Gather with a diverse and inclusive community of hundreds of innovators, professionals, students and tech leaders from around the world. The Elevate Hackathon empowers people who are eager to learn and create by providing an environment for you to explore and build with mentorship and resources (i.e. data and APIs). 

Elevate Hackathon

Building a Smart City
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According to the UN, 70% of the world&rsquo;s population will live in cities by 2050 &mdash; an estimated 7.2 billion people. As urban density increases, we need new ways to create better living environments; regulate pollution; energy consumption and overall efficiency.&nbsp;Enter the Smart City, a fully connected urban centre that uses technology to improve energy efficiency, sustainability, communication, as well as social and economic equality for its citizens.&nbsp;But technology is only one part. A smart city is a platform for the community to organize, find new ideas, test them, and create positive change. Smart cities go to their citizens for input, apply agile methodologies and create new models of sustainability and scalability. How might we create a data driven technologically-connected city that is inclusive, safe and vibrant for everyone that calls Toronto Home?
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Elevate TechFest 2018, Toronto&rsquo;s biggest hackathon, was an initiative by the Elevate team and founding partner TD. &nbsp;Over a 48-hour hackathon at MaRS, more than 500 hackers worked tirelessly rallying behind one theme: How can we use data and technology to make Toronto a more inclusive, safe and vibrant city in which to live and work.
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 Founded on a mission to elevate the Canadian tech and innovation ecosystem, the Elevate Hackathon provided a platform for our world-class technology ecosystem to showcase their talents while making our community even better.
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The Challenge Statements
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<td style="width: 31.2631%;">Smart Economy What innovations and technologies will define the future smart economy? How will local businesses and consumers engage in relevant and meaningful interactions that promote local commerce?</td>
<td style="width: 31.2631%;">Smart Vibrant Living What innovations and technologies will enhance our culture and wellbeing? What role can data and technology play in ensuring connection and day-to-day happiness in a smart city?</td>
<td style="width: 31.2656%;">Smart Connected Communities What innovations and technologies will facilitate healthy and safe connected communities, considering the benefits and needs of human interaction?</td>
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The Participant Experience
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With over 21,000 hacking hours logged, this hackathon brought together participants ranging from civic innovators and creative designers to developers and technical experts to work in teams of 4-8 and tackle this challenge. Using APIs from TD and Universal Music, and data from the City of Toronto, plus hardware and maker tech such as sensors, 3D printers and robotics, participants created and presented over 75 dynamic, creative and innovative solutions.&nbsp;
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Hackathon participants rated Elevate a 5/5 in terms of &lsquo;creating a diverse and inclusive experience&rsquo;.&nbsp;
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