CEA Developer Contest Aims to Help the Economic Recovery

apps-for-innovation

UPDATED: I can’t believe CES is right around the corner. It’s another consumer electronics show when the global economy is anemic, so I anticipate that floor traffic will remain low. One item from the Consumer Electronics Association that I didn’t foresee could actually help the economy — a developer contest sponsored by the Innovation Movement. This organization is comprised of an American coalition that believes innovation is the key to an economic recovery.

“Apps for Innovation” software entries can fit in one of two categories:

Category 1: Apps that illuminate with data how innovation and entrepreneurial activity are at work across America.

Examples: An app that mashes up Federal Communications Commission broadband data over a Google Map to show the need for high-speed Internet deployment in rural areas. Or, perhaps an Apple iPhone app that uses Department of Commerce data to let people track how international trade agreements impact the U.S. GDP.

Category 2: Apps that will help the members of the Innovation Movement advance policy goals that support innovation.

Examples: This could be an app that allows members of the grassroots movement to better communicate with members of Congress or perhaps its an app that allows members to see how members vote on various policies that protect or hinder innovation.

Apps can be on any platform, but developers don’t have much time — entries are required by November 6 and winners are announced at a CES Press Event just four days later. The judges panel is comprised of:

With a first place cash prize of $10,000 and free airfare / accommodations to this year’s CES in January, I just might pull out some of my programming books. While I look for those tomes, developers can catch all of the details on the event page.

Update: Gigi Sohn was inadvertently listed as a judge by the CEA in error, so I’ve removed her name from the list.

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