Palo Alto Offers Cash Prizes in Apps Challenge

The City of Palo Alto on Tuesday announced a competition to build a better app. The City invited individuals and teams to create apps “to enhance the engagement between local government and its citizens.”

“We hope that this competition will bring people together from different backgrounds and ideas to all focus on one thing – helping to make a difference in our community,” said City Manager James Keene.  “An apps competition sustains the momentum of our efforts to be a leading digital and smart city.  We also expect it will be a lot of fun for families too.”

The City is hoping the new app will increase engagement between the community and local governments.  “The focus is deliberately broad to encourage a variety of solutions.”

The initial phase of the competition simply calls for ideas, while finalists will be required to demonstrate their idea as a working prototype.

“People want to participate and make a difference in their community using their unique skills,” said Palo Alto Chief Information Officer Jonathan Reichental.  “The apps competition is an exciting forum for that to happen.  There is no doubt now that mobile devices are where the future of user computing will reside.  We have to bring more government services to those devices and this competition will help to spur innovation and idea creation in this important area.”

Call for Entries runs through February 28.  Submissions are free and open to anyone legally residing in the United States.

Prizes:

1st place $3,500

2nd place $1,000

3rd place $500

Additionally, winners receive a commemorative plaque and free incorporation services.

Entering 

January 21 – February 28...Call for Entries.  Participants can enter as many times as they wish.

March 1 – March 12...Initial scoring by the judges.

March 13...Announcement of the finalists

April 27...Finalists display work in progress for public and judges to view

May 31...Finalists showcase final prototype to the public with judging and prizes awarded.