Do you have a great idea that could make the Sunshine Coast an even better place to live? If so, Hackfest 2017 wants you.
Now in its third year, Hackfest is all about creating solutions for a smarter region. You don’t have to be a computer whiz to make a mark at the three-day event, just turn up with a big idea and let your powers of innovation run free.
To help get the creative juices flowing, an IdeasFest will be held on Tuesday, November 14 from 7pm at the Hive Business Space, which overlooks the site where the new Maroochydore CBD is taking shape.
Economic Development Portfolio councillor Stephen Robinson says IdeasFest will serve as an appetiser to Hackfest 2017 on November 24–26.
“In previous years we’ve held IdeasFest at the same time as Hackfest, but this time we’re making it a stand-alone event to generate even more momentum and excitement for the main event a week later,” Cr Robinson says.
“It’ll be an opportunity for absolutely anyone and everyone to come along and share their great ideas or solutions to problems they see in our community. Anyone who submits an idea will be able to view and make comments on other ideas that have been submitted.
“Most of the ideas will go on display at the Hackfest launch night and will be in contention to be one of our winning entrants in 2017.”
Mountain Creek couple Adam and Allison Roth took out the top honours in Hackfest 2016 by combining their love for live music with the frustration of not being able to find out who’s playing when and where, to create an innovative app called Coast Live!, which is now available on Google Play.
An interactive app, titled Lucky Dip, which focuses on activities on the Sunshine Coast and lets the user select what they want to do, at what type of location as well as how far they are happy to travel, was last year’s overall runner-up and winner of the smartest use of open data award.
Third place went to Light Trails, an interactive light display which used wifi data to change the colour of a lighting display as the user moves through a park or building.
Hackfest 2017 participants will have access to open data from the council as well as the State and Federal governments. Cr Robinson says Hackfest closely aligns with the council’s Smart City Framework.
“We’re progressing towards the Coast having the latest in global technologies for lighting, waste, parking, assets and other infrastructure and services to enhance the lives of our residents and visitors through this new Maroochydore CBD,” Cr Robinson says.
Sunshine Coast Council Hackfest 2017 will run from 5pm on Friday, November 24 to 6pm on Sunday, November 26.
An opening night event will be held at The Hive, which will be a great chance for individual hackers looking to form a team. Hackfest is free to enter and prizes include a paid three-month ICT internship with the council.
To register or send in your idea for the hackers, email hackfest@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or go to sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Experience-Sunshine-Coast/Events/HackFest.
My Weekly Preview is a proud supporter of Hackfest.
