App contest attracts 17 teams at OSU

Thursday, February 13, 2014

 Seventeen teams of students have registered to compete in the second phase of the OSU App Center’s “Innovating Insurance in My Life” mobile app contest, more than double the number that entered this phase in last year’s contest.

This portion of the contest challenges participants to showcase their mobile app development and design skills by launching their own versions of one of the two app ideas that won in Phase I (Best App Idea) of this AAA App sponsored competition. Ten of the teams in this phase will each develop a unique prototype, based on a mobile app idea called “Bumped,” which will allow multiple users to exchange their insurance information seamlessly, by simply “bumping” phones.

The remaining seven teams will create custom versions of an app idea called “Insuring My Life,” which was inspired by the classic board game The Game of Life. This app idea will allow detailed insurance policies, instant quotes, the ability to report accidents, and easy phone calls to AAA through a playful, game-like mobile platform. AAA Insurance is the leading sponsor of the OSU App Center and the competition, and is providing several generous cash awards for student teams.

“We are thrilled to have 17 teams entering the development phase of the contest. The two winning ideas will let people know what to do if they are ‘bumped’ in a fender bender, and provide a tool to help recognize insurance needs as we go through changing life events,” explained President and CEO of AAA Oklahoma/South Dakota Neal Krueger. “Apps developed for these ideas will be very valuable to students, AAA members, and really, everyone. It's exciting to see so much interest in the OSU App Center, which is sponsored by AAA.  I'm looking forward to seeing the apps that will come from the teams' creativity and hard work.”

CSAA Insurance Group is co-sponsoring the competition and CSAA Digital Services Executive Michael Cross expressed excitement about the near future for mobile app development on campus. “As one of the co-sponsors of this season’s OSU App Center contest, the CSAA Insurance Group couldn't be more thrilled with the energy and participation from the students. This phase is the most exciting for me as the amazing creativity will be brought to life through rapid design and development!”

A team of app designers and industry experts will judge the best-developed app for each idea. An online voting system, will allow students to participate in selecting the winner of this competition in early April. Runner-up winners will also be awarded prize money. More information and news about the OSU App Center can be found at www.osuappcenter.com.