Microsoft Hackathon 2015: Smart Cities

At a Hackathon teams of programmers collaborate in intensive software development. This year the hackathon is aligned with the upcoming Smart Cities conference in Newcastle. As such, Smart Cities will be the main theme for the hackathon projects. Smart City emphasis the use of information technology to improve the lives of citizens, through smart or more efficient transport, energy, and other services. Anyone, including software developers, students or project managers, are encouraged to participate in a team. Two themes are proposed for the Hackathon and participants are encouraged to think of projects they can create around the two themes. The themes are: - Future Transport: create solutions focused on the next wave of transportation innovations, e.g. connected cars and cities, electric vehicles, public transport and traffic management. - The Built Environment: create smart energy solutions, improve access to health care services, support senior or disabled citizens, or consider innovations in the built environment (e.g. smart street lights, intelligent buildings) that will help communities, businesses and all levels of government.   The event is again proudly supported by Microsoft and run by the University of Newcastle. Microsoft are supplying a number of devices in kit form consisting of an Arduino-compatible board, a prototyping shield and various sensors and electronic components. Microsoft Technical Evangelists will be on hand to assist with setup and troubleshooting of the kits, as well as to present some introductory lectures on their use. This year the event will be held in the Auchmuty Information Common (under the Auchmuty Library). Teams will be expected to make a presentation of their project after 24hrs of intensive development. Prizes will be awarded to the best teams as judged by a panel of industry experts and entrepreneurs.