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CONTACT:
Sarah Levanti
Sr Manager, Marketing & Communications
(321) 638-20000 Slevanti@SpaceCoastEDC.org
 

EDC and Groundswell Partner for Lagoon-Restoration Technology Hackathon

Hackathon challenges individuals to design prototypes that will address environmental issues facing the Indian River Lagoon.
 

Space Coast, FL (September 17, 2018) – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) and Groundswell Startups have partnered to bring “Hack the IRL”, a 36-hour marathon event in which teams will engage in workshops and intensive product development, all aimed at developing technology to help restore the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The event, which will be held on the weekend of November 2, is open to participants of all skill sets, concluding with a grand prize presentation on Sunday, November 4th.

A hackathon brings together tech enthusiasts from diverse industries to identify and address problems through technology. Spread throughout several days, hackathons offer participants the chance to work in a collaborative environment to promote innovation. Hack the IRL is free, and all are encouraged to apply. Mentors will be available for first-time hackathon participants.

The Indian River Lagoon, located along Florida’s Space Coast, is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America and home to more than 3,000 species of plants, animals, and marine life. In addition to its critical environmental impact, the IRL also has a total annual economic impact of $7.6 billion.

“Hack the IRL will encourage out-of-the-box innovations for identifying potential solutions to this challenge our community is facing” said Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC. “The EDC is proud to support this event, which fosters both a healthy environment and an entrepreneurial community on the Space Coast.”

For more information on how to apply to participate, visit www.hacktheirl.com or email info@hacktheirl.com  For sponsorship opportunities, email sponsor@hacktheirl.com

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About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org

About Groundswell Startups
Nestled just outside of Downtown Melbourne, Groundswell HQ is a skatepark-turned-coworking-space. Our riverside facility is a great spot to watch launches or put your head down and get stuff done. Since June 2015, Groundswell has connected with more than 50 companies in the Space Coast area and helped 9 startups secure funding. To learn more, visit www.SwellStartups.com