A competition has been launched for software developers and entrepreneurs to create their own innovative applications for the BlackBerry smartphone and new PlayBook.The contest, called ‘AppŸtiŸtude’, which is being run by the Ministry of Business Development and Tourism in conjunction with Research In Motion (RIM), and local carriers Cellular One and M3 Wireless, will involve developing and submitting Bermuda-focused applications.Individuals and teams can enter and the winners will receive up to $5,000 and a free trip to the 2011 BlackBerry Developer Conference in San Francisco, which runs from October 18 to 20.Developers under 25 can enter in the youth category with top application winning a BlackBerry PlayBook and $2,000.Business Development and Tourism Minister Patrice Minors said: “The Ministry of Business Development and Tourism, is excited to sponsor this event which serves to challenge our developers and would be developers, to create applications suitable for the Bermuda marketplace and perhaps for the global marketplace as well. By doing so, we hope to stimulate and encourage a whole new crop of Bermuda entrepreneurs who may be financially rewarded and recognised for their efforts and intellect.“AppŸtiŸtude has proven to be a popular competition and we have been wowed by the submissions in 2009. Without question, technology changes at breakneck speed, and if we are to ensure that we remain competitive on a global level, then we must provide forums and events such as these which not only serve as a growth opportunity for learning, but as a growth opportunity for our local entrepreneurs.”Mike Lazaridis, president and Co-CEO of Research In Motion, said: ”The BlackBerry platform provides a truly unparalleled mobile experience for millions of people and we are thrilled to learn that this competition will enhance that experience for customers in Bermuda.”Sheila Lines, CEO of M3 Wireless, said: “The popularity of mobile applications is growing worldwide but here in Bermuda, there is a lack of Bermuda-focused applications.“The application development contest is a great initiative by the Department of E-Commerce to help create Bermuda-focused applications for BlackBerry smartphones. M3 is very happy to once again support this contest.”Rob McNabb, CellularOne’s director of marketing, said: “CellularOne is proud to partner with the Ministry, RIM and others in the industry to support AppŸtiŸtude for the second consecutive year. As market trends and demands for smartphones increase in wireless telecommunications, it is important to exhibit the talents of those Bermudians who are innovators with an entrepreneurial spirit within the industry.”The corporate winner of the 2009 AppŸtiŸtude competition, Table.bm, will be available to users via their mobile application and a fully operational website.“Our number of restaurants covered is growing each month,” said owner John Kyle.“There is no cost to either the restaurant or the public for its use. While usage is not as high as they would like, they are pleased with the results as the number of users continue to grow. Recent enhancements allow hotel concierge services to make reservations on a guest’s behalf and confirmation is sent to both email addresses.“We’re currently working on a voice response module and welcome suggestions to make table.bm more useful.”RIM will be flying down its own specialist to host a free BlackBerry application development boot camp for would-be entrants in April, details and registration information for which can be found at www.apptitude.bmFor more information on the competition Wired Wednesday will be holding a networking and learning session at the Royal Bermuda Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, March 23 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Email flines[AT]bcc.bm