Media are welcome to cover the Code Michigan event being held at Northern Michigan University. NMU is one of three locations statewide that will host a Code Michigan civic coding event. Software developers, including NMU students, will build mobile/web applications for the opportunity to win cash prizes and the opportunity to advance to the state final.

We just received a detailed schedule today for the NMU event. It begins with an opening ceremony at 5:45 tonight (Friday, Oct. 3), in Jamrich Hall 1320, with coding to follow at 6:15 in rooms 1320 and 1315. Coding continues all day Saturday. On Sunday morning, coders will submit their apps, descriptions and videos for the judges' review. An awards ceremony will close out the event at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, in Jamrich Hall 1320. 

Civic coding is the act of creating software that promotes government transparency, citizen engagement, government efficiency, public policy and economic development. The first-ever Code Michigan was held in Detroit last year. Only 65 slots are available for each of the three locations this year. Prizes are $5,000 for first place, $1,500 for second and $500 for third. All applications must incorporate an open application programming interface (API) from the State of Michigan.

The first-place winners from Marquette, Detroit and Newaygo will advance to compete for the grand prize of $10,000 and 30 minutes to pitch their winning idea to the Renaissance Venture Capital Fund.