hackathon Kicks Off Across Canada

Canadian Open Data Experience runs February 20^th to 22^nd, $40,000 in prizes available to be won

VANCOUVER, Feb. 18, 2015 /CNW/ - After a national tour to promote the Canadian Open Data Experience, the time has come for the country to test their coding prowess against a ticking clock.

The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board will kick off CODE 2015 – The Canadian Open Data Experience, a hackathon aimed at students, entrepreneurs and innovators.

On February 20^th over 1000 participants will come together in teams of one to four people to compete over 48 hours. Their task: to create web and mobile apps using federal open data sets available through open.canada.ca and by "mashing-up" data from all levels of government.

This year, participants can take part in the event from any location across Canada by simply registering on the CanadianOpenDataExperience.ca website. An Internet connection is required to submit your app. In addition, VIP Hubs will be set up in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, and various Partner HUBs across the country.

Registering for a VIP Hub gives competitors access to a work space and the chance to connect with the local open data community. The Vancouver VIP Hub will be held at the BCTIA Innovation Hub. The BCTIA Innovation Hub is a 26,000 square foot open collaboration space dedicated to helping tech companies grow. The Hub is designed to support early- and growth-stage companies by providing access to expert coaches and mentors, professional services, resources, investors, partners, customers, government agencies and more.

VANCOUVER VIP HUB:

Date:  February 20^th – 22^nd
Location: Suite 101 - 887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC, Canada   V5T 4T5
Time & Schedule:

• 2:00 PM PST Friday February 20^th, 2015 – Team Registration
• 2:45 PM PST Friday, February 20^th – Live Stream of opening remarks from the Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, from Toronto
• 3:00 PM PST Friday February 20^th – Hackathon commences
• 3:00 PM PST, Sunday February 22^nd – Hackathon ends

CODE promotes the use of open data and helps developers and innovators understand how to utilize data found on Canada's Open Government portal to create applications that improve Canadians' lives. This year, participants will compete across three categories: Youth, Commerce and Quality of Life. All eligible submissions must conform to a category specific theme, which will be announced minutes before the hackathon begins.

Background:

Why Open Data: The Government of Canada has been working with the national and international open government community to create greater transparency and accountability, increase citizen engagement, and drive innovation and economic opportunities through open data, open information, and open dialogue. The Digital Canada 150 Strategy reinforces these goals. CODE showcases not only the breadth of data available to Canadians, but also the depth of talent in Canada's developer community, while also opening doors for future technology and business leaders.

How it works: The CODE hackathon takes place over the weekend of International Open Data Day from February 20 to February 22, 2015. The national competition is open to anyone 18 and over interested in developing applications (web & mobile) using at least one federal dataset from open.canada.ca, regardless of digital prowess. Participants can take part in three ways: apply to attend the 48-hour event at one of three VIP HUBs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal; register to participate at a Partner Hub space made available by CODE supporters; or participate virtually. At the end of the CODE hackathon, participants submit their completed applications online to be evaluated and considered for $40,000 in prizes to be awarded March 26, 2015.

SOURCE CODE 2015: Canadian Open Data Experience

Lydia Schaele, XMG Studio Inc., 647-526-5630, Lydia [at] xmg.com; Samantha Tam, High Road, 613-697-9272, Samantha.tam [at] highroad.com