NYC challenges developers to create apps using city data

Last week, we wrote about SFapps, a San Francisco initiative that invites developers to turn municipal data into useful tools for the city’s residents. Not one to be bested, Mayor Bloomberg just launched a similar concept in New York: NYC BigApps, “a software application competition to make New York City more transparent, accessible and accountable, and an easier place to live, work and play.” On offer for developers? USD 20,000 in cash prizes, plus dinner with Bloomberg. And, no doubt, some valuable media attention. Developers can use public sets of raw data produced by city agencies, available from the newly-launched NYC Data Mine. Judges for the competition, which is taking submissions until 8 December 2009, include Fred Wilson, Esther Dyson and Jason Calcanis. No word yet on if and how the city will adopt and promote winning apps. Other cities around the world—what are you waiting for? Data isn’t just for internal use; time to corral it, keep it up to date, and entice developers to create useful applications for your citizens.