Ogden— People throughout Utah and beyond are aware of the booming software industry in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, but fewer are aware of the growth happening in the northern region of the Wasatch Front. In order to correct that misconception, a group of software firms north of Salt Lake have created Develop Ogden to promote the thriving software scene in that region.

“We created Develop Ogden to spread the word about the incredible software industry that is growing in and around the Ogden area,” said Bart Liechty, Develop Ogden board member. “The Ogden region is an incredible area to start a company and there is a remarkable range of both development and business talent that could be working a lot closer to home.”

Develop Ogden was organized as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and personnel from its member companies serve as the organization’s leadership.

“As we grow our entrepreneurial ecosystem in northern Utah, Develop Ogden is the evidence that great tech talent exists in our region, and will certainly help propel us forward,” said Guy Letendre, Director of Economic Development at Weber State University.

The greater Ogden area currently boasts a wide range of industries, including aerospace, manufacturing, and outdoor products, to name just a few. However, few people are aware of the growing number of software companies.

“Weber County is excited to support Develop Ogden as we work together to create and provide career opportunities for the tens of thousands who leave our community on a daily basis for work,” said Jim Harvey, Weber County Commissioner.

“Ogden has a long history as a community of makers,” said Ogden City Mayor Mike Caldwell. “This innovative and creative spirit is a driving force in our local economy and is evident in the work of Develop Ogden. We are excited to see Develop Ogden leading an industry-driven collaboration to promote the software career opportunities in Northern Utah.”

Tyson Smith, President of Reading Horizons, an education software company based in Kaysville stated, “Reading Horizons joined Develop Ogden to help promote the great career opportunities with our company, but also to promote the idea that professionals wanting to work for a software company in Northern Utah shouldn’t have to commute outside of where they want to live.”

To identify that local talent and to inject some cash into the economy, Develop Ogden and one of its member companies, Kadince, have organized a virtual coding competition to be held on Thursday, May 28 at 8:30 PM. The contest features three levels of competition and prizes as follows:

●     Senior (five plus years of professional programming experience) – $1,000 prize

●     Junior (Less than five years of professional programming experience) – $500 prize

●     Student (Studying to become a programmer but with no professional experience) – $250

Entrants must be 18 years or older, a current resident of Utah or currently enrolled in a Utah based school, and meet the criteria for the competition level they enter. Registration is due by 5 PM on May 28. For more information, competitors should visit www.developogden.org/events.

The competition will include up to 10 web-based coding questions and competitors will have up to 60 minutes to complete those questions. The questions will consist of algorithm and database-type questions and will range in difficulty. Participants may use official documentation for the coding language or database engine of their choice, but no other resources may be used, e.g., Stack Overflow, Reddit, etc.

“We are absolutely thrilled to put on this competition,” said Casey Elliot, Develop Ogden executive. “And we can’t wait to see the local coding talent at work. We know the competition will be fierce.”

For more information, visit www.developogden.org.

About DEVELOP OGDEN

Develop Ogden is a recently formed 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its members are software companies located north of Salt Lake City. The organization was created to spread the word about the growing software scene in the greater Ogden area, to help those who live in this region work closer to home, and to make the greater Ogden area a better place to live, work, and play.