​​​Event was one of three tech-based gatherings held in Brampton over the weekend.

BRAMPTON, ON (March 26, 2019) – More than 140 students, a range of experts, and dozens of tech enthusiasts from across the GTA gathered at Bramalea City Centre to participate in the Wolfhacks hackathon on Sunday, March 24.

Co-hosted by the City of Brampton and Chinguacousy Secondary School, the second edition of the annual hackathon saw 30 teams of students from grades 8 to 12 compete for 14 hours. Students designed and demonstrated innovative, tech-based solutions in areas such as cybersecurity, the arts, waste management and newcomer employment. Prizes were awarded in various categories, including Best Beginner Hack and Best Social/Environmental Impact.

The top prize went to EasyPill, a device designed to help individuals with dementia. The gadget automatically dispenses medication timed to the user’s schedule, and can be easily managed using a mobile app.
 
As part of the prize, the EasyPill team has been invited to compete in Hack the North, Canada’s largest hackathon, from September 13 to 15, 2019. The event will be hosted by the University of Waterloo.
The City also hosted two Coffee ‘n’ Code events this weekend, one at Brampton Library’s Springdale Branch, and the other at Plexxis Software’s office. Coffee ‘n’ Code is a casual computer programming meetup held by the City to support the expanding tech ecosystem in Brampton.
 
Individuals looking to get involved in Brampton’s tech community are welcome to join the City’s Slack channel at bramptoncity.slack.com.
 
Quotes

“This edition of the hackathon was an amazing initiative that placed the spotlight on bright young minds from across the GTA. Many organizations came together to make this event successful. I thank the Peel District School Board, Chinguacousy Secondary School and Bramalea City Centre for their collaboration with us. The City will continue to work with various organizations to facilitate events designed to encourage entrepreneurs and innovators in Brampton and beyond."

- Mayor Patrick Brown

“Hosting a hackathon for young, aspiring innovators in what used to be a Sears carried a symbolic message of sorts. It was very rewarding to see the entire floor come alive with creative excitement as students collaborated to address some persistent problems faced by society.”

-  Devin Ramphal, Acting Senior Manager, Economic Development Office