MakerspaceCT to Host Maker Hackathon 1.0

The first ever MakerspaceCT Hackathon will be hosted in downtown Hartford on the weekend of October 25-26-27 with the theme of “Safe, Smart, and Accessible Cities.” Participants in Hackathon Weekend 1.0 will be challenged to solve issues involving accessibility in urban areas.

MakerspaceCT, located at 960 Main Street in downtown Hartford, opened this past April, and is the largest Makerspace in Connecticut and the second largest in New England. The space features 25,000 square feet of workshops that house more than a dozen shops with specialized manufacturing equipment, including wood, welding, textiles, plastics, 3D manufacturing and more.

The Hackathon will involve people of various backgrounds forming teams around a problem or idea, who then collaboratively develop a unique solution from scratch. Teams are formed on Friday evening and will have access to the massive shop space over the entire weekend to follow-through in developing their concept. Hackathons typically focus on creating websites, mobile apps, robots, and new products.

“Our mission at MakerspaceCT is to positively impact lives by enabling access, innovation, and education. Our vision is to use making as a vehicle to lift up individuals and communities,” said MakerspaceCT Executive Director Devra Sisitsky. “We’re excited to see what our Hackathon teams develop, and how ideas can become possible solutions or product prototypes, or both. It promises to be a terrific weekend.”

MakerspaceCT is encouraging college students, would-be product developers, and people interested in pursuing ideas and developing solutions that can impact accessibility in urban areas. Individuals of various experience levels and interests are encouraged to sign up at www.makerspacect.com/hackathon.

The MakerspaceCT Hackathon will focus on the ways that today’s cities are experiencing an evolution in technology across various aspects of city life and look ahead to what’s next. Participants aim to develop solutions that redefine what a city can and should be – responding to the challenge to solve for three key aspects of city life: safe, smart and accessible.

Prizes for winning teams include software, a full year membership to MakerspaceCT, and other donated goods. Specific challenges will also be announced at the start of the weekend. Participants will have access to MakerspaceCT's facility, including the computer lab and workshops, for the duration of the hackathon. Mentors will also be available, and all meals will be provided.

“Through the weekend, teams will present theories, prototypes, concepts, powerpoints, or digital models, looking at can happen in Hartford and cities across the country,” Sisitsky added. “There are no limits on what’s possible.”

Since launching this spring, MakerspaceCT offers classes that provide training on how to use the latest technology as well as how to operate various types of equipment and tools. Through education and access, MakerspaceCT is helping Hartford thrive, aiding not only entrepreneurs and small businesses, but also local hobbyists, crafters, students, and artists, providing training for individuals seeking to expand their skills and companies looking to expand their product lines.

Those interested in signing up for the Hackathon or looking for more information can visit the MakerspaceCT website, www.makerspacect.com. Sponsorships to support Hackathon Weekend 1.0 are also available. Donations are tax deductible.