Fostering innovation and collaboration to tackle local challenges
BRAMPTON, ON (November 27, 2024) – Early this month, the City of Brampton hosted BramHacks 2024, a city-wide hackathon that brought together the brightest minds in our community to address local challenges through innovation and collaboration. From November 8 to 10, some 150 post-secondary students from the GTHA worked intensively on groundbreaking solutions, culminating in a showcase of innovative projects that hold the potential to transform Brampton’s future.
BramHacks 2024 participants gather to share insights to inspire innovative solutions addressing community challenges. Credit: The City of Brampton.
BramHacks 2024 is the latest step in Brampton’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and civic engagement. By supporting community-led hackathons, the City of Brampton provides a platform for creative problem-solving and rapid prototyping, spurring the development of new technologies that can drive local economic growth, attract investments and create employment opportunities.
Participants in BramHacks 2024 represented a diverse range of backgrounds, including students, professionals and entrepreneurs, all united by a shared passion for making a difference. This year’s hackathon not only fostered an atmosphere of collaboration but also strengthened local partnerships. From educational institutions like Toronto Metropolitan University, Algoma University and Sheridan College to local businesses and organizations, the event highlighted Brampton’s Innovation District, where community stakeholders work together to drive progress and spark new ventures.
Special thanks are extended to our partners and sponsors whose support made BramHacks 2024 possible: Amazon, Toronto Pearson, Quantum Arc Solutions, Domino's Pizza, Algoma University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Sheridan College, Hackworks, Makes Stuff Move, Brampton Library, Kwality Sweets, Tim Hortons and Harvey’s.
Throughout the weekend, participants had the chance to attend workshops hosted by City staff and collaborators, adding depth and expertise to their projects. These workshops included:
- Transportation, Sustainability and City Initiatives
- Open Data
- Data Visualization hosted by Sheridan College
- Pitch Perfect
These sessions gave participants valuable insights into local priorities and equipped them with technical skills to further enhance their projects.
First-place winners, Nocturnal Nappers present their innovative app, BramWays, showcasing creative solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges in Brampton. Credit: The City of Brampton.
The hackathon concluded with a presentation of project submissions, where judges selected winners based on creativity, feasibility and potential impact on Brampton’s future:
- First Place: Nocturnal Nappers developed BramWays, a user-friendly app designed to empower caregivers by providing real-time updates on transit journeys for dependents, focusing on accessibility and ease of use.
- Second Place: Codependents’ project, CrowdAware, integrates with Brampton Transit’s digital maps to show live updates on bus crowding levels, enhancing accessibility and user satisfaction through real-time analytics.
- Third Place: Team Harold created OptiBus, an AI-driven solution that uses transit cameras and computer vision to optimize bus allocation and reduce crowding, adapting based on real-time demand.
- Fourth Place: The Tech Enthusiasts introduced BramCar, a ride-sharing platform designed to ease traffic congestion and reduce pollution, offering financial incentives for drivers and affordable fares for riders.
- Economic Development Division Power Up Award: Transformers designed Commute+ to encourage eco-friendly commutes by allowing users to earn “transit points” for choosing sustainable transportation options.
BramHacks 2024 has set the stage for ongoing collaboration, inspiring participants to continue working on solutions that address sustainability, improve transit and support Brampton’s growing economy. Through events like BramHacks, the City of Brampton remains dedicated to empowering local innovators and building a thriving, sustainable future for all.
Quotes
“BramHacks 2024 showcases the incredible talent and creativity we have right here in Brampton. This hackathon is more than just an event – it’s a platform for innovation that brings together students, professionals, and entrepreneurs to tackle our community’s most pressing challenges. I’m inspired by the ideas that emerged over these three days and I look forward to seeing how these projects continue to grow and contribute to Brampton’s bright future.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“BramHacks 2024 is a powerful example of how we can harness our community’s talent to drive real change. It’s inspiring to see our local innovators, educators and businesses come together to build solutions that can improve sustainability, enhance transit and strengthen our economy. The energy and commitment of everyone involved speaks volumes about Brampton’s potential as a city that champions forward-thinking solutions.” - Gurpartap Singh Toor, Regional Councillor, Wards 9 & 10; Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton
“Amazon is proud to support the local community, and we’re committed to investing in opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to explore computer science. Congratulations to everyone involved with BramHacks 2024 – a true celebration of innovation and collaboration.” - Jacob Glick, Head of Public Policy, Amazon Canada
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