Hackathon Phase I: June

To meet the rapidly evolving needs and expectations of customers, specific to the San Francisco competition, local designers, developers and startups may choose from two challenges that fit within the global theme of making customer journeys more effortless. The first challenge is focused on the journey of "Buying a Home" and learning how the bank can enhance this experience before, during, and after the home is bought. The second challenge is focused on "Using a Financial Plan to Track Financial Progress" to better understand how the bank can empower clients to actively use a financial plan to track progress toward life goals. Those interested in participating in the hackathon are encouraged to submit an online application by May 29, 2016. Details are available online at international-hackathon.bnpparibas/cities/san-francisco.

"The hackathon is an event that looks at how technology can be leveraged to enhance the customers' experiences," said Andy Harmening, vice chairman Consumer Banking responsible for all consumer services at Bank of the West. "It is part of a portfolio of activities Bank of the West is investing in related to innovation. Our aim is to identify innovative thinking and creative approaches – helping generate new connections within our ecosystem. We are excited to partner with innovators to learn and co-create which will result in developing more dynamic banking experiences for our customers."

Hackathon Phase II: June - September

As part of the next round of the international hackathon, winners from each of the cities around the world move onto the second phase of the competition. The winning teams will move forward to the digital bootcamp, which will run over the summer through September. The bootcamp will include online and in-person mentoring during which the participants will be able to call upon the know-how of Bank of the West and BNP Paribas professionals to help optimize their chances of success. At the end of this period, the competing teams will take part in an international Demo Day, live in Paris, where they will present their projects to a variety of BNP Paribas' group executives as well as third-party innovation experts and investors.

Hackathon Phase III: December

During the third and final stage, winning teams from the international Demo Day are automatically entered into a tailored incubation period. This will provide a unique opportunity to draw on greater resources, including financial support, cutting-edge workspaces, a customized acceleration program, plus introductions to potential partners. The teams will retain the intellectual property rights arising from their work on the program.

Bank of the West presented BNP Paribas' first-ever international hackathon in 2015. In 2016, Bank of the West along with BNP Paribas announced membership as new corporate partners of Plug and Play, a global innovation platform for Silicon Valley startups, corporations, and investors – joining Plug and Play's Financial Technology Innovation Platform and adding another milestone to the digital innovation of both BNP Paribas and subsidiary Bank of the West. The partnership provides Bank of the West and BNP Paribas with enhanced opportunities related to the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem, such as scouting and engagement with startups, new technology monitoring, and learning expeditions. Becoming a corporate member also contributes to building a bridge with Plug and Play's worldwide partners and joint ventures, providing Bank of the West and BNP Paribas' group with leading-edge insights related to digital innovation and the financial technology (i.e., fin tech) marketplace.