- View examples of rules, lessons learned, videos and more
- Post a challenge on Challenge.gov
- Join the Prize & Challenge Community of Practice
- Find high value, machine readable datasets on Data.gov as well as links to other open data sites
How to Run a Successful Apps or Mobile Apps Contest on Challenge.gov
An apps challenge is a way to gather new ideas by asking the public to create software applications that may use a particular dataset, in order to solve an existing problem or draw attention to data.
Challenges to solicit apps are sometimes referred to as “participation challenges” because the creator is often seeking many creative apps around a given area and not just one winning application.
How to Run an Apps or Mobile Apps Contest, Step-by-Step
Specific Requirements
In August 2011, OMB released the America COMPETES Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 274 KB, 12 pages, August 2011)
In March 2010, OMB released guidance on the Use of Challenges and Prizes to Promote Open Government (PDF, 94 KB, 12 pages, March 2010)
Phase 1: Plan
Listen to a podcast on planning apps challenges from the March 1st, Apps Challenges Workshop (Mediafire file: MP3 Format Sound, 5261 KB, 5 minutes, March 2011)
- What type of app do you want?
- Decide if you want to direct participants to a particular dataset
- Allow enough time for the challenge
- Determine if you want the developers to share their code or offer the apps for free
- Choose your prizes
- Promote your challenge
Phase 2: Implement
Listen to a podcast on marketing apps challenges from the March 1st, Apps Challenges Workshop (Mediafire file: MP3 Format Sound, 4012 KB, 4 minutes, March 2011)
Phase 3: Improve
Listen to a podcast on post-competition strategy from the March 1st, Apps Challenges Workshop (Mediafire file: MP3 Format Sound, 11892 KB, 7 minutes, March 2011)
Content Lead:
Karen Trebon
Page Reviewed/Updated: August 16, 2012