Mobile Innovators Challenge to be Announced at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Intercollegiate Information Technology Competition
In collaboration with the WhyITNow.org initiative supporting information technology (IT) innovation and jobs in California, WebProfessionals.org is developing a “Mobile Innovator Challenge” that will stand out among the current mobile competitions available in the U.S.
This competition is being formally announced on April 17 at the 14th Annual Intercollegiate Information Technology Competition at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. At that event, students will participate in a live demonstration of the concept.
Background Information
“Social media adoption by small businesses has doubled from 12% to 24% in the last year and Mobile Apps are projected to grow from $4.1 billion in 2009 to $17.5 billion by 2012 according to recent surveys. Yet, many small and medium sized businesses are struggling to understand the technology at a time when they need to innovate to survive,” said Bill Cullifer, WebProfessionals.org executive director and Chair of the Mobile Innovators Challenge. “California needs innovation and jobs now more than ever and this challenge is an excellent opportunity to link business and industry, small business and those seeking employment in IT,” said Cullifer.
Mobile Innovators Challenge
In the Mobile Innovators Challenge industry professionals, students and teachers will design and develop mobile apps for small businesses or non-profit organizations. This represents an opportunity for participants to:
• Gain industry recognition
• Acquire industry knowledge and skills
• Win prizes
• Integrate real world learning projects into the classroom
• Give something back to the community by designing, developing and promoting a fully functional mobile application for an organization in need
• Network with other professionals and students
WebProfessionals.org believes that today’s IT professionals can and must:
• Balance their skill sets with an ability to analyze a situation and produce a viable solution
• Apply technology and design development techniques and business strategies appropriately for the circumstances.
About the Intercollegiate Information Technology Competition
Students from colleges and universities demonstrate their expertise in the Information Technology field. Teams of students receive a case-study (a real-life business project created by a company or organization) to work on within a two-week time period. Their work is then analyzed, judged and critiqued by industry professionals to identify the best entries.
The competition is at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. This is the 14th year of this annual event. The competition includes cases in the following categories:
• Business Systems Analysis
• Computer Forensics
• Web Application Development
• Telecommunications
• Programming
Prizes of $1000, $500, and $250 are awarded for each case.
This competition gives students the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in front of industry professionals. This experience helps them prepare for their careers, develop their professional network, and increase their knowledge of the Information Technology field.
