So, you’re a software engineer, or maybe a student, or an innovator. And you’re passionate about the intersection of technology and sport too? Hmmm, well then you’re just the creator we’re looking for. We want great minds like you to come, experiment and dream big with us. Through our cutting-edge technology stack, you’ll get to combine different technologies like IoT devices, sensors, location-based services, big data, AI, and many others.
Source: adidas Hackathon | Come, experiment and dream big with us
If you’ve ever visited a Cowork space, or an incubator then you’ve probably had an opportunity to witness a hack-a-thon. If not let me explain what it is; a group of like minded developers (people fluent in writing script for computer programs) get together to develop ideas and basically troubleshoot script that isn’t performing as it should. The end goal is to leave with a stronger piece of software for the startup or team who decided to sit for 12-24 hours a day hunkered over their computers.
adidas has been utilizing a “Calling all creators” marketing concept. The theme began last year and my initial thought about leaving behind “Originals is Never Finished” was that adidas was making a mistake. Especially as it pertained to the U.S. adidas can’t beat Nike at performance and it seemed that “Calling all creators” was a call to arms for the athletes under the banner of the Three Stripes.
In Europe, #heretocreate is completely different. The hashtag is being applied to a creative endeavor that takes on developing software that integrates digital and sport in a fresh and innovative way.
So, you’re a software engineer, or maybe a student, or an innovator. And you’re passionate about the intersection of technology and sport too? Hmmm, well then you’re just the creator we’re looking for. We want great minds like you to come, experiment and dream big with us. Through our cutting-edge technology stack, you’ll get to combine different technologies like IoT devices, sensors, location-based services, big data, AI, and many others.
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Choose one location out of the four adidas hacking hubs across Europe
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Apply either with your team or alone
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If you get in, the challenge is on: win your local hackathon in less than 48 hours.
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The winning team from each location will qualify for the final competition, taking place at the adidas global HQ in Germany. All 4 teams will experience the 3-stripe culture and have the chance to pitch their concept to our senior IT leaders. The winner will receive an exclusive grand prize package.
If adidas decides to transition this version of #heretocreate to the U.S. all of my worries about the current slide in interest in adidas footwear and apparel will be postponed. When adidas was working within the framework of “Originals” the brand focused on counterculture and art to reach the audience of independent thinkers who looked at adidas as the anti-Nike. The marketing last year was incredible. It wasn’t just retro that made adidas thrive, it was being everything Nike wasn’t. #heretocreate in the US as a sports theme is not a good plan, but this version will create a momentum and interest in adidas that goes beyond sport and hits the heart of entrepreneurship and coding. Everyone is looking to find a better “Facebook” and while adidas is looking at hacking sports and digital the project could lead to a breakthrough in other areas for teams who compete. Unfortunately adidas Hackathon is only taking place in 4 cities and they’re all in Europe. Let’s hope adidas comes across the Atlantic.
o Barcelona: 14th – 15th April 2018
o Sofia: 12th – 13th May 2018
o Madrid: 26th – 27th May 2018
o Amsterdam: 9th -10th June 2018
