Do you have a list of ideas for a start-up in the Okanagan (or one really good one), but aren’t sure how to get started? Maybe you have the tech know-how and coding chops and enjoy collaborating with others to bring innovation to life. Well, clear your calendars March 9-11, 2018 for Techstars Startup Weekend Okanagan – Urban Matters is thrilled to be a Platinum Sponsor and we’ve put together a nice little prize incentive.

The Startup Category: Smart Cities Affordable Housing

Startup Weekend is open to all ideas around social, educational, financial, environmental, or other issues, but Urban Matters is looking for innovative solutions to identify areas for affordable housing or to address homelessness. Housing security is a widespread issue across Canada and the matter is urgent, but you can help us! We are especially interested in the use of data mining and technology but if your idea is innovative, we’re all ears!

What’s Involved in Startup Weekend:

Over the course of one weekend – 54 hours – you will: create a team with diverse skillsets, develop a prototype of a minimum viable product, validate your business idea and pitch it to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs. There will be food, unlimited coffee, internet, mentoring and networking. All you need to bring are your ideas and go-getter attitude!

The Prize:

The winner of the best idea in our category of affordable housing, will receive:

• $2,500 in cash to go towards the Purppl accelerator
• An extra month in Purppl’s accelerator sponsored by Purppl
• Consideration to work in the Urban Matters CCC incubator for up to 12 months and have access to: – Early clients/customers – Cross-Canada network – Office space for 12 months – Mentorship – Potential funding

Visit Techstars Startup Weekend Okanagan for more details and information on how to register. See you there! Here’s what you can expect: https://vimeo.com/28872840

Friday, March 9 – 11, 2018
Event starts at 6:00 pm

Innovation Centre
460 Doyle Ave
Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2