NAB Sponsors University of Michigan's 48-Hour Hackathon

The "North American Bancard PayAnywhere 48-Hour Mobile Apps Hackathon" at the University of Michigan's CSE Division is designed to challenge undergraduate Computer Science students to create an original mobile application for either the iPhone, Android, or Windows Phone 7 within a 48-hour timeframe.

TROY, Mich., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- North American Bancard, a leader in the payment processing industry, today announced its sponsorship of the University of Michigan's College of Engineering's 48-Hour Mobile Applications Hackathon (http://eecs.umich.edu/cse/events/48_hack_2010/mobile-blitz-F2010.html).

Organized by Elliot Soloway, an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) the "North American Bancard PayAnywhere 48-Hour Mobile Apps Hackathon at the University of Michigan's CSE Division" is designed to challenge undergraduate Computer Science students to create an original mobile application for either the iPhone, Android or Windows Phone 7 within a 48-hour timeframe.  The event provides students with the resources to develop an app that is both functional and creative.  NAB is providing prizes and food for the participants.  Students with the winning mobile apps will receive Amazon gift cards.

"I am excited about [UofM and NAB's] connection.  As a responsible educator, I feel fortunate to be able to offer my undergraduate Computer Science majors this opportunity," said Soloway.  "It is exciting to see an established and respected, local company like NAB developing cutting-edge mobile technologies that will pique the interest of the CS students. It would be great for Michigan to become a mobile technologies hotbed!"

The NAB Mobile Apps Hackathon begins on Friday, October 22 at 5:30 pm and ends Sunday, October 24 at 5:30 pm.  Participants will submit their apps in hopes of becoming one of the top three winners. The winning apps will be selected by the students themselves. If the past hackathons are a predictor, during the app presentation on Sunday night, at the close of the hackathon, the winning apps will jump out and be self-evident. In previous years, Hackathon winners saw their apps become available for download and purchase in the app stores, turning their hard work and dedication into success.

"We are looking forward to partnering with the students at the University of Michigan on this initiative.  These ambitious students will be working for 48 continuous hours, putting their knowledge and skills to the test.  It's exciting to be able to offer them the opportunity to turn classroom knowledge into innovative and practical applications," said Danielle Crane, Director of Human Resources at NAB.

This is the third year for the contest, which is held on campus at the University of Michigan ? Ann Arbor.  Sponsors in the past have included Apple and Google.

"NAB is proud to sponsor this year's 48-Hour Mobile Apps Hackathon and bring together some of the brightest minds at the University of Michigan. We know these students will play a significant role in creating tomorrow's cutting-edge technology," said Marc Gardner, CEO and Founder of North American Bancard.  "We feel this event will effectively utilize and showcase the talent of the EECS student body.  In addition, we see this sponsorship as the foundation for a strong and long-lasting relationship with the University of Michigan and its students."

About North American Bancard
Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, North American Bancard is a multi-faceted payment solutions provider dedicated to providing the latest technology as well as committing to the highest service levels.  As a registered MSP/ISO since 1992, North American Bancard provides its clients with a full suite of products and services including Credit, Debit, EBT, Check Conversion and Guarantee, ATM, Gift and Loyalty Cards and Online Payment Gateway solutions.  NAB processes more than $10 billion in electronic transactions annually for more than 100,000 merchants nationwide.  For more information, visit www.nabancard.com.

About the University of Michigan College of Engineering
The University of Michigan College of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools in the country. At $180 million annually, its engineering research budget is one of largest of any public university. Michigan Engineering is home to 11 academic departments and a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. The college plays a leading role in the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute and hosts the world class Lurie Nanofabrication Facility. Find out more at www.engin.umich.edu.