Hackathon: Reimagine sparks ideas for the future

The second annual Hackathon: Reimagine brought Central Michigan University students together from various majors this past weekend to construct innovative solutions on how to improve CMU’s campus.

During this event, more than 90 students representing 25 majors and five academic colleges gathered in Grawn Hall for the 24-hour problem solving competition. Participants competed in one of four unique categories: on-campus navigation for students and visitors; personal information privacy and security; sports health and technology; and student debt resolution.

Engineering graduate student Shashwat Maharjan participated in the competition for a second time.

“I enjoy participating in the hackathon because it allows me to make connections with various people across campus and hear ideas they have to different solutions. It allows me to push myself to see how effective of an idea I can create,” Maharjan said.

Maharjan’s team took first in their category for developing an inclusive campus navigation app that makes it easier for those facing language barriers, visual impairments or hearing deficiencies. In addition, they plan to implement braille on campus sidewalks.

The university’s prestigious New Venture Challenge presents the opportunity for students to further their ideas and compete for additional funding.