One of the best ways to spark innovation is by inciting friendly competition among the ranks of innovators. This is exactly what STRV, full service mobile and digital agency, will do during its first and second public Apple (News - Alert) Watch Hack-a-Thons this May.

Welcome contestants include all and any interested iOS developers and designers who have a brainchild in the form of an application for the Apple Watch, the newest addition to Apple’s fleet of trendy hardware, using the Apple WatchKit. The timepiece—the value of which has been hotly debated—is slated for release April, 24 of this year.

The first Hack-a-Thon will be held in Prague, Czech Republic on May, 9, followed by a second in San Francisco, California May, 23. Both locations were chosen for their reputations as key markets for early adapters of new and intriguing consumer technology.

"Hack-a-Thons are about ideas," says STRV CEO, David Semerad, "and we're looking for innovative app concepts and cool designs that will inspire the app community. It's always exciting to see and discover new talent. We're looking forward to learning what local developers and designers in two of the main markets where we operate can bring to the table."

Contestants can enter as a single-person or two-person team, and admission is free. The only requirement is that teams register prior to the event. Snacks and lunch will be provided.

 "The winning team must not only present a great app idea but also have an eye-catching design. In my opinion, the perfect team combo will include an experienced developer and designer," says Lubo Smid, COO at STRV who will act as the hack-a-thon's mentor.

The winners will receive a free Apple Watch of their own, which pales in comparison to the munificent cash prizes of certain other competitions, but is still a nifty trinket to crown the bragging rights.

Whoever wins also leaves with the knowledge that they’ve contributed value to a wearable device that, however cool, has yet to achieve mainstay-status among early tech adapters. If in the coming years the Apple Watch does in fact crack the mold commercially, the bragging rights, and the revenue, for the winner will be exponentially compounded.

In other words, there could be a lot more than a shiny new Apple Watch on the table here. Sign up today if you to join the fray.