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Calling all hackers! The ever-popular TIBCO Spotfire Hackathon is back. So popular, in fact, we are already at max capacity! (But you can still get on the waitlist.) The six-hour, self-paced hackathon challenges participants to use Spotfire to answer pressing business questions and create innovative, informative data visualizations that bring new insight to the issue. For this year’s Hackathon challenge, participants will be tasked with a renewable energy data challenge.

A quick word from Michael O’Connell, TIBCO Executive Sponsor for TAF22: 

“The US uses over 300 BILLION gallons of water per day! As heatwaves and droughts intensify, pressure on our water and energy sources continues to increase. The TAF22 Hackathon gets into this with fresh data on Water Use, Drought, Power Plants, Sustainability, and Electricity Generation.

The theme of TAF22 is “Analytics in Time and Space,” and the Hackathon features fresh data on sustainability from across the US in this context. Spatial patterns and temporal trends are key to understanding sustainability, and the interplay between these data unlocks the insights.” 

Developed in close collaboration with i2 Enabled, Inc. and Industrial Info Resources, you will have the opportunity to explore rich data sets on power plants, cooling technologies, drought, and more. There are just 150 hackathon spots. Sign up to get added to the waitlist for #TAFHACK!

A Renewable Energy Challenge

This year’s Hackathon challenge, sponsored by Amazon Web Services, Inc., focuses on renewable energy. You will import a provided dataset into Spotfire analytics. Apply your analytic skills and data literacy knowledge, then choose the visualizations that best represent the answers you want to convey to a business user.

Last year’s Hackathon involved analyzing wind power production in Texas. The winning hacks are viewable here.

#TAFHACK FAQ

The Spotfire Hackathon is a popular part of the annual TIBCO Analytics Forum (TAF). You must be registered for TAF to participate in the Hackathon. Both are free.   

Here are all the TAF Hack rules. Answers to other frequently asked questions are below.

Where do I sign up?

You must first register for TAF. Select the Hackathon option as part of your TAF registration and select the waitlist option.

How much does the Hackathon cost?

There is no cost for TAF and no cost for the Hackathon.

When is the Hackathon?

1. June 15, 2022, 2:00 pm CDT—Hackathon starts
2. June 16, 2022, 2:00 pm CDT—DXP file submitted & hackathon ends
3. June 16, 2022, 6:00 pm CDT—Winners announced

Do I have to be a Spotfire expert?  

You should have a solid understanding of Spotfire. For example, knowledge of Spotfire data functions, data canvas, data literacy concepts, and visualization skills will certainly help. Familiarity with JavaScript, CSS, and HTML will also prove useful.

Is the Hackathon open to anyone?

1. The Hackathon is only open to the first 150 registrants.
2. You must be a resident of the United States or Canada. (Quebec residents are not eligible.)

How long is the Hackathon?

You will have six hours to complete the Hackathon. 

What will I win?

The people’s fame and ovation forever, including a write-up in the TIBCO blog and social media. Winners will also receive the following:

• First Place Winner—USD$500 Amazon Gift Card
• Second Place Winner—USD$400 Amazon Gift Card
• Third Place Winner—USD$300 Amazon Gift Card
• Fourth Place Winner—USD$200 Amazon Gift Card 

How will my hack be judged?

Submissions are judged on the following criteria:

• Accuracy
• Completeness
• Creativity
• Aesthetics

Last year’s Hackathon winners were selected based on their ability to take data visualization to places we’ve never seen before. 

Is the Hackathon in person?

The Hackathon is virtual.  

Do I have to be online for the entire duration of the Hackathon?

You do not need to be logged in or online for the entire duration.

I’m In! What’s Next?

The Hackathon Quick Start Guide includes log-in details, recommendations for screen resolution, and other support details. 

Good luck!

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Note: The Hackathon is a popular feature of the TIBCO Analytics Forum (TAF). Only the first 150 attendees to sign up can participate. Both TAF and the Hackathon are free, but they do require registration.