The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation and Major League Hacking are partnering to host an inaugural cross-border hackathon, Sept. 25 to 27.

The 36-hour online BorderHacks will inspire more than 400 students from the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, and Wayne State University, among others, to create their greatest innovations. Areas of focus include such cross-border mobility issues as smart infrastructure, healthcare, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship.

Industry experts from organizations on both sides of the border will be on hand to offer mentorship and workshops to hone and adopt new skills that will give contestants a taste of entrepreneurship and workplace demands. Solutions will be adjudicated by a panel of judges from both industry and academia.

“In this COVID-19 driven environment, opportunities for students to network and engage in experiential learning activities are increasingly difficult to find.” says the event’s lead organizer, fourth-year computer science student Noah Campbell.

“By participating in this event, students will not only have the opportunity to apply what they are learning in the virtual classroom, but showcase it as they work to make international industry inroads ahead of their post-grad careers.”

While the event is targeted towards students in Ontario and Michigan post-secondary institutions, registration is open to individuals of all educational backgrounds, no matter their location.

For more information about the event and to register, community members and prospective participants are encouraged to visit the BorderHacks website. Further information on prizes, challenges, and participating organizations will be shared there as it becomes available.