THE state government is backing the 54-hour Lake Macquarie ‘Hackathon’ this weekend.
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The event is focused on developing innovative transport solutions to help boost business and startup innovation in the region.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the ‘LakeMacHack’ would be held at the Dantia Smart Hub (DASH) co-working space at Charlestown, and was supported by the government’s Boosting Business Innovation Program.
“The NSW Government ‘Boost’ Program is providing $12 million to the state's 11 universities - including the University of Newcastle - and the CSIRO to help them work with their local business communities to boost innovation,” Mr MacDonald said.
“The Boost Program and the University of Newcastle will assist the LakeMacHack which will see teams work to develop new approaches to local transport challenges in a 54-hour hackathon from Friday through to Sunday (June 16 to 18).”
The event will start on Friday night with participants pitching ideas and forming teams.
It will be followed by an intense weekend of work to build a concept or working prototype prior to the final pitches and judging on Sunday afternoon.
“This is a great opportunity for innovative Lake Macquarie residents to work together to develop their technology, design and business skills while also tackling local community challenges,” Mr MacDonald said.
“Hackathon teams will work to develop new solutions to optimise transport system connections in the Lake Macquarie area including bus, cycling, rail, car and other transport options.
“Lake Macquarie has nine town centres and an area twice the size of Sydney Harbour with the region’s population expected to reach about a quarter of a million people over the next 20 years, presenting transport challenges and opportunities for innovative solutions.
“The LakeMacHack will develop transport ideas using cutting-edge technology and creativity with a focus on connectedness and community benefit.”
For information on the event visit lakemachack.com
For further information on the Boosting Business Innovation Program visit industry.nsw.gov.au/boosting-innovation
