Competition Description

In 2016, Cleveland Water Alliance worked with the Creativity & Innovation Team at NASA Glenn Research Center to develop a unique collaborative idea generation process. These “Ideation Sessions” were designed around the goal of identifying the most pressing challenges facing the Lake Erie Basin. Representatives of more than 150 water and technology organizations participated and contributed their expertise. This process gave birth to seven core Challenge Statements for Erie Hack. The Challenge Statements are the guiding force of the Erie Hack. Each participating team will choose one or more challenge statements to “hack” for the competition. Each statement addresses a broad area of concern as well as a few possible entry points for a technical solution. Teams’ effectiveness in creating a viable solution will be essential to their success in the competition.

Read this year’s Challenge Statements and Mini Challenges.

RULES & ELIGIBILITY

IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN ERIE HACK PRIZES, YOU MUST:

Be registered as an individual and sign the Erie Hack Participation Agreement on ErieHack.io by 5pm EST on May 31. Be registered on ErieHack.io with a team, that has no more than five members. Note: New teams can register until 5 p.m. EST on March 29. Existing teams may continue to add new members (up to five total) through 5 p.m. on May 31. If you’ve already created a team or identified one you plan to join, you must register at ErieHack.io to make it official. If you’re already registered as an individual and want to join a team, check the profiles of teams in your area and contact anyone whose skills and interests complement your needs. If you’re having trouble connecting with potential team members, reach out to your local Erie Hack support staff on the Cities page to arrange an introduction or contact the Cleveland Water Alliance at ErieHack@clewa.org. Be 18 years or older unless participating on a High School Team. Select a challenge statement to work on. Participate in (only) one of the regional Quarter Finals. Remote participation or local proxy available with due notice. Be selected for and participate in the Semi-Finals in Detroit. Remote participation or local proxy available with due notice. Be selected for and participate in the Finals in Cleveland. Attendance is mandatory for all finalists. Submit only one project at each judging session.

IN ORDER TO ENSURE YOUR SUCCESS, YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO:

Attend Information Sessions and Hacking Days in your Erie Hack city to find collaborators and develop your project. Work with Erie Hack Expert Mentors to support your team. Contact your local Erie Hack support staff through the Cities page or CWA at ErieHack@clewa.org with any material or technical support needs.

JUDGING & CRITERIA

Judging Process Details Judging Criteria for Quarter, Semi, and Final Rounds

TIMELINE

These are the key dates and check-points for the competition. For specific event details, and to register for events, check out Events.