CODE Appathon to Unlock Value of Federal Open Data

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 7, 2014) - Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

The Government is lending support for the first national Open Data appathon-the Canadian Open Data Experience, or CODE-featuring federal data. Today at Dalhousie University, Minister Clement joined faculty and tech entrepreneurs to discuss the upcoming CODE appathon, and how to best leverage Open Data to benefit Canadians. This appathon is open to all Canadians-students, developers and IT enthusiasts-who will form teams challenged to turn valuable Government of Canada data into beneficial and user-friendly apps.

Promoting technological advances that could result in new businesses, encourage economic expansion and springboard fresh opportunities, like using data to save time and be more efficient, aligns with the Government of Canada's push toward innovation and job creation. Open Data has potential social benefits, such as making it easier to access information on crucial services or funding, so that Canadians know where to go for help when they need it.

The Government of Canada is continually releasing new data sets through data.gc.ca, Canada's federal Open Data Portal. Currently there are close to 200,000 data sets available on a wide range of topics, from immigration to oceanography, to health, business, and transportation.

Quick Facts

• The Canadian Open Data Experience (CODE) is a 48-hour appathon taking place from Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2, 2014.
  
  
• CODE competitors can apply to participate at a centralized HUB in Toronto or they can participate remotely from their homes, schools, or local coffee shops.
  
  
• At the end of the CODE appathon, participants will submit their completed apps online to be evaluated by a review panel.
  
  
• The top 15 teams will be invited to the CODE Grand Finale event on March 28, in Toronto, where they will pitch their apps during a live judging event.
  
  

Quotes

"The Canadian Open Data Experience is just around the corner, and enthusiasm is high. I have travelled from coast to coast promoting CODE and I expect to see great participation from our East Coast Canadians. "

Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board

"We at Dalhousie are extremely proud to play a role in this initiative. The Government's commitment to be at the forefront of the global Open Data movement is commendable and one that fosters a truly entrepreneurial environment. We share that commitment. As an institution that encourages entrepreneurship, we recognize that CODE will go a long way to develop apps and programs that will help improve the lives of Canadians. We wish the best of luck to the students, entrepreneurs and innovators who will make this competition one for the ages."

Dr. Richard Florizone, President of Dalhousie University

Related Products

- Open Data Portal

- Video: How you can participate in the Canadian Open Data Experience (CODE)

Associated Links

- Canadian Open Data Experience {CODE} - XMG Studio

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