Government of Canada Launches Second Appathon: The Canadian Open Data Experience

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 24, 2014) - Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Today, Treasury Board President Tony Clement announced the launch of the second national Canadian Open Data Experience appathon - CODE 2015. The event, hosted by XMG Studio and designed to accelerate innovation, will take place over the weekend of International Open Data Day, February 20-22, 2015.

Students, tech developers, and anyone wanting to build an app are being challenged to turn valuable federal data into useful and user-friendly apps. The winning teams will be awarded prizes from private sector sponsors, totaling $40,000. To fully harness the power of open data, the Government of Canada is releasing data into the hands of entrepreneurs and other open data enthusiasts through open.canada.ca, Canada's newly enhanced Open Government Portal.

In 2014, the first edition of CODE was one of the most successful Canadian appathons ever, with over 900 participants from across the country.

CODE is part of the Government's effort to promote the kind of discovery that leads to new businesses, economic growth, and job creation. There are also social and community benefits like time and money savings for individuals and non-profit organizations, as well as better services for all Canadians. Once innovators start putting federal data to use, and begin delivering their apps to the public, the potential economic impact of open data is enormous.

Quick Facts

• To encourage the meaningful and productive use of federal and other data, CODE aims to inspire innovations along three themes: Youth, Commerce, and Quality of Life. For more information, visit the new Open Government Portal at open.canada.ca.
• Starting November 24, 2014, participants can register a team or join an existing team on the CODE website.
• CODE competitors can apply to participate in person at VIP HUBs in Montréal, Vancouver, and Toronto, and partner hubs in various locations, or they can participate online from their homes, schools, or local coffee shops.
• The top 15 teams will be announced on March 6, 2015. These teams will be invited to present their applications to judges at the CODE Pitch Day in Toronto on March 16, 2015. The finalists will be announced and awarded their prizes at the CODE Grand Finale, also in Toronto, on March 26, 2015.
  
• The Government of Canada launched the Action Plan on Open Government 2.0 on November 6, 2014. The Action Plan specifies ways the federal government is working towards creating a more open and transparent government and maximizing the sharing of government information and data.

Quotes

"With over 900 participants last year, the response to our first government-wide appathon was fantastic. We're aiming to make this year bigger and better. The ultimate goal of CODE is to leverage technology to engage citizens, showcase their ideas, and inspire Canadians to use government open data to drive innovation and economic growth."

• Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board

"Open data is an important part of Digital Canada 150, which is our Government's plan to ensure Canada excels in the digital age. CODE 2015 will showcase Canadian talent in the use of open data, and exemplify Canada as a leader in the global digital economy."

• James Moore, Minister of Industry

"We're in the midst of a data revolution and with more progress in opening additional federal datasets and hosting high-impact technology competitions like CODE, Canada is positioning itself as one of the global leaders. CODE 2015 also exemplifies Canada's continued commitment to support entrepreneurship and aid the founders in becoming the digital leaders of tomorrow."

• Ray Sharma, Founder and Chairman, XMG Studio Inc.

Related Products

Canadian Open Data Experience {CODE}

Open Government Portal

Associated Links

XMG website for CODE

Register for CODE