Lafayette’s CajunCodeFest 2.0 Kicks Off April 24

Cajun Code FestAnother code-a-thon is approaching on the Silicon Bayou. CajunCodeFest, now in its second year, is an event held in Lafayette where participants compete over 27 hours (April 24-26) for a grand prize of $25,000. The coding competition is focused on transforming data into innovative healthcare solutions.The event is hosted by the Center for Business & Information Technologies (CBIT) at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

CajunCodeFest is expected to attract more designers, developers, researchers, physicians, and business leaders than the previous year. Participants are encouraged to, “Own Your Own Health,” and to make knowledgeable and informed decisions about healthcare.

The inaugural event and was considered a huge success, attracting over 275 people–115 participants from 3 countries, 15 states and 40 cities including 42 entrepreneurs, 94 health and IT professionals, and 35 students.

Speakers this year were chosen because they will, “inspire participants to create solutions that will make an impact in healthcare.” The 2013 speakers include: Dr. Farzad Mostashari (National Coordinator for HIT, U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services (HHS)), Bryan Sivak (Chief Technology Officer, HHS), and Bruce Greenstein (Secretary, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals).

Four teams won last year’s awards, including: BE CAMP VB, Grand Prize/Best in Show; Flying Fighting Mongooses, Best Student Team; Pixel Dash, Best Use of Microsoft Technology and Academy of Interactive Entertainment Scholarship; and New Old Schoolers, Best Startup Potential Award.

Betty and Bobby Tanory were interviewed after winning CajunCodeFest last year. Reporter Laura Montini asked about their experience with the event. Mr. Tanory said, “Something crazy happens when you get people from the tech industry, government, insurance agencies, teachers and doctors in the same room. It’s almost impossible to not create something new out of that mix.”

Todd Park, US Chief Technology Officer, was a guest speaker last year. He tweeted, “Silicon Bayou – aka Lafayette, Louisiana – is the best kept secret reservoir of innovation mojo in America.”

Registration is open to the public. Sign up here to participate. Need more information? Visit the FAQ page here.

We’d like to thank our April sponsor:  Search Influence. Want to be a sponsor? Email julia@siliconbayounews.com!