FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nelly Mobula
Center for Technology & National Security Policy
National Defense University
202-685-1971
nelly.mobula@ndu.edu
(Washington DC) Beginning Monday, March 17, the National Defense University’s Center for Technology and National Security Policy (CTNSP) will be launching a Disaster Apps Challenge. From the earthquake in Haiti to the recent typhoon in the Philippines, disaster relief applications have shown great promise in increasing the efficiency and response time of the humanitarian sector. This $5,000 contest challenges app developers to find innovative ways to improve and refine existing disaster relief applications.
The CTNSP Disaster Apps Challenge encourages developers to build upon an open source disaster relief application that is already being used in the field. The challenge will ensure recognition for disaster applications that are well built and useful to a broad range of users. The challenge offers developers the opportunity to demonstrate their application’s value to citizens and first responders.
A $3,000 cash award will be given to the winner. Second place will receive $1,500 and third place will receive $500. Winners will receive mentoring and feedback on further development of their applications, along with exposure to experts and organizations across the disaster response field.
The competition kicks off on 19 March 2014 at 12:00 p.m. EST and submissions will be accepted until 15 June 2014. Complete contest rules and entry requirements can be found at http://challengepost.com/
CTNSP is a Department of Defense-funded think tank that conducts research and analysis on emerging trends in science and technology, strategic forecasting, and program assessment. The Center divides these efforts into five distinct lines of operation: Advanced Education Initiatives, Civil Military Affairs Integration (CMAI), Emerging Challenges, Life Sciences, Science & Technology. In support of its mission, the Center delivers technical studies, program reviews, senior workshops, electronic data products, inter-agency exercises, expert consultation, and a variety of outreach activities. For more information on the CTNSP Disaster Apps Challenge, contact Nelly Mobula at 202-685-1971 or nelly.mobula@ndu.edu
NDU is the premier national security institution focused on advanced joint education, leader development, and scholarship. The University provides rigorous Joint Professional Military Education to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and select others in order to develop leaders who have the ability to operate and creatively think in an unpredictable and complex world. For more information about the National Defense University, please contact: Daniel Magalotti, Acting Public Affairs Officer, at 202-685-3140 or daniel.magalotti@ndu.edu or visit www.ndu.edu.