Microsoft Wowzapp hack-a-thon attracts 17,000 student developers

Over the weekend, Microsoft held its WOWZAPP 2012 Worldwide Hackathon for Windows event, in 100 locations across five continents.

It's the company's first simultaneous global hackathon for students - 17,000 of whom registered to participate - as well as start-ups and professional developers.

“Wowzapp 2012 is the largest simultaneous hackathon of student developers ever, acting as a catalyst to bring a wealth of new, exciting and quality apps to the Windows Store,” said Moorthy Uppaluri, Microsoft's general manager of worldwide academic programs. “Microsoft is committed to empowering students with the tools and resources they need to showcase their creativity and make money through app development.”