Hackers Wanted as GM Canada Launches First Hackathon

2017-06-20

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Toronto – GM Canada, along with Ryerson DMZ and Ryerson Futures will host the first-ever GM Canada sponsored hackathon. Dubbed hackAI, the event will run on June 24 and 25, 2017 at the Sandbox by DMZ, Ryerson University. Participating teams, consisting of 2-4 members each, will focus on solving how Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered assistants might change the way we work, move and play in an autonomous age.

Over the two-day period, industry professionals, students and startups will brainstorm, design and create a virtual assistant designed to help enhance the experience individuals have with their vehicles beyond driving. Participants will be asked to dream big and find solutions in creating a virtual assistant to enhance and revolutionize the way they interact with their vehicle, pushing the boundaries of todays assisted interactions to take us to a new era of personalization.

At the end of the hackathon, teams will present their solutions to a panel of industry-leading judges who will crown a winner. The winning team will be awarded a cash prize of $3,000 CDN, with cash prizes given to the second and third place teams respectively.

“The future is going to be AI driven and it will impact all of our lives,” said Ted Graham, head of open innovation, GM Canada. “Events like hackAI are the perfect platform to engage with an ecosystem of current and future entrepreneurs and foster out-of-the-box ideas. We’re looking forward to connecting with future talent as we continue to fulfill our mandate of growing 1,000 engineer and software developers in the areas of autonomous vehicle software controls development, active safety and vehicle dynamics technology, infotainment and connected vehicle technology.”

“AI is creating a level of connectivity in the automotive industry that promises to bring major benefits to manufacturers and consumers alike,” said Abdullah Snobar, executive director of the DMZ. “While AI automotive applications that involve driverless cars receive the most attention, our hackAI event will enable participants to explore and test what other innovations can drive this evolving market.”

“We are excited for the unique opportunity to bring AI-based innovation together with real automotive challenges,” says Alan Lysne, Managing Director of Ryerson Futures. “Along with GM and our partners, we welcome teams from a variety of industries to develop solutions collaboratively and effectively.”

Approximately 150 participants, judges and industry leaders are expected to attend. For more information on the hackathon dmz.to/GMhackAI. Follow #GMhackAI on Twitter.

About Ryerson Futures
Ryerson Futures Inc. (RFI) operates corporate accelerator programs focused on growing and investing in early-stage technology companies. RFI’s programs include Zone Startups Calgary in partnership with GE, Zone Startups Sports + Media in partnership with Rogers, and Zone Startups India including programs with Barclays, Axis Bank, and the Bombay Stock Exchange. RFI is also the accelerator program and seed fund connected to the DMZ at Ryerson. Since 2013, RFI companies have raised over $240MM in external financing. For more information, visit ryersonfutures.ca, and follow @RyersonFutures on Twitter.

About Ryerson DMZ
The DMZ is the leading business incubator for tech startups in Canada. We help startups build great businesses by connecting them with customers, capital, experts and a community of entrepreneurs and influencers. For us, this means creating an environment where you can focus on scaling your business. DMZ startups operate in an environment that cultivates success. From access to investors, target customers, industry-leading experts and community events, our startups have what they need to scale and succeed as global companies. Follow @RyersonDMZ ‏on Twitter.

Sandbox by DMZ, Ryerson University Student Learning Centre (SLC) is located at 341 Yonge St,
Suite 312, Toronto, Ont. M5B 1S1

About General Motors in Canada
General Motors of Canada Company markets Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles through Canada’s largest dealer network, as well as OnStar and MAVEN services. Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, GM Canada employs more than 8,700 people across the country and is a recognized leader in advanced manufacturing, green operations, active safety, and autonomous and connected vehicle technology research and development. More information on the company can be found at www.gm.ca, www.gminnovates.ca or by following @GMcanada on Twitter.