Emerging Prairie and AT&T kicked off this year’s Hackathon during the first weekend in October with a special appearance from First Lady Kathryn Burgum and Governor Doug Burgum.

Hosted at the Prairie Den Co-Working Space in Fargo, this year’s Hackathon issued a challenge to its 25 participants: create a technology-based solution that addresses mental and behavioral health issues for individuals or professionals.

“Our opportunity to impact the communities we serve goes well beyond wireless networks and cell towers,” said Cheryl Riley, president, AT&T Northern Plains. “We wanted to use this year’s Hackathon to tackle a tough problem and innovate for those who need mental and behavioral health support across North Dakota.”

The First Lady’s Office of Recovery Reinvented works to innovate practices and initiatives to eliminate the shame and stigma of addiction in North Dakota. AT&T is proud to partner with Recovery Reinvented and Emerging Prairie, a Fargo organization dedicated to connecting and inspiring North Dakota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.