Warren High to host tech marathon this weekend

Students from Lake and Cook counties will participate in a 26-hour computer skills marathon this weekend at Warren Township High School in Gurnee.

Called Devil Hack 1.00, the free team competition is part of a series of events celebrating Warren's 100th anniversary. Upward of 100 students are expected to bring their laptops, chargers, sleeping bags and more for the overnight action at Warren's campus for freshmen and sophomores on O'Plaine Road on Gurnee.

"We are really excited about this event and the opportunity it provides for all kids who are interested in technology," said Kimberly Lobitz, director of student activities for Gurnee-based Warren District 121 and one of the technology competition's organizers.

Despite what the name implies, Devil Hack won't involve the high school upperclassmen trying to improperly access corporate or government databases, organizers said. Instead, the hacking that will start at 10 a.m. Saturday and runs through noon Sunday refers to quickly and intelligently creating an application or solution for computer users.

Lobitz said the students will come from area high schools including Warren, Palatine, Maine South, Fremd, New Trier, Stevenson and Grant.

Teams will have a maximum of seven students and will collaborate on projects relating to biopharma, health care, energy efficiency and human services. There also will be a side competition for best internet domain name and an opportunity for the students to build a software solution designed to curtail online harassment.

Some College of Lake County students will work as mentors. Tech industry experts will be available to help the students and plan to offer mini-educational sessions.

AKHAN Semiconductor Inc. of Gurnee - a company involved in cutting-edge, diamond film semiconductors - will be part of Devil Hack. Founded by Warren graduate Adam Khan, the company has been seen by Gurnee officials as the start of a tech hub that'll draw complementary businesses to the village.

"A component of growing such a global innovation hub is fostering and developing the skills of our future colleagues, collaborators and partners within our hometown community," Khan said. "We are excited to see the students' innovative solutions to real world issues and to see excitement within as they realize their potential."