Tech Valley Center of Gravity to Host 2023 Hackathon --$18,000 in Prizes to be Awarded to Winning Teams--
Tech Valley Center of Gravity (TVCOG), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Troy, NY, will host a Hackathon on October 13th, 14th, and 15th. This 48- hour event will bring teams of talented people together to compete in creating solutions to real-world problems. Event challenges, to be announced on the first day of the event, will focus on the theme Smart Cities and finding ways to meet the needs of urban areas using innovative approaches.
“We are excited to be hosting a Hackathon this year,” said TVCOG’s Operation Director, Dan Falkenstrom. “The Capital Region has become a hub for advanced technology development, with a community of individuals and organizations passionate about helping new ideas flourish. This event will help showcase that community, as well as provide networking, mentorship, and prizes for current and aspiring entrepreneurs.” he continued.
Teams competing in the Hackathon will have the opportunity to win valuable prizes, including a grand prize worth more than $13,000, cash prizes up to $5,000, and the chance to have their prototype on display at the New York State Innovation Summit. The grand prize will be awarded to a start-up business and include 12 months of rent-free office space in Downtown Troy, thanks to Bryce Companies; a one-year chamber membership from the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce; and a one-year TVCOG membership. All teams will be eligible for cash prizes, made possible by the Troy Capital Resource Corporation and the RPI Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship.
Along with the chance to win prizes, teams will have the opportunity to learn from top professionals in the Capital Region. Mentors will be on site throughout the competition to answer technical questions and assist teams with machinery. There will also be breakout sessions to discuss writing a business thesis and developing product pitches.
The Hackathon will be MCed by Richard Lin of Agora Media and meals will be provided, thanks to sponsors like Troy Web Consulting and FuzeHub.
Event registration will open on Wednesday, August 9th and close September 18th. The competition is open to teams of 2-4 individuals, ages 18+. Anyone is welcome to apply, but only current or future startup companies will be eligible for the grand prize. Based on the number of applicants, TVCOG may not be able to accept all applicants. Teams will be notified by September 25th if they have been invited to participate. To apply visit: tvcog.net/hackathon.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, please contact Rebecca Bliss at [email protected]. Questions about Hackathon registration should be directed to Elizabeth Kuchera at [email protected].