From The Matrix to Tron, the idea of hacking can bring up a bit of a stir. The thought of someone secretly accessing a computer system in order to get information and wreaking havoc has given “hacking” a bad rap. Sometime in the late 1990s a new idea was born-“Hackathon”. The word “hackathon” is a combination of “hack” and “marathon”. This playful alternative gets computer technologists together to collaborate intensively on software projects. As the idea to collaborate for good spread, the events changed as well. Beginning as all-night code collaborations, hackathons evolved into competitions done to create something good, solve a problem, code for a cause, recruiting opportunities for companies, and networking events for professionals to meet, teach and learn from others.
Just like everything, there are variations on hackathons as well. Some hackathons are set during daylight hours for a specified amount of time; others are all night or multiple day events. Typically, the hackathon kicks off by a presenter of some sort, the suggestion of a topic or idea and then the fun begins! There is usually a plethora of energy drinks, snacks and pizza to keep the buzz going. At the end of the set time, a series of demonstrations from each group are presented to the panel of judges. Then, of course there are prizes!
Sparq, Inc. is no stranger to this hacking craze. Having put on two previous hackathon, we are preparing this year by hosting not ONE, but TWO hackathons! This year, our Galaga inspired invasion is set to be the best one yet! We will once again host our 3rd Annual RSI Westobou Hackathon during the Westobou Festival on October 3rd in Augusta, GA. This year, the Augusta office is partnering up with the The Clubhou.se, a local incubator that offers a network for entrepreneurs in the community. The Clubhou.se team has volunteered to help with the judging and mentoring, giving the students even more opportunity to network with computer technology professionals.
While the Augusta, GA community is getting the hang of hackathons and what to expect from these events, the City of Jonesboro, AR is in for a real treat. The inaugural RSI Jonesboro BBQ Fest Hackathon will happen at The Brickhouse Grill in downtown Jonesboro, AR on September 26th. It is sure to be an event that is OUT OF THIS WORLD!
At both events, we are reaching out to the area computer technology students and inviting them to attend, participate and compete for a chance to earn a paid internship at RSI! If you are reading this, consider yourself officially invited to attend these events! If you can’t participate you are welcome to come and watch!
Here are some of the millions of reasons you need to be there:
It’s a party- Music, Prizes; it’ll be a great time! Who doesn’t love pizza and red bull?
You get to make something super cool for your community!
No lecture learning- no one will be lecturing you or telling you what to create. This is your game!
You can meet and hang out with some really smart people who might teach you something!
You can earn an INTERNSHIP and meet the people who hire RSI employees!
The Hidden Powerhouse for Industry Disruption
Mid-market companies are quietly outpacing larger competitors, not with massive budgets, but with speed, focus, and real-world results. In our latest article by Senior Director of Solutions Consulting, Josh Scott, he breaks down how mid-market companies are using AI and cloud tools to solve real problems, move faster than the competition, and rewrite the rules of their industries. Forget tech for tech’s sake — it’s about execution that actually delivers.
Analysis Paralysis in AI Adoption
Learn why endless discussions and the relentless pursuit of flawless data are actually costing you valuable time, insights, and competitive advantage – just like it did for giants like Kodak and Blockbuster.
Don’t Take Product Out of the Equation: How to Nail Your AI Implementation
AI isn't just about the technology, it's about solving real problems and delivering real value. One way to do that is to keep product at the forefront during your AI implementation. Learn more about why having a product-first mindset is so important in this article by Principal Product Strategist Heather Harris.
Navigating AI in Banking and Financial Services: A Risk-Based Rebellion for Leaders
Every shiny AI use case in regulated industries has a shadow: governance, compliance, model risk, ethics, bias, explainability, cyberattack vectors and more. It's not that organizations and leaders don’t want AI, it’s that they’re paralyzed by the political, regulatory, and operational realities of deploying it. Sparq's Chief Technology Officer Derek Perry and VP, BFSI Industry Leader Rob Murray argue we need to change that. Check out this article to learn how to actually ship production AI use cases in regulated environments.