Smart Cities Event Will Connect Global Tech Communities

The international hackathon aims to innovate, crowdsource and develop sustainable solutions facing both cities, such as urban mobility, solid waste management, water supply, and education.

The City of Austin Economic Development Department’s Global Business Expansion Program is partnering with the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, UT Blackstone Launchpad, Austin Sister Cities International, Pune Institute of Computer Technology, Pune Fashion Week and UT IC² to host a Smart Cities Hackathon centered on international solutions between Austin, Texas and Pune, India.

The event is at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 8 at the UT Blackstone Launchpad – Flawn Academic Center (FAC 101D), 2304 Whitis Ave. Over time, both cities have emerged as hubs for tech startups.

The international hackathon aims to innovate, crowdsource and develop sustainable solutions facing both cities, such as urban mobility, solid waste management, water supply, and education.

For 24 hours, Austin hackathon participants and Pune developers and startups will problem-solve and find new technological solutions within data-driven teams to create innovative business ideas. Efforts could lead to binational partnerships and exchanges between Austin and Pune.

“The solution-driven nature of this hackathon is yet another example why Austin and Pune, as two innovative and tech-friendly international cities, are working towards a Friendship City agreement,” said David Colligan, Acting Assistant Director with the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department. “Together we are working to create strong economic development solutions benefiting mutual cities.”

An onsite awards and closing ceremony will occur at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 9.

For more information and to register to participate visit www.atxbound.us/events.