24-Hour Challenge Planned to Solve Detroit’s Tech Problem

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Automation Alley, a business accelerator in Southeastern Michigan, is hosting a 24-hour hackathon in June in which hackers will be challenged to solve a technology problem for the City of Detroit.

“The developers of the winning app are not only receiving a great cash prize, but they are also giving back to the Detroit community in a charitable way,” says Diane DeForest, director of events and marketing for Automation Alley.

Coders and computer programmers will compete for a grand prize of $5,000 at #hack4detroit. Last year, teams were challenged to build an app for the Detroit Public Library. Two interns from Detroit Venture Partners won the grand prize. The app allowed users to search the library’s catalog and order e-books, and sent notifications for building closures and library fines.

The apps will be judged by Beth Niblock, the chief information officer for the City of Detroit and Sean Hurwitz, CEO of Southfield-based Pixo Group, a consulting firm that designs and builds mobile apps, among other judges.

Registration closes June 5. The event will be held in downtown Detroit at the Broderick Tower from June 12-13.