Boston awaits regional winners as global coding competition for computer science students is launched

Rocket Software and APT Solutions launch global coding competition for computer science students

Regional winners will receive a cash prize and an all-expenses paid trip to Boston

The 2018 Rocket APT Challenge launches in universities across EMEA, the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions. Entrants will have the chance to receive an all-expenses paid trip to Rocket HQ in Boston in June 2019, where they will compete in the final against other teams from around the world for a share of the grand prize of $24,000 (US).

The Rocket APT Challenge, jointly supported by Rocket Software and APT Solutions, aims to address the technology industry’s growing skills gap by introducing students to new application development techniques in preparation for careers in coding or as an entrepreneur. Students are encouraged to innovate to the limits of their imagination around this year’s theme Improve Your Community. Partner companies are already signing up to offer internships to entrants.

Stuart Shepherd, Managing Director at APT Solutions added, “Businesses everywhere are crying out for skilled developers, yet many computer science graduates are struggling to find jobs. We hope that the Rocket APT Challenge will help to bridge the gap between the academic subject and the real world.”

This is the first year the Challenge will be open to students across the world, having originated in the UK in 2017. Registration is now live and the competition will run from 1st of December through to the 15th March 2019. The Challenge is open to undergraduate students 18 years of age or older who are currently studying engineering, computer science, or technology at an accredited college or university in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. Entrants will be equipped with the technology and guidance necessary for them to develop their applications using the Rocket MultiValue application platform.

“The Challenge is more than just a competition – it’s a way of linking up successful global companies with a fresh pool of talent. There are many young bright students out there who have so much to of-fer but aren’t always aware of the potential of all the technologies that exist in the business world,” said Andy Youniss, President and CEO, Rocket Software.

Last year’s winner, George Christian, a student at the University of Sheffield commented,

“The competition enabled me to gain real-life coding experience. Being at Rocket Software’s HQ meant I got to learn from leading industry figures and offered me a glimpse into a career as a developer – which I believe will stand me in good stead for life after graduation.”

The Rocket APT Challenge Timeline:

• October 2018 – Registration opens
• December 2018 – Competition begins
• 15th March 2019 – Development window closes
• April 2019 – Judging and announcement of regional winners
• June 2019 – Winners travel to Massachusetts for Rocket.Build 2019