Hack Midwest offers coders freedom through 24-hour app creation competition

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.