Bring out the geek in you

Hack to Change Lives!

October 23rd - 25th, 2015

What is evoHaX SE?

evoHaX Special Edition (SE) will take place from the 23rd-25th of October to celebrate Disability Awareness Month. Though it will follow the same format as the first ever evoHaX that was organized as part of the Philly Tech Week 2015, it has its very own theme. The evoHaX SE theme is "Accessible Wearable Technologies". This time, not only teams from universities are welcome to participate. We are also welcoming teams from local tech firms to participate. The event will focus on building wearable technologies that are accessible, targeting a broader range of disabilities through collaboration between professional developers, students, therapists, and people with disabilities.

Interested in volunteering? Please fill out the volunteer form.

What is a Hackathon?

Hackathons are events which bring together people to create real, working solutions to technology related problems. The most important characteristic of a hackathon is the collaborative environment and network built between a group of passionate and talented individuals working and learning together to solve problems by creating new and innovative solutions that can change lives.

What is Wearable Tech?

Wearable Technology is the most prevalent part of the "Internet of Things" - everyday objects with embedded technology capable of accessing the internet. Wearable technology is, as the name implies, a wearable object embedded with technology capable of internet access. Smart watches and glasses, fitness devices including bracelets, earings that can monitor your heart rate are some examples.

Registration


Registration for evoHaX SE is open to any team with a minimum three and maximum five members. Universities and Local Tech firms are encouraged to participate. There will be space for ten teams, and the slots will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Teams that register after the slots are filled will be placed on a waiting list. If you would like to be considered for participation or have any questions regarding the registration process please Contact Us.

Registration is NOW OPEN.

Would like to attend the panel discussion, presentations, closing ceremony, or just wanna check out the event? Click here to register as non-participants.

Schedule

Kickoff Event
23rd October
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Refreshments, Beverages, Panel Discussion, Networking and Socialization.

The Hack
24th October
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Check-In, Rules, Hackathon 101, Hacking, and Gaming Sessions.

Finale
25th October
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Final Touches, Presentations, Judging, Awards Ceremony, Pictures, Wrap-up.

Panelists

Juliana Reyes

Juliana Reyes
Panel Moderator
Lead Reporter, Technical.ly Philly

Juliana Reyes has been Technically Philly's lead reporter since 2012. She's the co-president of the Asian American Journalists Association Philadelphia Chapter and a two-time Philadelphia News Award winner for "Community Reporting of the Year."

Leslie Birch

Leslie Birch
Artist and Maker/Blogger,
Adafruit Industries

Leslie is exploring the use of interactive tech for engaging people in environmental issues. Along with creating tutorials and blogs for Adafruit, you'll find her writing for some of the DIY biggies and inspiring the next STEAM generation through speaking and workshops.

Austin Seraphin

Austin Seraphin
Accessibility Consultant,
Philly Touch Tours

Austin Seraphin became blind at birth, and knows first-hand the impact technology can have on the lives of the disabled. He currently does freelance accessibility consulting specializing in Apple technology, and recently cofounded Philly Touch Tours.

Michael R. Vennera

Michael R. Vennera
Senior Vice President and CIO,
Independence Blue Cross

Michael R. Vennera oversees the information services division and is responsible for developing and executing a business technology strategy for growth. He has held a number of roles in various areas, including informatics, information systems, and operations.

Daniel Fine

Daniel Fine
Founder & CEO,
Glass-U

Daniel Fine is a 2015 UPenn/Wharton Grad and is founder of Glass-U and co-founder and CEO of Team Brotherly Love and Dosed. Fine is a member of TIME Magazine's TOMORROW 25 and was Philly Mag's "Best Entrepreneur" of 2015, and has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, and The NY Times.

Jamie Bracey

Jamie Bracey
Founder,
CreativeTechWorks Design Studio

Jamie Bracey leads a troop of intrepid young technologists at varying stages of development. Their studio, the Creative Tech Works Design Studio in N. Philadelphia, pushes the envelope for design, diversity and discovery.

The entire event will be hosted at Benjamin’s Desk, 1701 Walnut Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, 19103.

-3276

Days Till evoHaX SE

16

Total Volunteers

42

Bags of Chips Consumed

44

Emails Sent

Sponsors

Access Computing Logo
Pebble Logo
Independence Blue Cross Logo
DHCC Logo
Azavea Logo
Philly Touch Tours Logo
Technical.ly Logo
Prima Impact Logo
Axure Logo
Black Tribbles Logo
ABC Medical Logo
Drink Neuro
Science Center

Venue Hosts

Benjamin's Desk Logo

Organizers

EvoXLabs Logo
Code for Philly Logo

Become a Sponsor


Your organization can play a part in creating a collaborative environment for developers to learn about the accessible wearable technologies and develop creative hacks. Contact us to request more information about becoming an official sponsor of evoHaX SE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Transportation
How do I get to the venue? Is it practical to take public transport to get to the venue?

The venue, Benjamin’s Desk is located at 1701 Walnut Street. We suggest using public transportation, as the venue will not provide parking. The closest stop on the regional rail is Suburban Station, and the nearest subway stops are at 13th Street Station (MFL) and Walnut-Locust Station (BSL). A number of SEPTA buses also stop nearby. We recommend using SEPTA's Trip Planner.

What to Bring
What should I bring? What should I NOT bring? What can I expect to find at the Venue?

Each team will need to bring all hardware and software items they expect to need for development. This includes, but is not limited to, laptops and chargers. We will provide some hardware to borrow for hacking purposes. We're working on arranging more hardware and will update this section as more information becomes available. Wi-fi will be provided.

Judging
How will we be evaluated? Who are the judges? What is the most important thing the judges will be looking for?

The judges comprise of subject matter and industry experts with tremendous experience and expertise in judging such contests. The judges will look at the universality, scalability, creativity and practicality of the projects, among other things.

Prizes
What are the prizes? How many prizes will be awarded? Will there be a prize for every individual on the winning team?

The prize for the winning team will be Pebble Time. And yes, there will be one for each member of the team! We'll also being giving honorary mentions to the second and third place teams.

Connect with us

Please fill the form below to contact us and we'll get back to you shortly!