General Questions
How do I follow the challenge and get updates?
Who can I contact if I have questions about the challenge? 

Submission Requirements
What do I need to use to build my app?
What APIs or datasets can I include in my app?
Why do I have to upload a video?
What should I put in my video?
Does my app need to be publicly available or, if an app, submitted to an online store?

Testing Process
How can I provide the judges with access to test my app?

Eligibility & IP
Who is eligible to enter the competition?
We are an organization. Can we enter?
Do the apps have to be newly created for this competition, or can they be preexisting apps?
Can more than one person work on an app and receive credit for it? And if the app wins a prize, how will the prize money be split among the creators?
Can my app win more than one prize?
Can I enter more than one app?
Do I retain intellectual property ownership? 
What will you do with my submission?

Public Voting
How does public voting work?

 

How do I follow the challenge and get updates?

When you register for the challenge, you’ll automatically be signed up to receive updates regarding the challenge. Follow us on Twitter at @DevpostHacks.

 

Who can I contact if I have questions about the challenge?

Post a question to the discussion board.

 

What do I need to use to build my app?

Although there is no specific API, SDK, dataset, or tool required for the challenge, your submitted app must solve a problem you’ve identified in the family history industry, or in another industry vertical with a solution indirectly related to family history.  Additionally, it must include a software component such as:

  • a native smartphone or tablet app (iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile)
  • a web app or subscription service
  • a desktop app (Windows PC, Mac Desktop)
  • software running on other hardware (including, but not exclusive to, wearable technology, open source hardware, etc.)
  • custom hardware which includes a software component (wearable technology, etc.)

  

What APIs or datasets can I include in my app?

You may use whatever APIs and SDKs you choose, as long as you are authorized to use and distribute them. For a list of family history resources you may be interested in, please check out the Resources page.

 

Why do I have to upload a video?

A video helps ensure that all users can view and experience your app. The video will also be helpful to the panel of judges. You may create a screencast or use a handheld video camera to make your video, or choose any other method that captures the app’s value and user interface. Be sure to convey the business value of your app in the video.

Remember, if you’re chosen as a finalist you’ll also need to prepare a 2-minute pitch to deliver to the judges and audience (including a demo, business model, etc.) Pro Tip: Use your submission demo video to as a draft of your finalist pitch, just don’t forget to demo your app!

 

What should I put in my video?

Aside from your actual app, your submission video is one of the most important parts of your entry. In fact, it’s often one of the first, and sometimes only, things that judges and voters view. Make a great first impression by following these tips on what to include in your video:

  • Include a demo. Demonstrate your app’s key features by showing them functioning on an appropriate device. While audio isn’t required, narration or text bubbles can help judges and voters understand your app. 
  • Include the business value. Make a case for why your app is needed in the market and who will use it. Look at business pitches from other events, TV shows (Shark Tank) or prior Innovator Showdown for examples.
  • Keep it simple. Per the official rules, your video shouldn’t be longer than 60-90 seconds. In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
  • Don’t wait until the last minute to upload your video. Keep in mind that the time it takes to upload/process a video on YouTube or Vimeo varies greatly depending on the format of your original video, the file size, upload traffic and Internet connection speed, and could take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours or more.

 

Does my app need to be publicly available or, if an app, submitted to an online store?

Your app is not required to be available on an online store or website. However, you must provide free access to your app for judging.

 

How can I provide the judges with access to test my app?

You must provide a way for us to test your app at no cost.

Apps which include hardware and wearable technology:

If the submission runs on or includes proprietary hardware or hardware (including wearable technology) that is not widely available to the public, the Sponsor and/or Administrator reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to require the submitter to provide access to the physical hardware app, or device required to test the app, upon request.

Software only apps: For software apps running on widely available devices or hardware, please allow us to test using one of the following methods.

Android apps: Upload an .apk file in the submission form or provide a link for us to download your app in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

iOS apps: If your app is available on the app store please provide a link in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form. If you charge for your app, please also provide a promo code. 

If your app is not yet publicly available, add us as a tester in iTunes Connect. See the TestFlight Video Tutorial on the Apple Developer website. Contact us through Devpost and then we will send you email addresses for judges.

Windows Phone app: Upload an .xap file in the submission form or provide a link for us to download your app in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

Web/Mobile Web: Provide a link for us to access your app on the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

BlackBerry: Upload the appropriate installation files in the submission form or provide a link for us to download your installation file in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

Kindle: Upload the appropriate installation files on the submission form or provide a link for downloading your installation file in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

Mac OS: Upload the appropriate installation files in the submission form or provide a link for us to download your installation file in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

Windows PC: Upload the appropriate installation files (.exe) in the submission form or provide a link for us to download your .exe file in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

 

 

Who is eligible to enter the competition?

The challenge is open to individuals, and teams of individuals, who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry. The challenge is also open to legally registered corporations or organizations that employ fewer than 50 people at the time of entry.

 

Please review the Official Rules for complete eligibility requirements.

 

We are an organization. Can we enter?

Organizations with 50 or fewer employees (who are not government entities) may enter and compete for cash prizes.

 

Do the apps have to be newly created for this competition, or can they be preexisting apps?

Yes, we welcome preexisting apps. However, please note, if your app has entered previous RootsTech challenges, you will need to demonstrate what is new. One of the judging criteria includes “originality”, wherein a repeat submission will not qualify without noteworthy enhancements.

  

Can more than one person work on an app and receive credit for it? And if the app wins a prize, how will the prize money be split among the creators?

Yes, teams are encouraged. If a team of individuals or an organization is selected as an award winner, the full prize amount will be sent to the submitter. It will be up to the winning team or organization to reallocate the prize money between the team members, as they deem it appropriate.

 

Can my app win more than one prize?

Yes. All submissions entered by eligible individuals, teams of individuals, and non-government organizations with 50 or fewer employees can compete for both the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice Awards.

 

Can I enter more than one app?

Yes. There is no limit to how many times an eligible person, team, or organization may enter. An individual may also participate on behalf of more than one team, corporation, or nonprofit organization. However, if you submit two or more apps that are identical or substantially similar, the Sponsor and Devpost reserve the right to disqualify all the submissions or require you to choose one submission to enter into the competition.

 

Do I retain intellectual property ownership?

Yes. By submitting an app to the challenge, you do not transfer any intellectual property rights to the Sponsor or Devpost. The Sponsor and Devpost will have the right to feature all app entered in the competition for promotional purposes. See the Official Rules for details.

 

What will you do with my submission?

The Sponsor and Devpost will have the right to publicly display your submission on the challenge website, their websites (RootsTech.org and FamilySearch.org), email newsletters, blogs, and social media. They will also be allowed to publicize your name on the challenge website in connection with the submission and the challenge during the competition and for 36 months after its conclusion. For more information on publicity rights, please see the Official Rules.

   

How does public voting work?

Public voting will take place on February 5, 2016 at RootsTech Conference.

The six Finalists will also be eligible for the People’s Choice Award. Following the Finalist presentations, RootsTech attendees will be able to vote for their favorite Submissions by sending a text message via their mobile phone. The phone number(s) and texting instructions required to vote for a Finalist will be provided to RootsTech attendees viewing the Finalist presentations. The Finalist receiving the most verified votes during the voting period will become the potential winner of the People’s Choice Award.

Voters will be limited to one vote per mobile phone number. Submitters may not directly or indirectly offer or pay any monetary or other form of consideration in exchange for a vote. Please see Official Rules for full details.