ANN ARBOR—OnStar is tapping the computer science and engineering talent at the University of Michigan, inviting students to design the app of tomorrow for the in-vehicle safety, security and communication system.

The 2011 OnStar Student Developer Challenge is open to students at U-M, Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas and the University of Toledo.

“We’re looking for the most talented students in the nation as we develop additional voice-enabled applications that will enrich the driving experience,” said Jeff Liedel, chief information officer at OnStar. “We’re confident that participating students will leverage their creative problem solving and application development skills that they’ve learned at their respective institutions.”

A kick-off meeting and information session at U-M will take place 4-6 p.m. Jan. 25 in Tishman Hall and Room 1670 of the Computer Science and Engineering Building, 2260 Hayward on North Campus.

“We look forward to seeing some exciting and innovative applications from our students,” said Farnam Jahanian, chair of computer science and engineering and the Edward S. Davidson Collegiate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “Our students are on the cutting edge of this exciting field.”

Many U-M students and graduates have developed popular smartphone apps such as DoGood, Amp Music Player and Mobile Checkbook, to name just a few. The founders of Mobiata, a best-selling smartphone travel-app developer that was recently purchased by Expedia, moved their company to Ann Arbor to take advantage of the talent here. Ford turned to U-M last year to come up with concepts for social networking apps for cars.

In this OnStar developer challenge, the apps should be voice-enabled, and provide drivers with any of the following: infotainment applications that keep drivers safely connected as they access information from friends, other drivers and websites; a more-informed driving experience, such as access to data about traffic, car maintenance or efficient driving; or location-based information, such as apps that enhance lifestyle, increase productivity or assist in travel planning.

The deadline is 11:59 p.m. March 11, 2011. Entries will be judged on safety and minimization of driver distraction, originality, integration, user experience and reach. Six semi-finalists win a trip to O’Reilly’s Where 2.0 Conference for developers of location-aware software April 19-21, 2011 in Santa Clara, Calif. There, they will present their apps to a panel of expert judges, who will select the grand prize winner.

Michigan Engineering:The University of Michigan College of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools in the country. At $180 million annually, its engineering research budget is one of largest of any public university. Michigan Engineering is home to 11 academic departments, numerous research centers and expansive entrepreneurial programs. The College plays a leading role in the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute and hosts the world-class Lurie Nanofabrication Facility. Michigan Engineering’s premier scholarship, international scale and multidisciplinary scope combine to create The Michigan Difference. Find out more at http://www.engin.umich.edu/.

The University of Michigan is committed to catalyzing the transformation of our economy by supporting technology transfer, encouraging entrepreneurship, and linking faculty and businesses to spur innovative research. Visit www.innovate.umich.edu

Related Links:

• OnStar Student Developer Challenge