Canadian Innovators Rally for Lead-Up to CODE 2015

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Jan. 30, 2015) - Today, Treasury Board President Tony Clement visited the vibrant open data community of Halifax to showcase the social and economic benefits of CODE 2015. Coinciding with International Open Data Day, Canada is inviting its entrepreneurial communities to come together from February 20 to 22 for the second Canadian Open Data Experience (CODE) appathon, which last year saw over 900 participants.

The CODE appathon will challenge teams to mash up federal data, readily available on the Government of Canada's Open Government Portal (open.canada.ca), as well as data from other levels of government. The goal is to creatively repurpose government data and put it back into the hands of Canadians in a more user-friendly "app" form. The top 15 teams from all regions of Canada will be invited to Toronto to pitch their apps before a live judging panel on March 6. The winners will be announced at the CODE 2015 Grand Finale on March 26.

Alongside Minister Clement, private sector open data experts, academics, and representatives of the province and of the municipality were present at the event. Students and entrepreneurs were invited to learn how CODE 2015 will inspire Canadians to use open data to build a better world. Dalhousie University hosted many esteemed speakers for the Halifax road show stop, including several inspiring students who shared stories about their open data research.

Quick Facts

- Registration for the appathon is currently live on XMG's official CODE website.

- CODE 2015 themes focus on Youth, Commerce, and Quality of Life.

- CODE is hosted by XMG Studio, one of Canada's largest independent mobile gaming studios. Winners will share a total of $40,000 in prizes, with a grand prize of $15,000. Prize money will also include $5,000 for each of the following categories:

- Youth;

- Commerce;

- Quality of Life;

- Best Student Team; and

- Fan Favorite.

- Participants can take part in three ways: apply to attend the 48-hour event at one of three VIP HUBs in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal; register to participate from a space made available by CODE supporters; or participate virtually online.

- Open Data is one of the three major pillars of Canada's Action Plan on Open Government 2.0. The others are Open Information and Open Dialogue.

Quotes

"Canadian open data supporters across the country are signing up for CODE to seek new ways to repurpose federal government data to create apps and provide solutions. This year's themes-Youth, Commerce and Quality of Life-will showcase the potential of data for innovation, creativity, and economic stimulation."

- Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board

"Through policies like Digital Canada 150 and the Canadian Open Data Experience, our government has taken steps to ensure that Canada is a leader in the digital age. The developers participating in CODE 2015 will create simpler and quicker ways for Canadians to access services and information when and where they need them, through today's cutting-edge digital technology. CODE 2015 is an incredible program that showcases Canadian talent in the digital realm, and the real potential it offers for continued job creation and economic growth."

- James Moore, Minister of Industry

"The region has top-notch universities and research labs, and a tight-knit innovation ecosystem. Halifax has the talent and the vibrant social climate to create a truly entrepreneurial community. We expect great things from the Halifax CODE participants, and I hope to be back visiting a winning team next year."

- Ray Sharma, Founder and Chairman of XMG Studio Inc.

Canadian Innovators Rally for Lead-Up to CODE 2015

Government of Canada promotes the value and use of open data