PropTech Hub WA hosts first hackathon
An emerging space in Perth’s CBD has played host to WA’s first PropTech hackathon, challenging teams to apply their innovative platforms and tools to solve development challenges faced by governments.
The very first PropTech Hackathon in Western Australia took place in mid-August, finishing as a nail-biting contest right to the very end. Three teams made up of innovators, industry and government experts were tasked with implementing property technology through selected levels of government, and present on realistic outcomes in 12 and 24 months.
A team representing Archistar, working on a utilising land solution for a DevelopmentWA Hamilton Hill project, showed off its 3D animation tools and super-fast feasibility reporting solution.
Social housing was the focus of the Home Hub team’s work, designing a one bedroom, one bathroom dwelling option for the City of Perth, that would allow individuals to participate in building their own home with the support of a site supervisor.
Working on a smart city solution for the City of Canning, Whizzl designed a community engagement tool that can unite and communicate, breaking down multi-cultural and linguistic barriers in diverse communities.
For PropTech WA Hub’s first hackathon to be centred around government was a huge risk according to PropTech Hub’s General Manager, Cullum Ashton, but “it paid off in spades and all team members got a lot out of the experience.”
The hackathon began with Sandy Anghie, Deputy Lord Mayor of Perth, officially opening the PropTech In Gov WA 2021 Hackathon. The opening was followed by City of Perth Economic Principal John Fish presenting on past PropTech solutions already in use through industry, highlighting the challenges and success stories in meeting the challenges of governments.
Following a 20-minute deliberation between judges John Fish, Chris Hossen (WALGA) and John Clifton (DevelopmentWA), Whizzl was officially crowned the winner in front of a healthy crowd of around 100 attendees.
While the theme for next year’s PropTech Hackathon industry has yet to be finalised, Mr Ashton said PropTech Hub WA was already coming along in leaps and bounds since its opening in February 2021.
“Since PropTech Hub WA opened just shy of 200 days ago, the presence of a collaboration space for emerging technologies within the property industry has already been deeply felt.
“We have hosted several showcase events that have helped developers and builders understand the potential for PropTech in solving industry’s challenges, and the exciting work being done in the PropTech space being done right here in Perth,” Mr Ashton said.
“PropTech Hub, our sponsors and industry partners, are excited about what the Hub can do long-term in making meaningful changes to the property and construction industries not just in Perth, but across WA and the nation.”
To learn more about PropTech Hub WA and its work, visit their website here.