We are at a unique moment in world history. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an entirely new way of life. We are at home, separated from each other. We are afraid. So many of us want to do something to help, but we’re not sure what, or how to get started.
On the weekend of the 24th – 26th April an Australia wide volunteer organising committee (including Gold Coast Innovation Hub CEO, Sharon Hunneybell) and the team at Techstars will help you get started.
We invite you all, whether you are 8 or 80, whether you have years of business, marketing and tech experience or are just getting started, whether you have your own idea or want to help someone else build their idea in the fight against COVID-19 to come together for this first-of-its-kind Online Startup Weekend.
Absolutely no entrepreneurship experience is necessary. In fact, we hope to see a lot of new faces. Developers, designers, marketers, nurses, doctors, students, scientists, teachers — anyone with an idea to tackle the challenges created by the global pandemic are welcome.
The Unite to Fight Covid-19 Startup Weekend:
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Is run at a country level, enabling each Startup Weekend to focus on developing Covid-19-related solutions unique to each country.
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Will bring together thousands, of participants to work on prototypes for three days. Geography is no longer a limitation.
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Is an unprecedented opportunity for everyone interested in the topic to inspire and be inspired to work together and develop inclusive solutions.
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Connects aspiring entrepreneurs with the best mentors from the Techstars global network.
What sort of ideas are we looking for?
HEALTH – Address and scale a range of health initiatives, including preventative/hygiene behaviors (especially for at-risk countries and populations), supporting frontline health workers, scaling telemedicine, contact tracing/containment strategies, treatment and diagnosis development.
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS – The set of problems facing the elderly and the immuno-compromised, such as access to meals and groceries, and supporting those who are losing jobs and income.
BUSINESS – The set of problems that businesses are facing to stay afloat, collaborate effectively, and move parts of their business online.
COMMUNITY – Promoting connection to friends, family, and neighbors to combat social isolation and the digitizing of public services for local governments.
EDUCATION – Alternative learning environments and tools for students, teachers, and entire school systems.
ENTERTAINMENT – Alternatives to traditional forms of entertainment that can keep the talent and audiences safe and healthy.
How do I sign up?
The weekend is FREE to participate in and open to anyone, any where in AUSTRALIA. To sign up head to the Australian Techstars Global Online Startup Weekend event page and get your tickets via the eventbrite link.
The top 20 teams from around the world will go on to participate in a Techstars Innovation Bootcamp, an intensive three-day exercise in rapidly validating solutions and building companies.