Prepare to hack ...
A hack-a-thon is an event meant to bring together programmers, designers and entrepreneurs and gives them a short amount of time to create a project along with the freedom to do virtually anything. These events are known to spur innovation in cities, startups and other tech companies. For example, the famous "Like" button found under Facebook statuses was born from a hack-a-thon.
On March 2, American Underground will host its own hack-a-thon, during which participants will come up with and implement a brand new idea.
Over the 24-hour competition, hackers ages 16 and older are allowed to create any type of software for any type of device, and are only limited by their abilities. When the contest ends, each program will be judged, and the top two teams will receive interview spots at the Groundwork Labs and Triangle Startup Factory accelerators.
Organizer Kristian Bouw said the timing of the hack-a-thon coincides with a StartupBus, loaded with entrepreneurs, coming through the area from New York City. He planned the event to show off Durham startups.
"We wanted to use the hack-a-thon as a way to showcase the Triangle talent to those coming through on the StartupBus," Kristian says, "but also give local entrepreneurs a chance to meet and mingle with more matured startups that will be presenting on a larger stage at SXSW [technology conference]."
Right now, 20 people are registered for the hack-a-thon, but Kristian hopes at least 50 will participate.
If you're interested, the hack-a-thon begins Saturday, March 2, at 6pm and takes place at the American Underground Conference Room and Classroom. The hack-a-thon concludes Sunday night at 7pm, right as the bus is pulling in. You can register for the all-day event and find out more information here.
