23 April 2014 - The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Information Technology Standards Committee (ITSC) today launched code::XtremeApps::2014, the highly anticipated programming competition for programmers, with the theme “Smart Living—Using Data To Enrich Communities”.
Singapore, 23 April 2014 | For Immediate Release
Singapore’s pioneering 24-hour Hackathon challenges programmers to develop solutions based on the theme “Smart Living – Using Data to Enrich Communities”
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Information Technology Standards Committee (ITSC) today launched code::XtremeApps::2014, the highly anticipated programming competition for programmers, with the theme “Smart Living-Using Data To Enrich Communities”.
The new edition is part of IDA’s efforts aimed at encouraging developers to tap on emerging technologies and open data to develop innovative solutions. The organisers hope that the contestants are able to bring forward bright ideas that are relevant to Singaporeans and have the potential to positively impact communities.
As Singapore’s pioneer hackathon, already in its eight edition, code::XtremeApps:: has long established itself as a launchpad for talented programmers to explore ways in which technology can be used to create applications. For many teens and young adults, the event is a highlight where they can experience new technologies and hardware to create unique applications. One of the participants has been participating since the age of 5. Other contestants have included homeschooled students. The competition has grown to a well-renowned event attracting close to 100 teams with competitors ages ranging from an average of 5 to 25.
More than just a competition, the event also boosts creativity and fosters self-confidence. It encourages young budding entrepreneurs to think out of the box, test their ideas, and introduce their solutions to the public. Many young contestants have established their own start-ups over the years and are now working with government agencies and technology companies to further develop their solutions.
“The developer community can spearhead unprecedented technological innovation to drive improvements to living in Singapore,” said Leong Mun Yuen, Chief Technology Officer at IDA. “Hackathons such as code::XtremeApps:: are key in IDA’s efforts in developing an ecosystem of technology innovation. We hope to see solutions from some of the best young programmers for problems we see and face every day that can help Singapore in our drive to become a Smart Nation, underpinned by data and analytics.”
“Over the years code::XtremeApps:: has built a recognised legacy of developing smart, creative solutions based on themes that are relevant to Singapore, such as Personalised Transportation and Healthcare,” said Yap Chee Yuen, Chairman, ITSC. “We have a strong community of volunteers, teachers and parents who actively encourage their students and peers to take part in the Hackathon and develop the required skill sets to become proficient in new technologies through our free training sessions and to encourage industry standards behind the technologies they use. We look forward to seeing some truly game-changing solutions developed for the community this year.”
Contestants can join one of the two categories:
- Open Category: 24-hour Hackathon open to contestants from all ages and backgrounds.
• The Open Category includes a special sub-category for High Schools and Junior Colleges - Junior Category: Open to children aged 12 years and below
The 24-hour Open Category Hackathon will be held on July 18 and 19, 2014 at the Singapore Management University (SMU) with a grand prize of S$9,000 cash up for grabs for the winning team. Participants have 24 hours to create a solution using Raspberry Pi or Arduino Uno, single board computers, which will be provided to them during the competition. The solution must solve a set of challenges that will only be released on the Hackathon day itself and will be closely tied to the theme.
Part of the National Infocomm Competition, this year’s Junior Category will be held on July 19, 2014 also at SMU. Contestants will build fun and unique interfaces using Chibitronics, programmable electronic stickers, based on a challenge that will only be released on the day of the competition itself. Winning teams will receive cool technology gadgets such as tablets, game consoles, and interactive devices.
Several training sessions for both categories have been scheduled throughout May and June to familiarise participants with the technologies.
The winners for both categories of code::XtremeApps:: 2014 will be announced on 5 August 2014 at a Prize Presentation Ceremony.
JOINTLY ISSUED BY INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS COMMITTEE
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is to develop information technology and telecommunications within Singapore with a view to serve citizens of all ages and companies of all sizes. IDA does this by actively supporting the growth of innovative technology companies and start-ups in Singapore, working with leading global IT companies as well as developing excellent information technology and telecommunications infrastructure, policies and capabilities for Singapore. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.
About Information Technology Standards Committee
The Information Technology Standards Committee (ITSC) was formed in 1990, under the purview of the Standards Council appointed by SPRING Singapore. It is an industry-led effort comprising volunteer members from the industry, supported by IDA Singapore and SPRING Singapore. It is a neutral platform for interested stakeholders from the industry, academia and the government to get together and look into the local needs for IT standards and establish local standards, promote the awareness and adoption of IT standards, and represent Singapore in international standards platforms. More information can be obtained from http://www.itsc.org.sg.
For media clarification, please contact:
Eugene NEUBRONNER (Mr)
Assistant Manager, Corporate & Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 6211 3874
Email: eugene_neubronner@imda.gov.sg
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