Developers from around the world are invited to partake in an online Smart Cities hackathon in January designed to solve real-world issues — waste management, water management and parking — that stem from urbanization.
The event is organized by TiE Silicon Valley, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the Bay Area and beyond.
The hackathon is open to developers everywhere (not just TiE members) but you should read the FAQ on the registration page if interested, as there are certain commitments that must be made.
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The challenges — all potentially involving Internet of Things solutions — are:
Smart Parking: Developers take on the role of private parking operators in countries like the US with the goal of optimizing revenue by efficient and competitive management of parking spaces and pricing.
Waste Disposal Management: Developers assume the role of private waste management companies in countries like India that want to efficiently identify, gather and transport solid waste to landfills while preventing random dumping.
Water Access Management: Developers create apps from the perspective of NGOs working to improve water access in countries like Ethiopia by utilizing a fixed amount of funds to guarantee water access to as many households as possible.
Any language or platform can be used, and TiE will provide the servers and simulators for the IoT sensors, etc.
Registration is open through Dec. 31, and the hackathon takes place Jan. 11-31, 2016.
Winners will be invited to attend TiECon 2016, taking place in May in Santa Clara, and will also have an opportunity to win prizes and publicity.