DETROIT – Tech-savvy students from high schools and universities across metro Detroit and Windsor will convene on the Wayne State University campus in May for a 24-hour hackathon to write web-based software, create mobile apps or design computer programs addressing a need or innovation of their choice.
HackWSU, hosted by WSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad student entrepreneurship center and the College of Engineering, is the official pre-launch event for Detroit Startup Week, held May 23 through 27.
The event is open to Detroit-area college (undergraduate and graduate) and high school students, who will work together in teams to compete, problem-solve and learn more about the craft of software development. The event will feature two tracks: one for beginners and one for more experienced developers. In addition to the competition, there will be breakout sessions, as well as a weekly series of workshops leading up to the event to help students build their skills.
“HackWSU is one of the many ways Wayne State is working to develop our next generation of tech talent,” said Aubrey Agee, Blackstone LaunchPad’s senior program administrator. “Students will have an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity while meeting some of the major players in Detroit’s tech revolution. Our aim is to help students see how much opportunity there is for innovators right here in Detroit.”
HackWSU takes place at the Wayne State University College of Engineering, 5050 Anthony Wayne Drive in Detroit. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, and concludes at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 22. Participants will work through the night. Pillows and sleeping bags are recommended.
To register, view the weekly workshop schedule or find more information, visit www.hackwsu.com
