The College of Southern Maryland (CSM), in partnership with Ensemble Consultancy and Brightidea, will implement a hybrid (virtual and in-person) climate innovation hackathon in March 2023. 

Invent, design, and test new solutions surrounding the impact of climate change. Join us and transform community climate problems into problem-solving opportunities!

In collaboration with Charles County Government, teams will be able to solve one of two challenges that address climate change issues:

1. Data Visualization Challenge

2. Marketing Strategy Challenge

Enter, build, and design solutions for either the Data Visualization Challenge or Marketing Strategy Challenge. Click the links above to learn more about each Challenge!

Be sure to check out the Challenge Resources for additional information to support each challenge.

VelocityX is an exciting and novel program, but its success relies on the active participation from people like you. By participating in VelocityX you can:

• Make a real community impact addressing local climate-related challenges
• Earn prize money from a $12,000 pool 
• Get support and technical resources to build your entrepreneurial ideas
• Get access to mentorship opportunities
• Contribute to an innovative program to build your resume and professional network

1. Learn about the Challenges. To participate in VelocityX you first should learn more about the two different challenge areas, the Velocity Center, and consider which problem and if you are more interested in doing the Data Visualization Challenge or Marketing Strategy Challenge for the hackathon. You will only have the time to build one solution for one challenge area during the hackathon.  

2. Register. In order to submit an idea or join a team, please log in or “register” to create your account (see above and to the right). You will receive a confirmation e-mail to the e-mail address you supply. Once you are registered and logged in, you'll be able to complete the desired action!

3. Submit your initial idea to connect with potential teammates! This is just to get you started, you will be able to update and further build out your idea ahead of and during the hackathon.

4. Create Innovative Solutions at the Hackathon. The hackathon will be conducted in-person at the Velocity Center, but for those who are participating remotely, virtual hackathon participants can also participate using the hackathon site. A hackathon is a 2-day event that will be focused on building solutions that address a climate issue within the Southern Maryland Community.

Click the logo to learn more!

2023 Informational Webinar

2022 VelocityX Hackathon Recap

Inventors solve problems, win prizes at CSM's first VelocityX Hackathon

Check out the following videos to learn more about Hassan Turay's experience last year at the VelocityX Hackathon!

• Hackathon advice
• Why participate?
• Most rewarding part?

In order to submit an idea or join a team, please click “register” below to create your account. We will send a confirmation e-mail to the e-mail address you supply. Once you are registered, you'll be able to complete the desired action!

January 27 - March 29

Participant Registration

Idea Submission or Team Formation

March 10
Hackathon Informational Webinar

Register

March 30 - 31
Hackathon Event

March 31

Winner’s Announced

TBD

Cash Prizes Distributed

A total prize purse of $6,000 will be granted for each challenge, which is a total of $12,000 up for grabs!

1st Place

$3,000

2nd Place

$2,000

3rd Place

$1,000

Top Student Team

Makerspace Membership for CSM's Velocity Center

The new CSM Velocity Center, operated and managed by CSM, is a place of innovation, learning, and collaboration for academia, the Navy, and the community.  This collaborative learning space supports workforce development and economic growth in Southern Maryland. Learn more here!