The Kamloops 2024 Hackathon, hosted by Arc Technologies and Kamloops Innovation, was nothing short of remarkable. Held in the heart of British Columbia at Thompson Rivers University, this year's hackathon brought together tech enthusiasts, developers, and creative minds from across the province. The energy was palpable as participants gathered to collaborate, innovate, and develop solutions to real-world challenges.
A Hub of Innovation and Collaboration
The Kamloops Hackathon has quickly become a staple event for the local tech community, offering a unique opportunity for coders, designers, and entrepreneurs to come together and build something truly impactful.
Participants had one weekend to design, develop, and pitch their projects, working day and night to bring their ideas to life. The diversity of teams—ranging from students to professionals—created a dynamic environment where knowledge was freely shared, and unique perspectives were celebrated.
Highlights from the Event
Impressive Projects: This year’s hackathon saw a wide array of projects, from an on-campus direct food delivery system to an AI-based surveillance tool to assist existing security systems and staff. The creativity on display was awe-inspiring, with teams pushing the boundaries of technology to develop tools for a better tomorrow.
Expert Mentorship: Participants were supported by a group of expert mentors from Arc Technologies, Kamloops Innovation, and other industry leaders. These mentors provided guidance, technical support, and insight, helping teams refine their ideas and overcome challenges.
Celebrating the Winners
After an intense weekend of coding and collaboration, the judges were faced with the difficult task of selecting the winning teams. The top two projects stood out for their innovation, scalability, and potential for real-world impact:
"The Kamloops 2024 Hackathon Winners: CampusCravings - Kenji KL, Anita Mukarakate, Kudakwashe Mutizhe"
First Place: CampusCravings, an innovative on-campus gig-economy platform that streamlines food delivery directly from campus dining facilities to students, secured first place. By empowering students to both order and deliver food, the system not only enhances convenience but also creates job opportunities for the student body, making it a win-win solution for busy campus life
Second Place: GuardTek, an AI-powered surveillance platform designed to enhance existing security systems and support staff operations, claimed second place. By integrating advanced artificial intelligence with real-time monitoring, GuardTek assists security personnel in identifying potential shoplifting threats more efficiently, reducing human error, and improving overall safety. This solution not only boosts the effectiveness of security protocols but also minimises response time in critical situations.
Building for the Future
The Kamloops 2024 Hackathon is just one of the many ways Arc Technologies and Kamloops Innovation are fostering innovation in the tech community. Through events like these, we aim to inspire the next generation of developers and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools and opportunities they need to make a meaningful impact.
We are incredibly proud of all the participants and grateful to our sponsors, mentors, and judges who made this event possible. The passion, creativity, and commitment to innovation displayed at the hackathon are a testament to the growing tech scene in Kamloops and beyond.
What’s Next?
The excitement doesn’t stop here! Arc Technologies will continue to support the projects and participants from this year’s hackathon, offering resources and mentorship to help bring their ideas to market.
Stay tuned for updates and don't forget to subscribe to our Newsletter on the progress of these projects, and get ready for next year’s hackathon, which promises to be even bigger and better!
Once again, we’d like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our incredible sponsors for making this event possible. Your support truly made a difference!
