FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2015
Contact: Amanda Marr, amarr@leadingage.org or 202-508-1219
Washington -- LeadingAge HackFest is a 2-day event that challenges teams to create a technology-driven tool aimed at improving the lives of older adults and their families. The 2015 HackFest is taking place on the campus of UMass Boston from October 30-November 1. Tools developed by HackFest teams may include software applications, websites, interactive online experiences, or devices.
LeadingAge announced today that it is collaborating with Hewlett Packard (HP), a LeadingAge Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) Supporter and champion sponsor of this year’s HackFest, to make HP Sprout, a revolutionary, immersive, 3D computer technology available for participants at this year’s HackFest. In addition to Sprout hardware, HP will also provide participants with drivers, system development kits, and on-site technical support.
Moreover, LeadingAge and LeadingAge CAST are exploring opportunities with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) making aging-related open Federal data available to HackFest participants.
“Each year we challenge ourselves to improve HackFest and the experience of participants, and we always strive to bring them groundbreaking development platforms and tools,” said Majd Alwan, senior vice president of technology at LeadingAge and one of the HackFest organizers and judges.
“I am thrilled that we are bringing this truly unique platform to our HackFest participants. I am excited about the possibilities and eager to see the innovative tools participants will develop based on HP Sprout for older adults and their caregivers,” he added.
Students from schools across Boston as well as national and local area special interest groups focused on the aging population, will be participating in HackFest. An older adult and an aging services professional coach are embedded with each team to ensure a truly user-centered design approach.
HackFest participants and interested parties can experience HP Sprout for themselves at one of the many HP Stores available nationwide, including two BestBuy and one Microsoft Experience stores in the Boston area. Find a store near you to experience this transformational technology for yourself.
LeadingAge HackFest registration is open to the public, and particularly, students from colleges and universities. Please visit LeadingAgeHackFest.org to find out more information, apply to participate, or sponsor the LeadingAge HackFest.
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