The AT&T Universities of Idaho Tech Challenge
AT&T, The Idaho Technology Council and Governor Otter’s office present an Application Challenge for Idaho colleges and universities sponsored by AT&T. This tech challenge asks Idaho college students to create an education software application that would benefit some of the most popular issues important here in the gem state in the areas of Agriculture, Healthcare or Tourism.
Winners will receive cash prizes as well as promotional exposure, in addition to recognition as the winner amongst the universities.
The Challenge:
Competing university participants are tasked with creating an educational software application focused on one of three topics important to the state of Idaho: Agriculture, Healthcare or Tourism.
This application can (and is encouraged to) be FUN! These ideas are provided in collaboration with the Idaho State Departments of Agriculture, Healthcare, and Tourism, but official judging criteria are listed below. Any application that solves a problem, highlights fun facts about Idaho, or is a game within one of these categories is welcome!
AGRICULTURE:
Farmers and ranchers are always in need of ways to increase yield and reduce input costs. For example, it would be valuable to track field data along with water moisture and irrigation needs, fertilizer needs, pest control applications or disease within a field.
Another possible topic of focus is promoting Idaho products to local consumers and an app that identifies farmers’ markets, roadside stands as well as restaurants and retailers serving or selling Idaho products.
HEALTHCARE:
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and has been the leading cause of death in Idaho since 2008. About 22% of all deaths in Idaho each year are from cancer. Nearly one in two men and 30 to 40 percent of women in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer sometime in their lives. Each year in Idaho, there are approximately 8,000 new cases of cancer (invasive and in situ) and 2,700 cancer deaths. Although Idaho has made some progress in a few areas since the last cancer plan was published, the state still remains at or near the bottom of the rankings for many cancer screenings.
TOURISM:
Bike tourism is seen as an emerging sector in global and American travel markets. Idaho wants to encourage bicyclists to choose the Gem state for their riding adventure and experience bicycling over its 30 scenic byways.
Eligibility
The contest is open to US residents who are currently enrolled or were enrolled within the past six months (on or after August 22, 2015) in at least six credits or two courses at a higher education institution in the state of Idaho. See official rules here or excerpts below.
- Individuals who are at least 16 years of age, and who are residents of the United States (including residents in the United States on a student visa) as of the time of entry, and who are current students, or were enrolled as students within the past six months, at a college or university in the State of Idaho (“Eligible Individuals”). Eligible Individuals must be currently enrolled in at least six credits or two courses, or the equivalent at the time of entry (or enrolled in such credits or courses within the past six months); OR have graduated in the six months prior to the date of entry from either a secondary school or functional equivalent, or an accredited post-secondary institution (e.g., university, community college, technical college).
- Teams of Eligible Individuals (“Teams”)
Requirements
Content: Submitted solutions must include educational features and functionality focused on one of the three topics discussed above (Idaho agriculture, healthcare or tourism). See Official Rules for more information.
Solutions must include a software component such as:
- a native smartphone or tablet solution (iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile)
- a web solution (mobile or desktop)
- a desktop solution (Windows PC, Mac Desktop)
- software running on other hardware (including, but not exclusive to, wearable technology, open source hardware, etc.)
- custom hardware which includes a software component (wearable technology, etc.)
Prizes
$17,000 in prizes
Grand Prize
The top prize is $10,000 cash for the best application in any category.
Runner Up
Second prize is $4,000 for any application in any category.
Best Idaho Tourism Application
This Tourism category prize of $1,500 may be won by a Grand Prize or runner up winner.
Best Idaho Agriculture Application
This Agriculture category prize of $1,500 may be won by a Grand Prize or runner up winner.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
How to enter
- Read the Official Rules to confirm you meet all eligibility requirements.
- “Register” to access the submission form and start your draft.
- Create a working solution that meets the requirements above, or update an existing solution.
- Provide a way for us to access your solution.
- Create a demonstration video.
- Submit before the deadline!
Judges
Tarren Corbett-Drummond
Senior Product Marketing Innovation Manager, AT&T Foundry
Carl Gipson
Director, External & Legislative Affairs, AT&T
Marilyn Whitney
Senior Special Assistant for Education and Government Services, Idaho Governor's Office
Timi Aguilar
AT&T Public Affairs
Judging Criteria
-
Quality of Idea
The Quality of Idea includes creativity and originality. -
Implementation of Idea
The Implementation of Idea includes how well the idea was executed by the Maker and the appeal of the UX and design. -
Potential Impact
The Potential Impact includes the extent to which the Application could impact Idaho residents and visitors. -
Fun & Education Factor
The Fun & Education Factor includes the extent to which the Application is educational and fun to use.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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