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Sunday 24 February 2019

IT-savvy teens are being challenged to come up with a unique digital product in an all-night 'hackathon' that will push their tech skills to the limit.

The 17-hour-long annual Youth Hackathon is returning to Digital Jersey on 15 March 2019 and is open to any student in Jersey in years 9 to 13.

Entrants can either sign up as individuals and build a team on the night or enter as a team of four people maximum. They’ll need to bring a computer and charger to Digital Jersey on the night and be willing to work overnight, under a tight deadline.

The next Youth Hackathon in #jerseyci is 15-16 March 2019 - Sign-up through your school or via eventbrite. https://t.co/pu9i0pZMif

— Youth Hackathon Jersey (@youthhackjsy) February 5, 2019

Participants will only have 17 hours to develop an idea around this year’s theme ‘Going Places’, create a prototype and then pitch it to a panel of judges.

The competition will kick-off at 18:00 with the judging taking place the following morning around 10:30. Teams will have to convince a panel of judges of the benefits of their products in a two-minute presentation. 

There will be a number of prizes to win, including for creativity and innovation, but the teams could also see their product developed if they manage to convince a company to support it.

Pictured: The Hackathon is the occasion for IT-savy teenagers to show their digital skills.

Commenting on the concept, Jason Wyatt from Prosperity 24/7, who are organising the event, said" “We’re really fortunate that young people on the island are already getting high quality computing education in our schools and this is a chance for them to really apply their learning. They’ll also get to practice some vital work-place skills – collaboration, compromise, creativity and communication."

The competition is free to enter and registration is now open online. Participants have until 8 March to sign up.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what they come up with on the night!” Mr Wyatt said.