Skip to main content
Enter search terms below…

Member News

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].

(June 26, 2025) Port of Albany Chief Executive Officer Richard J. Hendrick recently joined the Board of Directors of the Seafarers International House NYC, which, in partnership with the Episcopal Church since its founding in 1834, serves the needs of Mariners and Seafarers in the New York Region.   Hendrick, with the Port since 2004, has led the…
Albany, N.Y. (June 23, 2025) – Maria College and Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors are partnering to offer employees access to academic certificate and degree programs that support their career growth and long-term success in healthcare.   Through this collaboration, Maria College will provide flexible academic pathways —including…
Coxsackie, NY – June 2025 – National Bank of Coxsackie (NBC) is proud to announce its recent $1,500 donation to the Village of Ravena, supporting the community’s ongoing efforts to enhance recreational amenities at Mosher Park. Pictured at the donation presentation are Village of Ravena Mayor William Misuraca and NBC’s Ravena Branch Manager Glenda…
Jul
09
The 1 Million Cups Monthly Meetings are happening throughout 2025 in the Chamber's 1st Floor Conference Room! Held every second Wednesday of the month,…
July 9th, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am
Jul
15
Join us for our July Rising Professionals-Group Meeting! Stay tuned for this month's topic and speaker! Register Here
July 15th, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am
Jul
17
Join us for our Non-Profit Roundtable discussions! This event is an opportunity for our non-profit members to showcase their missions and educate…
July 17th, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm