University to co-host Teaching City Hackathon – Saturday, March 3
As part of the announced last year, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, together with the City of Oshawa, Trent University Durham and Durham College, will host a hackathon for students to propose a solution to a public policy challenge around the theme of improving residential rental housing in Oshawa. The event will take place at the university’s and college’s shared north Oshawa campus location on Saturday, March 3 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hackathons are multi-day events where participants from different disciplines (technology, design, marketing, etc.) work together to develop an innovative solution to a problem.
In this hackathon, post-secondary students will work together to develop a solution, such as an app, to help:
- Ease access to City-approved/inspected rental housing.
- Improve enforcement and licensing of suitable housing.
- Encourage more responsible landlords and tenants.
- Educate landlords and tenants on their rights and responsibilities.
Registration is free. Please encourage interested graduate and undergraduate students to (teams of three to five). Registration closes Friday, February 16 at 5 p.m.
The first two teams to register will win a $250 gift card from the Oshawa Centre. At the end of the Hackathon, the winning team will receive $1,500, the second-place team will receive $750 and the third-place team will go home with $500.
Pre-event kickoff
- When: Thursday, February 15 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Software and Informatics Research Centre, Room 3110
At least one representative from each team should attend the kickoff. Participants will receive an overview of the theme/problem to solve and will be able to speak directly with subject matter experts. They can also learn more about event logistics, guidelines, evaluation and prizes.
Hackathon
- When: Saturday, March 3 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: The university’s and college’s shared north Oshawa campus location
All registered participants must attend. Subject matter experts, including industry leaders and entrepreneurs, will coach student groups throughout the day and act as judges. Food and beverages will be provided, but participants are responsible for bringing their own device(s). The hackathon will conclude with student groups presenting their proposed solutions, followed by an awards ceremony.
After the event
The Hackathon Steering Committee, Spark Centre and local entrepreneurs will review the proposed solutions for opportunities to refine and develop them into potential commercial products. This process could be explored through partnerships and further student and faculty research and exploration.
on the City of Oshawa website.
