14 Dec Students Create Mobile Apps and Websites for Businesses in preparation and during a Natural Disaster at Valley Hackathon III
60 Valley high school and college students created “back to business” mobile applications and websites that offered important city updates and critical resources in preparation and during a major catastrophe such as a natural disaster at The Valley Economic Alliance’s third Valley Hackathon on Friday, October 13th at the Downtown Central Library in Glendale. As part of Glendale Tech Week, teams of participants at the technology competition developed concepts within 4 hours and pitched their solutions to a panel of judges for a chance to win prizes.
“Help App” received first place and offered disaster navigation, information and communication. The user friendly interface included a chat system by area and community, color coded system of emergency shelters and resources. “Quick Safe” received second place and “Emerging Together” placed third.
The judges panel included from left; Matthew Martinez of MCS, Inc./Open Tech Initiative; Jennifer McLain, Principal Economic Development Officer with City of Glendale; Philip Lanzafame, Director of Community Development with City of Glendale; Yvette Gabrielian with Kroll Cyber Security; Armin Nikravan, Vice President of Union Bank; Clayton Weise, Director of Cloud Services with Key Information Systems; Marc Netka, CEO of STS Education and Frank Miller, Executive Director of Hollywood Burbank Airport.
Event sponsor Tony Tartaglia with Southern California Gas Company also delivered remarks about the Northridge earthquake in 1994 and its impact on businesses.
The event concluded with an internship fair for Hackathon participants. LA Promise Fund, Simple Layers, Inc., Collab and Play, Cloud 77, Bruno Group, Inc., Glendale Community College Student Employment Services and Volumen were in attendance and scouting for interns. Students brought copies of their resumes and networked with employers.
Participants represented USC, UCLA, Cal State University Los Angeles, Mount San Antonio College, La Canada High School, Burbank High School, John Burroughs High School, Cal State University Northridge, Granada Hills Charter High School, Glendale Community College, Valencia High School, Santa Monica College and San Marino High School.
Other event sponsors included Cal State University Northridge, Express Employment Professionals, DWP Information Architects, Union Bank, Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon, Top Leaders/John Maxwell Team and Whole Foods.