Media release from Minister Susan Close, Minister for Public Sector

SA digital entrepreneurs ready for Unleashed challenge
Innovative South Australians will be able to use previously unpublished State Government data as part of Unleashed, the State’s annual open data competition.

This year’s Unleashed runs from July 3-5 in Adelaide and Mount Gambier, with prizes for digital entrepreneurs who create the best mashup of data, new services smart phone applications and web tools using non-sensitive Government data.

Public Sector Minister Susan Close said Unleashed participants have 46 hours to craft a video pitch showcasing their ideas, proof of concepts and how they will reuse the data.

“Unleashed is a great chance for South Australian innovation and knowledge to shine.
“The competition is now in its third year and has already resulted in great ideas that can make an impact in the community.
“These ideas include last year’s winner – Nature Ninjas’ ‘What grows here’ app, which helps would-be gardeners determine the most appropriate plants for their space and needs, using data released by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources,” Ms Close said.

For the first time, the State Government will also run a contest specifically aimed at fostering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

“Last year we saw great ideas from youth teams at the Unleashed event in Mount Gambier, while the Adelaide event hosted the State’s youngest competitor at only 13 years of age.
“Now, for the first time, we’re holding NextGen Unleashed – an event open to 13-18 year olds held at the same time as Unleashed at the Mount Gambier library, the Woodcroft Community Centre and the City of Playford Civic Centre,” Ms Close said.

Ahead of the competition, an Unleashed Connections event on June 18 will give competitors a chance to network, form teams and explore the data with experts.

This year’s Unleashed Platinum Event sponsor is Bendigo Bank, which is hosting the Adelaide event at Rundle Place.

More information about the events and subscription to early registration is available at uladl.com

Anyone interested in taking part as a sponsor or data provider can contact Unleashed at