Digital Tribes Houston 2018

Unearthed is an open innovation program for the global resources & mining sector. Via hackathons and online competitions we are creating a global community of innovators and entrepreneurs solving big challenges facing the industry.

In Houston (and online, globally) over the week February 16th - 23rd, Unearthed will work with the world's largest diversified resources company: BHP to seek out top software developers to solve its challenges.

In person at Station Houston, local developers (Houston, Austin, Dallas + more) will have a unique opportunity to work with BHP and Unearthed, coding in teams to develop prototype solutions to the industry challenges.

Globally, developers can participate from their bedrooms (yes, you don't even need to leave your bed), workplace or from tech hubs where Unearthed has partnerships. You can keep track of the Digital Tribes program from Friday 16th - 23rd to make sure you are not missing out on any key events (such as status updates, mentoring sessions, deadlines to submit etc...).  A slack channel will be created to communicate with those registered for the event. To join the slack channel email slack@unearthed.solutions.

The challenges:

The challenges will be sourced from the world's largest diversified resources company: BHP. You will be asked to develop solutions on the forefont of natural resources innovation, developing future technologies that industry can potentially adopt. Challenges will be posted on http://portal.unearthed.solutions

Who can apply?

Developers, developers, developers. Of all ages, sizes and shapes! We are looking for driven, enthusiastic and motivated developers to come and code solutions. It will be your imagination and use of the data/materials that Unearthed provides that will set you apart from the rest.  Follow the registration process and make sure you answer the questions. Data scientists and designers also encouraged, but must have at least 1 developer on your team. Non-technical (eg: entrepreneur) unfortunately this Unearthed event is not for you.

What are the prizes?

1st Prize: USD$3000
2nd Prize: USD$2000
Digital Tribes Prize: Announce here: http://unearthed.link/dt_register1

Thousands $$ in prize money, plus potential future career-orientated opportunities in the resources sector via the DIgital Tribes Prize.

Schedule (in Houston, local time):

Friday February 16th  (Day #1)

• 5:00PM  Open doors at Station Houston, drinks and networking
  
• 5:00PM - 6:00PM  Meet fellow developers, network and socialise!
• 6:00PM  Opening introductions and speeches, set the agenda
• 6:15PM  Challenge introductions (also shared online) from BHP challenge mentors and owners
• 6:45PM  Intro's concluded, dinner/drinks served and teams break to set off for the weekend ahead
• 11:00PM  Station Houston venue closed

Saturday February 17th   (Day #2)

• 8:00AM  Venue reopens at Station Houston, teams reconvene to start day #2
• 8:00AM-12:00PM  Coding, utilising the expertise of the challenge mentors and brainstorming ideas
• 12:00PM  Lunch break & status update
• 1:00PM - 5:00PM  Coding resumes...
• 5:00PM  Stretch your legs...
• 6:00PM  Dinner break, time to socialise again (ughhh)
• 11:00PM Station Houston venue closed

Sunday February 18th  (Day #3)

• 8:00AM  Venue reopens at Station Houston, teams reconvene to start day #3
• 11:00AM  Quick announcements from Unearthed team
• 12:00PM  Lunch break
• 2:00PM  Deadline to submit your 5 min video pitch (global, check your local time zone)  *
• 3:00PM  Local Houston developers will deliver their 5 min "UPDATE PITCH" in person, which will be filmed
• 5:00PM  UPDATE PITCHES conclude
• 5:00PM  Drinks and networking
• 6:30PM  Station Houston closes... teams given until Friday February 23rd to continue.

Monday February 19th - Friday February 23rd

• Teams continue working remotely, access to Station Houston will be provided for mentoring sessions and in community desk areas for teams to meet
• Global teams can continue working also

Friday February 23rd  (Day #8)

• 5:00PM  Station Houston reopens
• 5:30PM  First round of FINAL PITCHES commence!
• 7:00PM  Dinner break
• 7:45PM  Second round of FINAL PITCHES commence
• 8:30PM  Pitches conclude, judges break for selecting winners
• 9:00PM  Winners announced, prizes awarded!
• 10:00PM  Station Houston closes

Find out more here: http://unearthed.solutions

FAQ's

• Can I come ready as a team? Can I participate as an individual? I don't have a team, but still wish to come along, can I do so?

We recommend that you work as a team. We have found the most successful team size is between 3 to 4, but teams can be more or less. If you don’t have a team then we’ll help you to form one via the Slack group or on the opening night (Friday February 16th).

• Is it open only to developers?
  

Predominantly yes, we are seeking out the best developers from around the world. If you are well skilled in data science or a digital designer then you are also welcome to register but you will need to partner with at least 1 developer in your team.  You will need to have some digital skills, so if you are an entrepreneur or a consultant without the technical skills then this one ain't for you unfortunately!

• What is the cost? What does it involve?

There is no cost! Innovators will be asked to answer several questions on the registration form to validate your participation in Digital Tribes Houston.  By submitting your registration form, and selecting [attending in Houston] we will be catering for all your meals, coffee and drinks over the weekend. 

• When will the challenges be released? Can we start working earlier?

Descriptions of the challenges will be released well in advance of the hackathon. All code, design and assets must be created during the stipulated period (Feb 16th-23rd) based on your local time zone and be freely available to the public (open source). Your project page on the Unearthed Innovation Platform is where you will host all this information.

• Who owns what we make at the event?

All teams retain full ownership of what is created during the event, barring any prior agreements you might have with employers, universities, etc... You own 100% of the IP that you create!