The SMAC competition – run by the IT Innovation Centre – is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University from technical and non-technical backgrounds.
There are two ways to take part:
- Option 1: Enter an innovative idea for an app and a story board with the design of your app and how it would work
- Option 2: Enter an innovative idea for an app and a working app or a fully working prototype
Prizes include paid placements with our industrial sponsors, paid placements at the IT Innovation Centre, tablet computers and other prizes. SMAC is also accredited through the PSA Employability programme of the University.
Themes:
Participants can choose from one of the themes below:
- Create an innovative real-time booking system mobile app for UoB, eg: computer booking system; room booking; sports centre booking.
- General theme: create an innovative mobile app that will make a difference in an area of your choice.
Key Dates:
- Stage 1 – Ideation: 19 Oct – 11 Dec 2015
Ideas Generation Workshop: 18 Nov 2015 – To register email itinnovation@contacts.bham.ac.uk (deadline: Tuesday 17 November 2015)
11 Dec 2015: Deadline for submit your ideas app
- Stage 2 – Design & Development: 12 Dec – 21 Feb 2016
Design and Development Workshop: 27January 2016 (To be confirmed) – Register at itinnovation@contacts.bham.ac.uk
21 Feb 2016: Deadline for submit your app design or working prototype
- Stage 3 – Judging: 22 Feb – 14 March 2016
Demos and Awards Ceremony: w/s 14th March 2016
Rules:
- Open to ALL UOB undergraduate and postgraduate students from technical and non-technical backgrounds.
- Enter as an individual or as a team (max. 2 members per team).
- By Friday 11 December 2015: submit a short report (500 words) describing the functionality and innovation value of your mobile app.[download the ideas submission form here]
- By Sunday 21 February 2016:
Option 1 (students with no technical background): Submit a full design of your mobile app.
Option 2 (students with technical background): Submit a fully working prototype or a working version of your mobile app.
Industrial Sponsors:
- IBM
- Deutsche Bank
- Whitbread
- The competition is also accredited through the Personal Skills Awards (PSA) employability programme of the University of Birmingham, recognised by mayor employers.
Prizes:
- Paid industrial placements offered by sponsors IBM, Deutsche Bank and Whitbread to competition winners.
- Paid internships offered by the IT Innovation Centre.
- Other prizes may include tablets and certificates for shortlisted candidates.
- SMAC winners will be announced in March 2016.
Support:
- IT Innovation Centre: advice on mobile app design and development.
- Library Services (Digital Skills Team) – online training & consultancy service on mobile app design.