Enrique González has been working as a computer scientist for more than 20 years. He is responsible for computer security at the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay(LATU) and entrepreneur. In 2013 he realized that there was no technology fair in the country where he would like to go: an instance where young people could meet with companies and referents that otherwise they would not contact. That's how Tecnológica was born: a free event that, every May for the last five years, brings together students, entrepreneurs, professionals and the merely curious to talk about technology.
From May 17 to 19, around 6,000 people visited LATU's Los Robles building to participate in the 2017 edition of Tecnológica, whether it was to visit the 30 stands that were installed there, attend one of the 25 talks that took place, meet people from the industry and generate networks or simply play.
The game is a piece that can't be missing. That's why, in just three months and with the help of some friends, Enrique made the biggest joystick in Uruguay (and maybe in the world): a sort of platform with a base of three square meters and a meter and a half high, from which comes a joystick the size of a person, a red button and all the electronic elements of the classic Atari device used to control the first video games. So that people could climb up to play on this big table, Enrique - who also has a knack for blacksmithing - built a four-and-a-half-meter catwalk. He did all this in a garage. He lost count of how much he invested in the project, and assures that the objective was to have fun and propose something different. "Technology doesn't amaze us anymore, it's so simple. Every year everything gets smaller and smaller. With this joystick, we're trying to go back and play like we used to," he says.
During the days of the event, the joystick was available for those interested to try it out. In groups of two or more, participants had to assign roles to each other - operating the joystick or pressing the red button - while Space Invaders was projected on the wall.
Once the fair was over, the device did not give up its star quality, but it is waiting for a chance to enter the Guinness record. LATU has already certified its measurements and the procedures to present it are being completed.
Fifth time's the charm
After five consecutive years, this has been the most successful edition of Tecnológica in terms of audience, exhibitors and repercussions. With an average of 100 people per talk, the most attended were those dealing with computer security. During the second day, a live hacking demonstration was carried out so that participants could learn more about the nature of viruses and how to avoid their propagation. Entrepreneurship, freelance work, venture funding platforms, effective presentations, 3D printing, internet of things, creativity, smart cities, home automation, technological tourism and drones were also discussed. A system for hacking remotely with drones and a system that allows monitoring the sea by the same means were presented.
Science and Fiction
In each edition two things always happen: Altered Carbon, a science fiction literature contest, is launched; and White Noise, a book compiling the winning stories from the previous year's contest, is presented.
"The fair seeks to create an inclusive environment for those who are interested in technology, but also in literature. The goal is to bring people closer to reading, and we chose science fiction because it is the genre that is most related to the theme that brings us together," explained Enrique.
The contest is open to Uruguayan and foreign writers. Entries must be sent to mmediones@hotmail.com with the corresponding data, up to and including November 30.
Bases at www.ruidoblanco.uy
Source: La Diaria
Connect