I’m really excited to be a part of something special here in Houston this spring. Over the last couple of years, our community has seen a rise in collaborative events like hackathons and startup weekends. But for the next six weeks, we’re moving at light speed.
We didn’t plan it this way. Collaboration Season isn’t a formal organization. It’s not part of any company, non-profit, or government. It’s just a loose-knit bunch of friends who realized that we’re better off working together.
It might be a coincidence that the schedule shakes out like it does. We’re hoping to prove that Houston has enough energy, enough raw talent, and enough interest to sustain this breakneck pace.
April 25-27: Startup Weekend Maker Edition
Collaboration Season kicks off with Startup Weekend Maker Edition on April 25-27. This 54 hour event is just like a regular startup weekend, except that the outcome has to be a physical product. Hosted by our Rice Village friends at Platform Houston and Brightwork CoResearch, we are keeping this event small and focused. Be sure to register here.
May 10: Techsas! Learn to Code with The Ironyard
For six hours on a Saturday, you have access to the best programming teachers Houston has to offer. Hosted by our friends at the Houston Technology Center, this free event is open to all ages. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to code, or if you have an idea for the City of Houston Hackathon but don’t know where to start, then start here. Be sure to register.
May 17: Microsoft/Space Center Houston Hackathon
Over the last few months, a group of middle school girls have been working on app ideas. They’ve been taught the basics of requirements and wireframing. Now, they need your help bringing it to life. Hosted by our friends at START Houston, this hackathon features a $2,500 grand prize and the opportunity to collaborate with some great, young minds. Be sure to register here.
May 24: CodeDay
Sticking around town for Memorial Day weekend? This student-only, 24 hour hackathon will be held at White Space Houston, a new coworking space in the White Oak neighborhood in the Heights. You can register here.
May 31 – June 1: City of Houston Hackathon
The HACK is BACK! Houston’s largest hackathon is also a civic hackathon, where participants come together to work on solutions for the City of Houston at the Houston Technology Center. Bring your ideas or pick from a selection of sample projects. Over the course of 24 hours, you’ll work side-by-side with city officials and other civic hackers. Please register here.
June 7: LiteracyHack
Bummed that you missed the City of Houston Hackathon? You get a second chance with LiteracyHack, a collaboration between the Houston Center for Literacy and the Houston Public Library. For 6 hours at the Central Library downtown, you can work on a variety of projects that help address the growing literacy problem in Houston. Please register here.
After LiteracyHack, we’re going to be taking a break for a few weeks. But don’t worry: we’ll be back later this summer with all sorts of surprises in store.
