Hackathon, a computer programming and application contest challenging contestants to find IT (Information technology) answers to existing problems or tasks, concluded Monday night at Yerevan City Hall.

More than 30 teams competed to develop projects devoted to solving various problems in the capital. Each was given 24 hours to develop projects that would make use of new technologies and software apps.

Hackahon received more than 50 applications offering means of strengthening the city-citizen bond, as well as solutions to Yerevan’s transport, environment, healthcare, education, and tourism issues as well as those of people with disabilities.

The jury selected “Voice” special mobile phone application app by Ognakan (helper) team designed for people with hearing impairment who would be able to communicate with more ease as The Best Project. The winning entry received a 350,000 drams (about $900) award from Cronimet Foundation as the best social project and the municipality’s promise of assistance in implementation.

Microsoft Innovations Center awarded other teams that had submitted, among others, projects on digital road traffic regulation – to avoid traffic jams; a new information platform with introduction of newest IT technologies; effective communication between drivers and police officers, etc.

The main purpose of Silicon Valley’s Hackathon contest is to unite and provide a ground for collaboration to people with innovative ideas, programmers, computer designers and developers, to create projects offering technological solutions to city issues.