A three-day open data forum saw individuals of diverse qualifications put their heads together to turn state and federal government data into working prototypes. 

This year’s GovHack comprised of a range of IT professionals, including digital entrepreneurs, game developers, university students and software engineers.

CSIRO software engineer Dan Wild worked solo over the weekend, using his scientific prowess to create a web application on the influence of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

He said his application allows the user to click on locations on a map of the world and find out STEM can be used to mitigate disastrous events predicted in the area. 

“It’s things like climate change and renewable energy and managing the resources with the exponential population growth,” he said. 

Mr Wild said he sourced data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and CSIRO.

UTAS science student Brendan Hodkinson said he used Launceston City Council data in his three-man team to design an app that helps users dispose of their rubbish responsibly, alerting them to the closest bin in their area.

Another website was developed to help lower attrition rates for students in schools.

Walker Designs web designer Chris Lawrence said his team’s program allowed the user to act as a teacher and learn how to utilise limited resources effectively to improve educational outcomes. 

Startup Tasmania president James Riggall said some of the projects had the potential to be developed further by councils and the state government. 

Nearly 100 Tasmanian Government datasets were available for use over the weekend.

The most successful entrants will be awarded with a $10,000 prize pool and a state government sponsored award for the project with the most commercial benefit, to be decided later this year.