Online retailer The Hut Group has launched an app-developing competition, with a £100,000 prize for the winner – Game of Code. The company is hoping to give upcoming tech talent an opportunity to showcase their talents and create a product with commercial value.
Developers are tasked with creating an app that improves the everyday experiences of people interested in health, beauty or nutrition. The all should also have commercial value for one of the group’s brands such as HQhair, Myprotein or LookFantastic.
Entrants are invited to submit their ideas, the best will then be invited to build a working version of their idea. The top teams will be shortlisted via a public vote and invited to attend an awards ceremony, where the winner of the £100,000 prize will be announced. The winner will be selected by senior executives at The Hut Group, as well as other industry specialists. Finalist teams will also be considered for paid internships at The Hut Group.
Wing Yung Chan, Group Marketing Director at The Hut Group, commented: “The £100,000 prize shows how serious we are about investing in the young talent to help craft the future of the mobile commerce industry. We’re looking for the innovations that will bridge the gap between online purchase and offline consumption and we expect many of the top entries to be from teams consisting of not just coders but also writers, marketers, designers and entrepreneurs to develop a complete commercial offer.”
Ashley Ramrachia, Group Talent Director at The Hut Group, added: “We’re commited to supporting the next generation of technology leaders as they develop their skills, and the life-changing prize for this competition reflects that. We build and design all of our technology in-house and Game of Code will give entrants a flavour of the real-business experience we provide right from day one.”
UK-based company The Hut Group sells products from 19 health, beauty and fitness brands across 65 different websites. It ships to 190 countries and generates more than 50% of its revenue from overseas customers.
