(WASHINGTON, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Chief Technology Office (OCTO) invite application developers and entrepreneurs to compete in the Gigabit DC Challenge (GigabitDCx) for a chance to develop and demonstrate next generation, gigabit applications addressing some of the cities most complicated problems; traffic and a changing climate. GigabitDCx seeks to spur the creation of these applications and services leveraging advanced networking technologies which are the foundation of the cities connected, smart framework.

In this two-phased competition, phase 1 is a collection of ideas and community. Have an idea but no technical skills to develop an app? GigabitDCx is offering team matchmaking to help finding experts to develop your idea or conversely match your tech skills with an idea in limbo.

Semi-finalists will be invited to advance their concepts and build prototypes of proposed solutions for a chance to receive or split up to $34,000 in award funds. Additionally, finalists will have the opportunity to work with the District of Columbia Government to beta-test their solutions. Participants will use an online challenge platform set up by OCTO to submit concepts, engage with District subject matter experts, and even communicate with fellow competitors.

• Access and follow the challenge at: herox.com/gigabitDCx.

The GigabitDCx Kickoff event will be held Saturday, October 13, 2018, 10:30 am at the WeWork at 80 M Street SE. Participation is free.

• Register to attend here: gigabitdcx.splashthat.com

Through participation in GigabitDCx, challengers (individuals and teams) that are selected for the second phase of prototype development are invited to experience the WeWork Labs community with a free-month hot desk pass and select startup events provided by WeWork at the 80 M Street NE location. Awardees of the second phase will also enjoy a 25 percent discount on any WeWork Labs or physical office membership to WeWork at 80 M St SE up to three months in length. WeWork Labs provides the community, education, connections, and mentorship needed to help anyone take the startup path and grow.

The award funding for GigabitDCx is made available through DC’s partnership with US Ignite and the Smart Gigabit Communities program.