The annual technology festival connects online communities, gamers, programmers, bloggers, governments, universities and students and has a broad focus, covering technology innovation and electronic entertainment, with an emphasis on free software, programming, astronomy, social media, gaming, green technology, robotics, security networks and computer modeling.
The festival was first held in Malaga, Spain in 1997 and has since spurred editions in Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Ecuador, Chile and Mexico.
Giving this year’s inaugural address was Grant Masaru Imahara, the electronics and radio control expert, best known for his work on the U.S. television series MythBusters.
Sponsored by cellphone company Movistar, the event was opened by Zapopan Mayor Hector Robles on Wednesday, June 25. Local and state authorities hope such a large pool of technology talent gathered under one roof will see the emergence of new innovative entrepreneurial ventures.
During opening day activities, Jalisco Governor Aristoteles Sandoval announced the creation of a new fund for young entrepreneurs to tap into. Money from the 96-million-peso (7.4-million-dollar) fund, to be known as Ciudad Creativa Digital Ventures, is earmarked for viable technology projects primarily in the fields of digital animation, mobile apps, software development, television and cine.
Entry to Campus Party is free. It runs through Sunday, July 29. Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Some of the participants will actually “camp” out at the event throughout the five days.)