11 Nov, 2013

Apps wanted to showcase city Wi-Fi

Applications are now open for the AdelaideFree Wi-Fi App Development Competition, seeking new apps that are designed specifically for use on the AdelaideFree Wi-Fi network.

Science Minister Grace Portolesi said the city wide Wi-Fi network provided opportunities for apps to change the way people work and enjoy our city and this competition will kick start their development.

“The sort of thing we are looking for will show innovation and creativity and will help make Adelaide a more vibrant city,” she said.

“The apps could provide new ways to interact with nearby businesses, discover local events or learn more about our city, through the AdelaideFree Network.

“We want to support and foster innovation and this competition is an opportunity for people to showcase their ideas.”

The competition is jointly funded by the State Government and the City of Adelaide, with Internode providing in-kind support.

“There will be up to four winners who will receive a $5000 cash prize each,” Ms Portolesi said.

“The Majoran Distillery, a not for profit hub for tech start-ups in the city, is also providing the winners with a six month membership and mentoring.”

The AdelaideFree Wi-Fi network is a $1.5 million project funded by the State Government and the City of Adelaide to provide free, high speed Wi-Fi across the city.

“Once completed, AdelaideFree will make Adelaide the first Australian capital city to have comprehensive free Wi-Fi access throughout the CBD, parts of North Adelaide and public areas such as all the squares, the riverbank precinct and the Central Market.”

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood sees the competition as a great opportunity for students and web developers to share their ideas and put them into practice, and to show the rest of Australia that Adelaide truly is the digital hub of the country.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the student and web development community comes up with and how we can put the ideas into practice to enliven the city even further,” Mr Yarwood said.

South Australian Chair of AIMIA, the Digital Industry Association of Australia Grant Hull, and CEO of app development company Enabled Solutions, said it’s exciting that South Australia is leading the nation in stimulating interest in Wi-Fi and creating opportunities for app developers.

“I have no doubt that benefits of free Wi-Fi will be substantial and this competition is a great incentive for creative people to find new ways to solve current problems and conceive new experiences,” Mr Hull said.

Registrations for the competition close 4 December 2013 and entries must be submitted by 24 January 2014.

For more information, visit www.dfeest.sa.gov.au/wificomp or call (08) 8207 8716.

Rebecca Draysey