David Y. Ige

HAWAII’S FIRST AGRICULTURE-TECH HACKATHON AIMS TO MOVE STATE TOWARD FOOD SUSTAINABILITY

The AGathon, Hawaii’s agriculture-tech hackathon, provides the spark for technological innovation and advancement within the Hawaii agricultural industry. The AGathon will utilize Hawaii’s growing startup, technology and developer community to create apps that change the processes used on farms and other agricultural endeavors. Developers and technology innovators will collaborate with farmers, researchers and agronomists in the local ag industry to improve yields, increase efficiency and provide actionable data to drive innovation and move Hawai‘i toward greater food self-sufficiency.

WHAT:
AGathon 2018 Kickoff and Hackathon

WHEN:
Saturday, Jan. 6 (Kickoff): 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 13 (Hackathon): 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, Jan.14 (Demo Day and Awards): 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE:
Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (Kickoff)
94-340 Kunia Rd., Waipahu
Impact Hub Honolulu (Hackathon, Demo Day and Awards)
1050 Queen St. #100, Honolulu

WHO:
Coders, designers, developers, entrepreneurs, civic innovators, farmers and engaged citizens

The AGathon brings together people from all parts of the community and is specifically designed to let the public participate in the app development process. the AGathon springs from the concept of hackathons, like the Hawaii Annual Code Challenge, problem-solving events where creative individuals form teams and develop solutions to problems identified by farmers and others in the ag section. The teams have a set time within to create prototype applications. The week-long event will kick-off with challenge pitches from the agricultural industry and conclude with team demos, judging and awards.
Driven by both competition and an opportunity to collaborate on important local issues, experts in software, hardware and business development will research, design and build digital tools and programs that will help local farmers grow their businesses and advance the local agricultural industry. Teams will compete for cash prizes and receive mentorship from seasoned ag-tech entrepreneurs to take their solution concepts to the next level.
This free event is sponsored by the State of Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture, Transform Hawaii Government, Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and Hawaii Open Data.
For more information, event schedule, or to register for AGathon 2018, visit https://www.htdc.org/events/.
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About HTDC (Hawaii Technology Development Corporation)
HTDC is a state agency, attached to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). HTDC’s mission is to facilitate the development and growth of Hawaii’s high technology industry. HTDC is providing capital, building infrastructure and developing talent to foster innovation and diversify Hawaii’s economy. HTDC’s 80/80 Initiative is to create 80,000 new tech and innovation jobs that will provide high paying jobs for Hawaii residents.
Media Contacts:

Robbie Melton
HTDC
(808) 539-3615

[email protected]
Alyssa Amasol
Anthology Marketing Group
(808) 539-3437
[email protected]

Burt Lum
[email protected]

Cindy Matsuki
[email protected]