OnStar Launches Student Developer Challenge

Partnering with the Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Michigan, University of Texas and University of Toledo, telematics solutions provider OnStar announced this week the start of the Student Developer Challenge, a competition intended for the students from the aforementioned institutions who can develop the company's app of the future.

The challenge is meant to discover and, if possible, implement an in-vehicle voice-enabled application developed on the QuickFuse platform.

The app developed by all those interested (who can join the challenge or learn more by following this link) must take into account one of the following goals: keep drivers safely connected to infotainment options, use vehicle information to improve the driving experience and use location-based information to enhance the driver’s lifestyle, increase productivity or plan travel.

“OnStar’s services are the result of ingenious solutions that consistently deliver in-vehicle safety, security and information. We’re thrilled to continue this tradition by looking for the most talented students in the nation as we develop additional voice-enabled applications that will enrich the driving experience,” said OnStar Chief Information Officer Jeff Liedel.

The entries will be judged by a panel of experts comprising both technical experts like Daniel Jacobson, director of engineering for the API, Netflix or journalists like David Pogue, technology columnist, New York Times.

The winner of the challenge will be announced by OnStar at Where 2.0 in April. The winner will be handed $10,000 worth of “technology tools,” as OnStar calls them. There's no word yet on whether the app will be used by OnStar in its business.