2023 Launchpad

For the first time since 2019, Code for Philly’s “Launchpad” event will return in the spring of 2023. The multi-event kickoff weekend is scheduled for March 31 - April 1, 2023, at the City Hall Caucus room and the Philadelphia Innovation Lab.

The ‘Launchpad’ event, which evolved from weekend hackathons, provides a space for people passionate about civic tech to brainstorm and launch monthlong projects with help from expert panelists.

  • Read about the 2019 Launchpad here.

Theme: Third Places

The theme of this year’s Launchpad is “Third Places”, a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg which refers to social surroundings other than home and work. Examples include public libraries, gyms, bookstores, museums, and virtual spaces. As free and easily accessible environments, these places are essential for helping communities access education, social interaction, physical exercise, and more.

By focusing on this theme, Code for Philly hopes to uncover the unique challenges third spaces face and find creative technical solutions to them.

Learn more and purchase tickets here