Hack Midwest offers coders freedom through 24-hour app creation competition
April 6, 2018 | Bobby Burch
Technologists are often surprised by what they’re able to accomplish when they work together in a competitive format, Mike Gelphman said.
That’s part of the reason Hack Midwest is returning this summer with the objective to inspire more techies to embrace their imagination, said Gelphman, founder of the competition, as well as KCITP, an area tech professionals group.
“The mission is to get people to create more — there’s a freedom that comes from that,” Gelphman said. “It is where they realize their own potential and what they’re truly capable of.”
One of Kansas City’s largest coding competitions, Hack Midwest challenges about 300 techies to build a mobile- or web-based app in 24 hours for a chance at winning a variety of prizes. A panel of judges will review the apps, judging on creativity, user interface originality and usefulness.
Prizes include an Amazon Alexa device, drones, tech gadgets, $500 in Ethereum cryptocurrency and more.
Hack Midwest can also serve as a first step on the road of entrepreneurship, Gelphman said. Some participants have gone on to launch companies from their projects, he added.
“When you get a bunch of smart, motivated people who love what they do in the same room, you never know what could be built,” Gelphman said. “You’ll get a chance to connect with other passionate developers and make connections that last a lifetime, and you’ll get to demonstrate your skills, get feedback on your ideas.”
Applications to compete in the July 21 competition open April 16.
Learn more about the competition with the video below.
2018 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Listen: How does Kansas City regard failure?
In the entrepreneurial world, the word “failure” takes many definitions. For some entrepreneurs, failure is a badge of honor, while for others it’s taboo. Regardless, failure is a part of reality amongst startups and it’s a topic that’s been examined at length in Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community. KCUR’s Up To Date recently hosted Startland editor-in-chief Bobby Burch, Pipeline Inc.…
Events Preview: Compute Midwest, Shark Tank
There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW Compute Midwest When: October 22 – 23 Where: Municipal Arena Over a thousand remarkable people from around the globe will converge in…
Lager: Why I quit my cushy job for a broke startup
It’s 4:03 a.m. My bedroom is still dark and the late August heat leaves me little need for a blanket. I lay here wide-awake, arms crossed behind my head on a pillow that’s too thin, while the rest of the world sleeps in deep peacefulness. I hear nothing, save for the wind occasionally singing outside…
90 on the Clock with Mighty Handle
90 on the Clock with Mighty Handle By John McGrath, KCPT, and Bobby Burch, Startland News Ed’s Note: Flatland and Startland News have partnered to highlight Kansas City’s innovators and entrepreneurs, all in 90 seconds. This is the fifth and final episode in the series. Think of Mighty Handle as your digital defender. No, Mighty Handle is not anti-virus…