GovHack 2012 - over $30k in prize money for awesome hacks, mashups and datavis

[greebo]

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you all know about GovHack, a 48 hour hackfest focused on government datasets and creating awesome new apps, mashups and data visualisations. I'm on the team running it on Jun 1-3 (in 3.5 weeks!) in both Canberra and Sydney. We're hoping to get around 150 people to each location, so 300 people competing for glory and prize money :) It seems a perfect event to get some Open Australia hackers doing what you all do best, but with additional recognition and the possibility of cash prizes.

We've taken GovHack to a new level with loads of government departments involved (and getting involved) with new datasets and substantial funding, but also several of the departments will be looking to actually fund the implementation of some outcomes of GovHack into their environments. GovHack isn't just about citizens making stuff off to the side, it is about government engaging collaboratively and constructively with citizens for better government outcomes, and ultimately better democracy.

Details are up at http://www.govhack.org/ and we'll be announcing more developer information in the coming week, so register to be advised of information as it is available. Further information about the competitions and prizes will be sent out within the fortnight.

We expect to see hacks around AR, geospatial data, web apps, data visualisation, data analysis and more. The core themes of GovHack will be announced Friday the 1st June to kick the event off.

Hope to see you there :)

Pia