County software firm creates app challenge

8 years ago

CARIBOU — Blue Ox Technologies Ltd. of Caribou has announced an app development competition for Maine students taking place during the 2016-17 academic year.

“As a small software developer based in Caribou, we are keenly aware of the growing need for workers with coding skills,” said Blue Ox CEO Christopher York via email Nov. 1. “The Blue Ox App Challenge invites junior high and high school students to design and create apps that can help them with schoolwork or other activities. We are offering three cash prizes for the best apps received by March 22, 2017.”

Blue Ox hopes the contest will foster interest in technology among young people from around the state and promote their use of STEM skills through creative problem-solving. Registration for the challenge via the Blue Ox Technologies website is now open, and completed apps must be delivered to Blue Ox by March 22, 2017.

“We feel the App Challenge will provide valuable experience for Maine teens,” said York. “They can choose to work individually or as part of a team in building an iOS or Android app that will address real-world needs.”

An independent studio, Blue Ox creates award-winning, family-oriented mobile apps and other entertainment products. Since launching its original Moxie word game in 2009, the company has produced a string of popular apps on iOS and Android, including 7 Little Words and Monkey Wrench.

For more details about app challenge, visit the company’s website, www.blueoxtech.com/appchallenge2017/.