Budweiser to host Hackathon to Help Prevent Drunk Driving

Budweiser challenges young adults to “Tackle Impossible” at a hackathon that champions designated driving

From January 29-31, 2016, teams will gather in Toronto to collaborate on ideas that promote designated driving, for a chance to receive $25,000 in seed funding to implement their idea

(TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 7, 2016) – Budweiser is launching the Tackle Impossible Road Safety Challenge and is calling on young adults to join together to create smart innovations that help stop preventable drinking and driving related crashes. The initiative will ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of young adults to tackle global road safety and help find solutions that champion designated driving. The initiative is part of Budweiser’s global commitment to make roads safer around the world.

“Budweiser believes in a world where everyone is free to follow the life of their dreams,” says Andrew Oosterhuis, Director of Marketing, Budweiser Canada. “Whether it’s in a car, on a bicycle, or on foot – every road we choose should be open and safe.  That’s why Budweiser is calling on young adults who are passionate about making a difference to come together to affect change on responsible driving.”

Because creativity is sparked by togetherness – and the best ideas get even bigger and bolder when people work collaboratively – participants will gather from January 29-31 at the BrainStation headquarters in Toronto for a hackathon experience.  Hackathons are intensive hands-on events where participants come together to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and experts and ultimately compete as teams for the chance to work with Budweiser to implement their idea. The hackathon element ensures that participant teams develop their smart driving solutions in a creative, collaborative and supportive environment.

“We know Millennials are passionate about making a difference in the world. Budweiser is equipping enterprising young adults with the encouragement, access and know-how they need to collaborate on road safety innovations. Ultimately, we can have the biggest impact on this global issue if we all work together,” Said Oosterhuis.

The grand prize winning team will receive $5,000 cash prize to be divided equally among the team, six weeks of mentorship and idea refinement and $25,000 in seed funding to fully develop their idea – working towards an all expenses paid trip to Austin, Texas for SXSW 2016 where they will showcase their idea to a group of innovative thinkers.

Labatt Breweries of Canada has more than 30 years of experience in educating consumers about responsible drinking through its brands around the world. Budweiser is elevating that ongoing commitment with a continued focus on championing designated driving.  Tackle Impossible is the brand’s first social innovation initiative centered on providing inspiration and infrastructure to empower young people to be a part of the answer to a complex issue of global concern.

Young adults of legal drinking age can visit TackleImpossible.com to learn more about Tackle Impossible and find out how to get involved.

About Budweiser 

Budweiser – the King of Beers – has been brewed since 1876 under the highest quality standards. Brewed in Canada for more than 30 years, Budweiser uses only the finest ingredients without any artificial ingredients, additives or preservatives. Budweiser is distinguished by its clean, crisp, distinctive flavour, the result of a unique beechwood aging process. For more information, visit www.budweiser.ca or www.facebook.com/budweisercanada.

About Labatt Breweries of Canada

Labatt Breweries is one of Canada’s founding businesses and oldest brewers.  Established by John Kinder Labatt in London, Ontario in 1847, Labatt today has more than 3,000 employees and six breweries across the country and a portfolio of 60 quality beers, including Kokanee, Budweiser, Alexander Keith’s, Labatt Blue, Stella Artois and Corona.  As a part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev family, Labatt is committed to being The Best Beer Company Bringing People Together for a Better World, making a positive contribution through multiple programs that support its communities, promote responsible drinking and protect the environment.