Google Developer Group (GDG) New Jersey was recently chosen as one of twelve sites worldwide to host a Solve for X’ Google event. The event will be on February 2, 2015 at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, and will feature the top technological innovators in the country.
GDG NJ is a group of individuals ranging in skill levels and professions that come together to learn and develop products based on Google technology. As hosts of the SFX event, they are responsible for selecting the pioneers that will be presenting their ideas at the event.
The decision to apply to be one of the twelve SFX host location was prompted by GDG NJ Todd Nakamura. As described by Clark Lagemann, another member of the GDG NJ team, “Todd was absolutely surprised by the selection by Google, but as equally excited. From that point Todd reached out around the New Jersey tech entrepreneurial community to grow the team for the SFX event.” Lagemann noted that a fair amount of work is required to host the event, but that the team is already on its way.
SFX is a global initiative by Google to find pioneers in science and technology, individuals whose ideas and projects, or “Moonshots,” are innovative enough to change the world.
The first two SFX events held at Google featured ongoing projects on how to transform tons of spent nuclear fuel into enough electricity to power the world for 72 years, to show the lives of individuals living in refugee camps in third world countries could improve.
Google decided to open the event to the world by inviting groups to apply to host their own SFX events.
SFX is headed by Google’s Research and Development division, called Google [x]. It began as an experimental event in 2012, in which scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators from around the world came together to discuss radical solutions for large issues, with the use of breakthrough technology. Products like Google Glass, and Wi-Fi balloons can be attributed to SFX.
Those that think they have a brilliant idea to solve a problem affecting millions of people, while using technology or science, are invited to apply on the GDG NJ SFX website.
Those chosen to present at the event in February will have their presentations posted on the Solve for X site, and those with the best “Moonshots” will be invited to present at Google [x] in front of Google founders Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Astro Teller.
Qualifying events for the SFX convention will be held in New York, Boston, and New Jersey. The final event will be held at Rutgers University. Applications due December 1st.
