Techstars Startup Weekend returns to fight COVID-19 … the caveat? It starts now
April 23, 2020 | Austin Barnes
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop.
Techstars Startup Weekend is adding new programming in the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19) — calling on innovators nationwide to suit up and use their ideas to fight the global health crisis.
“Geography is no longer a limitation,” Techstars said in announcement of Startup Weekend Remote — a global, online version of Startup Weekend designed to solve problems brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Techstars Startup Weekend Kansas City 2019
Startup Weekend traditionally is an in-person, team-oriented “three-day long sprint to launch new products and services that solve real-world problems.” The new format builds on that foundation with social distancing necessities in mind.
“You can now build your team and go to launch from the comfort of your quarantine,” Techstars explained Thursday during a press conference about the event, which launches Friday using video conferencing and online collaboration tools.
More than 10,000 people are expected to embark on the global call for startup solutions in such spaces as health, education, vulnerable populations, small business, community, and entertainment — with few topics off limits, the company said.
“We’re super excited for this amazing initiative and for the ideas,” said Steven Rodriquez, regional manager for Techstars’ startup programs in the U.S. and Canada. “We make innovation accessible to everyone everywhere and that’s why we’re excited about this Techstars mobile Startup Weekend.”
Click here to register for the event before at 11:59 p.m. Thursday.
To effectively reach U.S. participants on both coasts, Techstars will run east and west sections of the competition — with interested Kansas Citians set to compete in the eastern matchup.
Techstars Startup Weekend Kansas City 2019
“However we are still running one nation-wide event. You can work in teams with anyone you want, from anywhere in the country,” Techstars said.
Although virtual, Techstars said it’s hopeful participants will still make the event the focus of their weekend and attend all virtual events associated with the program, which will include such virtual versions of such traditional programming as a kickoff celebration and pitch session.
A YouTube Live demo day is set for Sunday.
Beyond the pandemic, the in-person Startup Weekend is expected to return to Kansas City this fall, organizers told Startland News.
Click here to read more about the 2019 showing of Startup Weekend.
Featured Business
2020 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Mobility Designed names new CEO, raises more than $1M
Mobility Designed, a Kansas City medical device startup, announced Friday that it has appointed a new CEO. Previously held by co-founder Liliana Younger, the CEO role is now held by Dan Alcazar. A serial entrepreneur, Alcazar has experience growing early-stage, mid-sized and Fortune 500 companies, including RJR Nabisco, Sprint and Embarq. Younger will remain on…
Kansas City ranks as top U.S. tech, entrepreneurship hub
Kansas City’s emerging tech hub and entrepreneurial ecosystem continue to attract national attention. On Thursday, Kansas City ranked among the top tech cities in the U.S., according to the Tech Cities 1.0 report by Cushman & Wakefield. The report showcased the nation’s top 25 cities, with Kansas City nabbing the No. 22 spot on the…
More than 17K people expected for the biggest KC Maker Faire yet
For children, hardly a day goes by without the experience of arts, crafts, show and tell, building blocks or tinkering with toys. But in Kansas City, that young-at-heart spirit of creativity doesn’t have to be forgotten. In fact, it’s rekindled each year in a public outpouring at Union Station. On June 24 and 25, thousands…
Meet the five area startups partnering with KCMO to drive innovation
A quintet of startup firms are working with the City of Kansas City, Mo. as part of its Innovation Partnership Program. Launched in 2015, IPP pairs area startups with city departments to not only identify new efficiencies but also offer the firm a chance to earn business with the city. After being designated a department…