(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/DNY59)

MyScript, a leader in digital ink management technology, has launched a global challenge to find the most innovative applications of the company's handwriting recognition APIs. For a reward, a prize pot of $20,000 is up for grabs by the most creative and forward-thinking developers. 

"At MyScript, we continually push the boundaries of what digital ink technology can do to enhance the way we interact with devices," said Gary Baum, VP of Marketing at MyScript. "With this app challenge, we are empowering developers to extend the traditional user experience with the inclusion of our industry-leading APIs." 

Developers must create an app using the APIs in the MyScript Cloud Development Kit (CDK) or Application Toolkit (ATK) which are free-of-charge for non-commercial usage. Using the APIs, developers will be able to combine multiple handwriting recognition engines including text, math, shape, and music.

We are empowering developers to extend the traditional user experience

You might have used the popular calculator app from MyScript, but if not then it offers a great demonstration of the powerful capabilities of their recognition engines. You can download it from the App Store on iOS here, or the Play Store on Android here. 

Baum continues: "We are motivated to see what new approaches developers will create with handwriting recognition technology, be it an app for education, a game, a new productivity tool, or even a new use case not previously envisioned." 

Submissions will be judged on four main criteria; Effective use of the MyScript APIs, app design, utility of use case demonstrated by the app, and innovation in the use of handwriting recognition. 

The challenge is now open, and the competition will close on the 28^th October 2015. A judging panel consisting of industry experts will make the final decisions – with the grand prize winner taking home $10,000. The first runner-up will receive $5000, and the second will receive $3000. A final "popular vote" prize of $1000 will be available to the project which gets the most public votes. 

You can find out more about MyScript's hackathon on their website here. 

Do you think handwriting can enable some innovative applications? Let us know in the comments.