Public Transport Hackathon - brought to you by Wayfindr

Do you have an interest in inclusive smart cities and innovative solutions for public transport?

Want to get your hands on a new dataset that could radically change how people experience the London Underground?

Wayfindr are offering developers and designers a brilliant opportunity to explore how Bluetooth Beacons and APIs can be used to make travel better for the citizens of London, including vision-impaired travellers.

This is an event for creators, developers and entrepreneurs - students or professionals - with an interest in transport, indoor navigation and Tech For Good. Come along on your own, or in a group of up to four, to Imperial College on January 21st at 11am - ready to get thinking and developing. If you are on your own, we will be creating teams that you can join on the day.

We want to test a new dataset for modern, connected cities - a Beacon API, and hope that the API will be used to improve commuters daily lives. The theme of the hackathon will be rooted in using Tech for Good. Participants will be asked: “How can we use the Beacon API along with other data sources to stimulate new digital navigation services for commuters who need additional assistance, such as vision impaired people.”

We have created several Scenarios that you can use to help you come up with ideas, you can see them here. You can add your own - as well as leave feedback on the ones that have already been created.

The event is sponsored by OrganiCity, a new European Union project that puts people at the centre of the development of building the cities of the future.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please read the Hackathon Code of Conduct here.
Please read the Hackathon Personal Data Consent form here.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 645198”

FAQs

Is there an age limit for participants?

You must be 18, or over, to attend the hackathon.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

You can get in touch with us at hello@wayfindr.net

Will we have access to the API before the Hackathon?

We will be giving all attendees access to the API before the event.

I am a vegetarian/vegan - will there be food provided for me?

Of course - you will just need to let us know your dietary requirements as well as any allergies that you have.

Do I have to use one of the challenges address on the Scenarios website?

We have created these Scenarios to inspire you. These scenarios come from real needs that we have identified through our research. Feel free to work on those, but you are not restricted. Let your imagination go wild.

Does my concept have to be for vision impaired people?

At Wayfindr we mainly work with vision impaired people and some Scenarios address their needs as we have identified them in our research. Feel free to work on an idea related to vision impaired people, but you are not restricted. Vision impaired people will be invited in the hackathon, so you will have your chance to chat with them and understand the challenges they face with public transport.

Can I stay in the venue overnight?

There will be no overnight stay.

Are you providing accommodation?

Unfortunately not. However, once we know who's attending, we'll facilitate conversations if people have spare rooms and are happy for other attendees to use them. 

Do I have to know about APIs?

Some basic knowledge of APIs is recommended, as it will allow you to understand how to better use it.

Do I need to come with a pre-made team?

No - if you are coming on your own we will be helping to match you up with other people that are looking for team-mates.

I have a team of five - can I still enter?

If you have a team of more than four you can still enter - but - you will not be eligible for the prize if you win.

Can I stay in the venue overnight?

There will be no overnight stay.