Teams from across North Alabama encouraged to participate in hackathon

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (September 25, 2018) – Innovation is the name of the game in the NASA International Space Apps Challenge, a global hackathon that occurs in hundreds of cities around the world. It’s a good thing we know just what that means in The Rocket City.

From October 19-21, Huntsville will serve as the ‘Mainstage’ for the challenge, putting our city on the map in global proportion. Coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers and builders will address global challenges in Earth and Space issued by NASA.

The 2017 challenge reached more than 25,000 participants and viewers, and the Mainstage sites were New York City and Palo Alto, California. This year, Huntsville is the only Mainstage and our Data Boot Camp programming on October 19 will feature local space and science professionals.

Space Apps HSV will be held Oct. 19-21 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Register as an individual or a team: spaceappshsv.com

We invite students ages 13 and up, high school teams, college students and professional teams to participate in the 48-hour hackathon. Registration is free, and here in Huntsville, there’s $10,000 in cash prizes up for grabs. You can participate as an individual or a team.

Urban Engine is hosting the event, and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber is thrilled to be the presenting sponsor and debut our new website to help with career exploration, asmartplace.com.

“The brand new asmartplace.com is the Chamber’s workforce development and recruitment initiative, focused on connecting students with a smart career and attracting smart people from around the world to be part of our dynamic and growing workforce,” said Georgina Chapman, Workforce Director at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “We knew the NASA Space Apps Challenge would reach the most talented and motivated coders, creators and problem solvers in the world, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to reach them directly.”

Recently, the Chamber re-launched asmartplace.com and created the A Smart Place app to expand far beyond its existing Career Search Portal. The new site and app are comprehensive approaches for all age groups, from students and teachers to those looking for job opportunities and career advancement. Search ‘a smart place’ on iTunes or Google Play to download the free app.

Register yourself, or your team for the NASA Space Apps Challenge: http://spaceappshsv.com
Information about this year’s challenges is available here: http://2018.spaceappschallenge.org

About Space Apps HSV:

The event begins Friday, October 19 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. It kicks off with a career and technology expo, Data Boot Camp, keynote speakers, educational panels, and more. The hackathon begins Saturday and lasts overnight. The event is being facilitated by Urban Engine and is presented by the City of Huntsville, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation.