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CONTACT:
Sarah Levanti
Sr Manager, Marketing & Communications
(321) 638-2000
Slevanti@SpaceCoastEDC.org

Lagoon-Restoration Technology Hackathon

Brings Innovation Solutions to Table

Over 100 tech enthusiasts designed advanced prototypes to help monitor, clean up, and raise awareness for the Indian River Lagoon.

 

Space Coast, FL (November 9, 2018) – While many of us slept over this past weekend, over 100 tech enthusiasts went to work to identify and develop technology solutions to restore health to the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Hosted by high-tech incubator, Groundswell Startups, the 36-hour marathon event “Hack the IRL” brought together 16 diverse groups who worked collaboratively to compete for prizes worth over $4,400.

Supported by The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) Hack the IRL is a segment in a series of events, which aim to promote and enhance innovation on Florida’s Space Coast. The event was also sponsored by the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program.

“Hack the IRL is a representation of the innovation and forward-thinking of our community,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC. “Congratulations to the winning team, and all the teams who took the time to support such an important issue.”

“This is why Groundswell exists, to foster innovation and bring talent together to make things happen. It only takes 36 hours to build something impactful!” said Micah Widen CEO of Groundswell Startups.

Grand-prize winner, Team SensiDock, blended technology with community involvement. Developed by a team comprised of students from the Florida Institute of Technology, SensiDock provides a way for residents who live on the lagoon to provide data to researchers that are seeking solutions to the lagoon's issues. By using homeowners' docks, which would be equipped with a SensiDock device, important data can be crowd-sourced from up and down the lagoon. A fully-outfitted SensiDock will be capable of measuring temperature, pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen. This data will be available on the user's dashboard, as well as uploaded to a cloud-based repository that researchers and the public could access.

For more information visit www.hacktheirl.com or email info@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
Groundswell Startups is a business incubator and coworking space devoted to building an environment that fosters innovation and empowers high-growth startups in the Space Coast. High-tech startups in the Groundswell network leverage a wealth of resources including a robust mentor community, networking opportunities and tailored programming. To learn more, visit www.SwellStartups.com

Image: First-place team SensiDock, a team consisting of students from the Florida Institute of Technology, is pictured with their winning prototype.

Image: Hack the IRL teams come together at Groundswell Startups for judging and awards ceremony.