The Canadian Open Data Experience (CODE) will challenge entrepreneurs and innovators from coast to coast to coast to create Open Data applications in just 48 hours and compete for $40,000 in prizes
OTTAWA, Nov. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - Jointly envisioned and hosted by the hackathon experts at XMG Studio Inc. and the Government of Canada, the Canadian Open Data Experience (CODE) will drive creative and ambitious innovation in Canada by 'hacktivating' the use of federal open data. Over the weekend of International Open Data Day (February 20th – February 22nd, 2015) all go-getters and tech enthusiasts are invited to participate in this second annual 48-hour event to hack and liberate Government of Canada open data available on Open.Canada.ca. All teams that successfully submit an application compete for the $15,000 Grand Prize, three $5,000 Category Prizes, as well as a $5,000 prize for the best submission of a student team and a $5,000 Fan Favourite Prize.
"CODE is where ideas are turned into projects, and projects can be turned into products and businesses," said the Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, and CODE facilitator. "With CODE 2015, we're looking to challenge all open data enthusiasts and developers to get at the data available at Open.Canada.ca. I'm confident we'll get some fantastic results."
To encourage the meaningful and productive use of federal government datasets, CODE aims to inspire innovations in 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. A series of webinars and blog posts will be released leading up to the event and will shed light on the industry dynamics in each category, highlight critical issues and elaborate on how these could be solved through the use of open data.
"With Digital Canada 150 our government has charted a path that provides Canadians with the tools and skills they need to ensure Canada excels in the digital age. Events like CODE 2015 exemplify the spirit of Digital Canada 150, by stimulating innovation and showcasing the potential open data offers for job creation and economic growth," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry and CODE facilitator.
CODE is open to all who are interested in developing applications (web & mobile) with the goal of bettering the lives of Canadians, regardless of digital prowess. The specially developed matchmaking tool on the CODE website allows anyone to find the team members needed to take an idea from concept to completion. Participants can take part in CODE in three ways: they can apply to attend one of the three VIP HUBs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal; they can register to participate from one of the coding spaces made available by CODE supporters, the Partner HUBs; or they can participate virtually from their homes, schools or local coffee shops. At the end of the CODE hackathon, participants submit their completed applications online to be evaluated.
CODE will start at 6 p.m. (EST) on February 20th, 2015 and continue for 48 hours, ending at 6 p.m. (EST) on February 22nd, 2015. Following the event, the winning applications will be evaluated on criteria such as the degree of innovation, stability, scalability, feasibility & sustainability, and the use of open data. The winning teams will be invited to pitch their ideas during the CODE Pitch Day to a panel of industry experts and collect their prizes at the CODE Grand Finale and directly connect with potential investors. The goal is to introduce the Canadian entrepreneurs to investment firms and venture capitalists to ensure their apps (or ideas) are brought to market. All submitted applications may go on to be released commercially either independently by the participants or in co-operation with a third party.
For more information about the event including supported platforms, team registrations, category details and press assets for download please visit www.canadianopendataexperience.ca.
About XMG Studio:
XMG Studio Inc. is an award-winning developer and publisher of mobile games. Founded in late 2009, XMG has developed a track record for innovation excellence in mobile gaming including the release of critically acclaimed games downloadable on your iOS, Android, and Windows Phone devices. Based in Toronto, XMG is one of the largest indie mobile game studios in Canada. Named as one of the top global mobile games developers to watch by popular media, XMG is focused on providing creative expression through gameplay for all fans of fun.
SOURCE: XMG Studio
Lydia Schaele, XMG Studio Inc., Email: Lydia [at] xmg.com, +1 (416) 619 0700; Katherine Vanda, High Road, Email: Katherine.vanda [at] highroad.com, +1 (514) 798-6145
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