Now in its second year, the NYC BigApps 2.0 Competition has finally heralded its winners, through Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. There were 58 submissions in which the 14 winners had been selected. The competition gives software developers the chance to create web and mobile applications using the City data. Mayor Bloomberg also announced, after the pronouncement of winners, that BMW is folding its cash prize from $20,000 to $40,000, while BMW also took the liberty to announce in the occasion the launch of its small-business incubator space in NYC over its $100,000 venture capital fund.

“New York City is home to some of the world’s most innovative and talented software developers, and once again they’re helping us strengthen the connection between New Yorkers and their government,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Last year’s winner – MyCityWay – has attracted numerous investments and has grown its venture, and this year’s slate of applications look just as promising. BMW’s announcement of its support of our BigApps initiative and the launch of its new venture capital fund in New York City are great testaments to our strength in the technology sector and the confidence the private sector has in our future.”

The NYC BigApps competition opens 350 sets of New York City official data for developers to download and create applications with and around. Not only do New Yorkers see through the government, they are also given the chance to grow in the tech industry. With 40 New York City agencies releasing the data sets, the City challenged the software developers to create new digital applications.

“The BigApps competition illustrates the robust innovation that can take place when City data is opened to public creativity,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Stephen Goldsmith. “By encouraging software developers to use City data to design useful web and mobile applications, the BigApps competition enhances the relationship between City government and enterprising New Yorkers, all while delivering value to the public and keeping New York City on the cutting edge of innovation.”

Consumer data is finding good use in mobile apps, and it’s even of growing demand by consumers themselves.  It’s certainly knocking down some of the fear initially instilled in shared consumer data, but its mass and study, with big data analysis, has enabled it to be thoroughly cleansed and infused into the improvements of services and products.  For cities in particular, consumer data can provide detailed information that helps a city run more efficiently, and can be more readily navigated by its residents and visitors alike.  IBM is one of the major supporters of open data markets for the purpose of improving city life.

The awards were selected by the judges except the “Popular Choice Award” which was in the hands of the public composed of 9,500 people all over the world.

• Grand Prize: Roadify iPhone App – alerts users to the latest subway, bus, or driving conditions by adding real-time updates from commuters on top of official transit data. Roadify was also selected for “Popular Choice” Second Prize. Team members: Dylan Goelz, Nick Nyhan, Scott Kolber, Dan Robinson, Brian Bush, and Amy Janzen.

• Second Prize: Sportaneous – harnesses location-based technology to organize sports games at any time, providing lists of nearby public sports facilities and ways to join games that suit the user’s schedule, location, and skill level. Sportaneous was also selected for “Popular Choice” Grand Prize. Team members: Aaron Royston and Omar Haroun.

• Third Prize: Parking Finder (BestParking.com) – takes the hassle out of finding parking in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn by providing interactive maps of free, metered, and prohibited on-street parking during specified times, as well as entrance locations and calculated price of every off-street parking garage and lot, and the ability to make reservations. Parking Finder was also selected for the “Investor’s Choice” Award. Team members: Benjamin Sann and Alexander Sann.

• Honorable Mentions: DontEat.at, Appetition, CultureNOW: A Guidebook, NextStop, and Weeels.

Popular Choice Awards:

• Grand Prize: Sportaneous

• Second Prize: Roadify iPhone App