HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD) will host a "data hackathon" at its headquarters in Huntsville on Nov. 11 focused on developing sustainable solutions that reduce the environmental impact of the tire and automotive aftermarket industries.
Dubbed "Reinvent the Wheel," the 24-hour competition asks college students and professionals specializing in data science at all experience levels to join ATD and its supporting partners — data and analytics software company Torqata Data and Analytics L.L.C., Google Cloud and Continental Tire the Americas Inc. — to work together toward the goal.
The hackathon, the second one ATD has organized, will take place Nov. 11 at ATD's headquarters in Huntersville.
The first hackathon, held in 2019, featured 85 contestants across 17 teams. Organizers said this hackathon — back after being postponed during the pandemic — is "bigger and better" with cash prizes, giveaways, mini challenges, a newly redesigned venue at ATD headquarters and on-site perks.
"During the first hackathon, we were blown away by the immense talent from even the youngest participants," Torqata CEO Tim Eisenmann said. "As we looked to make this year's event even better, we knew we needed a sustainability-focused challenge for the teams to solve. Climate change is an undeniable reality, and these data scientists are in a unique position to help solve perhaps one of the biggest problems our industry faces."
During the competition, contestants will be organized into 20 teams and challenged to drive sustainability in the automotive aftermarket by optimizing pick-up logistics for recycled tire feedstock.
After 24 hours of coding, teams will pitch their solution to a panel of judges. The top three teams will be selected, culminating in an awards presentation for the winners with local Charlotte, N.C., businesses, industry leaders and media in attendance.
Prospective participants must apply as a team or individual by Oct. 1 at reinvent-the-wheel.com. Teams will be notified by Oct. 7.
"ATD is proud to continue supporting the Reinvent the Wheel hackathon," ATD President and CEO Stuart Schuette said. "Data science Is an important area of our business in which we continue to invest heavily.
"As we look to the future, our industry relies on attracting the best and brightest talent in this space. This event provides an incredible opportunity for students and professionals to network, make connections, and work together to solve real problems."