Last Sunday MITA announced the start of a mobile application (app) challenge aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, creativity, and technical skills.  The mobile app is intended to be used by the Majjistral Park in the north of Malta which was launched by Hon Leo Brincat, Minister for Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change.

Dr. Carmen Sammut, Chairperson of the Majjistral Park, thanked MITA for the support and commitment shown to the Majjistral Park.  Dr. Sammut said MITA will invest around €14,000 on this opportunity for students to showcase their creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills which will help them pave their way into a successful career.  Dr. Sammut also made reference to the infrastructural support that MITA provided to the visitor’s centre.  MITA’s provision of six computers, networking and technical support has made it possible for visitors to browse information prior to starting a tour at the Majjistral Park.

The App Building Challenge

The challenge is divided into two parts.  In the first part participants only have to submit their concepts and proposal which include an explanation of the App, its functionalities, and the envisaged user interface and navigation.  The App Concepts will then be evaluated by judges, who will short-list the two best concepts in accordance with pre-set judging criteria.  The judging team will consist of representatives from MITA and Educational institution/s. Before starting to work on the concept, participants have to submit their submission by 9th May.

The second part of the challenge kick-starts when the two short-listed teams will have the opportunity to continue developing their concept with the help of professionals during a summer placement at MITA.

Throughout the placement, envisaged to start early July and run till end September 2014, the short-listed teams will benefit from hands-on technical support and mentoring by experts who will help the students transform the app concept into a fully functional app.  MITA storage resources and test environments will also be made available.

At the end of the placement, the team with the best and sound technical output will be named winners.  The winning team will receive a cash prize of €2,000 and will be the team to launch the Majjistral Park App.  The winning team will also be given prominence on media platforms whereby they can promote their app. 

Students can either participate alone or in a team of up to three individuals.  To be eligible and register for the challenge, at least one participant must be actively enrolled as a student (full-time / part-time) at any educational institution.  Furthermore, at least one member must already possess or is currently studying for a related App-development certificate.

Important dates

·         9th May – send your registration to tell us that you’re interested in participating and tell us who the team members are.

·         20th June – send your concepts about the app

For more information visit, www.mita.gov.mt/appchallenge