Technology

Posted on April 15, 2020 by staff

Techstars Startup Weekend event moves online

Technology
Techstars, the global platform for investment and innovation, is moving its ‘Startup Weekend’ format online by holding the first Global Online Startup Weekend series.

The UK is one of 60 countries taking part in events that will see participants ‘Unite to Fight Covid-19.’

Startup Weekend UK is calling for inventors, innovators and developers to join the 54-hour weekend event on 24-26 April 2020. Participants will work together remotely from their homes to tackle the challenges presented by the current pandemic.

Attendees have the option to pitch ideas, vote for their favourites and form teams around the ones with the most votes.

Throughout the weekend, their task is to test assumptions about problems and customers, identify a viable business model and build demo products, culminating in a pitch to expert judges on the Sunday.

Around 25% of teams continue working on their idea with their team following on from a Startup Weekend.

Local community leaders in the UK, in partnership with Techstars, have volunteered to host this event, which will focus on developing Covid-19-related solutions unique to the UK.

The organisers are now looking for participants to help develop prototypes that could solve some of the biggest challenges posed by the pandemic.

“There are so many people with great ideas, industry knowledge and problem solving skills who may be feeling a little helpless right now and wondering how they can be of service in the current crisis,” said Samantha Deakin Hill, co-organiser.

“This event is a way for us all to come together, unite against COVID-19, while staying home and keeping safe at the same time.”

The top 20 teams from around the world will go on to participate in a Techstars Innovation Bootcamp experience.