Techstars Edmonton Startup Week 2021
Virtual
Monday, October 18, 2021
Got ethics? Applied ethics for AI with Ethically Aligned AI
As a technology start-up, you play a key role in designing our digital future.
But what happens when our design choices go sideways? When we thought we were making the world a better place, but we made it worse for some people? How do we make sure that our technologies don’t cause harm and ideally, promote well-being?
Investors, employees, customers, and society at large expect technology that works for everyone. Making good choices from the start is not only easier, but it sets your business up for long term success.
In this workshop, we’ll explore some of the core ethical issues encountered in developing AI/ML enabled systems. We’ll unpack the reasons why building ethics into your technology design choices is a smart business decision and touch on practical steps you can take in your business to apply ethical principles.
Thank you to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) for sponsoring the AI/ML track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Building a Company in an Emerging Industry with Token Naturals
This session will discuss the unique challenges of building a company in new and emerging markets in a panel discussion, followed by a Q+A period.
Panelists include:
- Keenan Pascal, CEO of Token Naturals
- Danny Motyka, CEO of Psygen Labs
- Adam O'Brien, CEO of Bitcoin Well
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Startup Crawl 2021: Instagram Takeovers with Edmonton's Emerging Startups!
An Edmonton Startup Week favourite! Now in a fresh, virtual format - if you’re all about the ‘gram we got you covered.
Spontivly ⬅⬅⬅⬅Click here
Jobber ⬅⬅⬅⬅Click here
Drugbank ⬅⬅⬅⬅Click here
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at Edmonton's most dynamic startups? Check out the links above to Startup Edmonton's Instagram for Takeovers from some of Edmonton's most exciting startups: Spontivly, Jobber & Drugbank!
Business Model 101 with Startup Edmonton
Popularity: 🔥
Come in with an idea for a business/product/project and leave with clear next steps to move your idea forward.
In our most popular workshop, we'll introduce you to the Lean Canvas—a tool used by entrepreneurs around the world. Spots will fill fast!
Startup Edmonton's fantastic facilitators will cover: How to use the Lean Canvas, who your customer is, different sales models and pricing, and how to define your unique value.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
TikTok was a clock's sound. Unlocking social media for your startup/brand/or passion without followers with Startup Edmonton
The conversations around your brand/product/passion are happening right now, live, around the world. In this session, we’re diving into social media and how you (or your team/brand) can cut through the noise and create real value without a massive following.
📲No prior social media experience is required.
👉We’ll discuss strategies, tactics and tools you can use right now to harness the powerful conversations and insights on social.
💫 If you’re wondering "would anyone want to buy my idea/solution/product…" here’s how to find those conversations.
7 Misconceptions when marketing a startup and how to avoid them with Harvest Academy
Join Kailey Belsher, Head of Marketing at Harvest Builders, as she shares the seven most common misconceptions startups have when marketing their business, and learn the steps you can take to ensure you don't make the same mistakes.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Global Morning Keynote with Kelechi Nwokocha
Roll out of bed, grab your coffee, and start your morning with an inspiring chat with a global entrepreneurial leader highlighting their unique journey and disruptive startup.
We all need a good pick-me-up in the morning and listening to those who have been through the process, know the struggles, and can remind us that there is a light at the end of the 16 hour days… well that’s a good morning!
This morning will feature Kelechi Nwokocha who is the CEO of Bongalow in Nigeria.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Growing by Finding and Reaching Your Go-to Community with Lift Interactive
You've probably heard of a "go-to-market strategy", but more and more, marketing experts are talking about the importance of understanding your "go-to Community" to succeed. We're bombarded by unprecedented numbers of channels competing for our attention—finding and reaching communities that share values, interests, and ideals could be the key to your growth.
Market Research and Competitive Analysis with the Mawji Centre at NAIT
Register in advance at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/market-research-and-competitive-analysis-tickets-159034411205
Market Research is the way to gather information about customer needs and market drivers. If you want to gather information from actual customers or potential customers to make a decision, then you need to understand and use market research. Competitive analysis is a subset of market research. When you investigate your competition or potential competition, you use market research techniques and concepts to understand what your competition is doing today and gain insights into their plans for tomorrow.
Garrett Fleck is one of the Mawji Centre’s valued Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. He is the founder of Reputed Digital Marketing Inc. At Reputed, their vision is to help businesses realize the full potential of the internet, to drive a new evolution of development, growth, and productivity.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Weekly Chat for Dev Edmontonians
A casual virtual weekly chat that is open to everyone and anyone. A place to ask questions, hear different viewpoints, and, most importantly, get to know your fellow Dev Edmontonians and developers from around the world.
Every week there is a new initial software development topic to get the conversation started. For startup week the initial topic communities, both online and in-person. What do you think makes a good community? A bad community? If you have built a community what lessons did you learn?
Speaking of communities you can find the Weekly Chat community online at the #meetup-weekly-chat channel on the Dev Edmonton Slack:
And also on Meetup:
https://www.meetup.com/startupedmonton/events/281405872
Weekly Chat is every Tuesday at 12pm MDT. Hope to see you for the Startup Week chat and also future chats.
Good but Now Great! Startup Founders Panel with Startup Edmonton
Talking to Startup founders who are bringing innovation to industries that have seen little to no change. How can we make __________ "way" better? Lessons learned on the journey that will apply to every industry.
Featuring innovation in recruitment, research and hospitality.
Panelists include:
- Jeffrey Franc, CEO & Founder of Stat59
- Allie Knull, CEO & Founder of ResumeFree
- Kate Popiel, CEO & Co-President of What's the Deal?
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Motion Capture DIY with NAIT's Centre for Innovative Media & Edmonton Screen Industries Office
This is an open panel for local game developers and filmmakers interested in discussing motion capture for digital media.
Pitch Foundations Bootcamp with Volition
A lecture-style “bootcamp” that brings together the science of storytelling with Volition's proven investor pitch building methodology.
By the end of the Bootcamp, participants will:
- Know the key elements of investor pitch structure and narrative storytelling.
- Understand how to apply Volition’s pitch-building methodology to capture their value proposition and incorporate all necessary components.
- Be able to effectively design, build, and present a clear, concise, and compelling pitch and presentation.
Additional resources:
- Pitch Building Workbook (Self-assessment tool)
Fireside chat with Arden Tse: Insights into how VCs strategically think about product-market fit for early-stage startups with Hassar Consulting Group Inc.
Early-stage startups put in the time and sweat to find and demonstrate product-market fit. Demonstrating it is crucial, especially when you are seeking investment money. And yes, you might say, I need to hit this MRR number, or % monthly growth, etc. Investors know well, that early-stage startups don’t have enough data to make a strong case, but what does that mean for you?
- What does product-market fit mean for an early-stage startup?
- How do you demonstrate that your product solves a worthy problem for which enough customers want to pay?
- What evidence do you provide to make the case, data and beyond, especially when the numbers are not quite there?
In this fireside chat with Arden Tse, we get insights into how VCs think about and assess product-market fit in early-stage startups. We’ll go beyond metrics.
Three key takeaways from this session include:
- Learn practical insights to help you make your case for product-market fit
- Discover actionable strategies to incorporate in your next conversation with a VC
- Uncover top mistakes to avoid when you want to demonstrate product-market fit to a VC
✨ FEATURED✨ ML in the Wild with Amii
You’ve seen artificial intelligence and machine learning portrayed in the movies, TV shows, and books for generations but what is machine learning really? What can machine learning do, what can it not do, what happens when it fails, and what is it being used for right here in Edmonton? Join experts from one of Canada's AI centres of excellence to learn what machine learning looks like in the wild!
Thank you to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) for sponsoring the AI/ML track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Building an Employee Value Proposition to attract the right talent for your team with Harvest Academy
Join Kate Rosen, Talent Acquisition Lead at Harvest Builders, as she shares how to attract the best talent in a competitive market by building a strong Employee Value Proposition.
What’s Your Big Idea? Getting it out of your head and onto paper with The Idea Napkin with Prospect Human Services
What’s your Big Idea? Have a great idea? Not sure it’s a good one?
- Get your idea out of your head and onto paper
- Draft your idea visually
- Critique it
- See if it’s feasible
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
✨ FEATURED✨ All Your Legal Questions Answered: Q&A and Mixer with Parlee McLaws
📣 📣 📣 Let us know you're coming & sign up for some sips & snacks! Sign up through this link before 11pm on Oct 18 to receive some delicious free refreshments from Parlee McLaws. (Note: deliveries will happen on October 19th.)
Parlee McLaws is excited to meet you and answer all your burning startup legal questions at our Q&A and Mixer Event!
You can bring us your legal questions, and we will bring you a beverage and snack to enjoy while we get to mingle in our virtual Parlee Lounge.
We want to introduce you to our experienced lawyers in 3 different areas of the law: Intellectual Property, Corporate, and Labour and Employment.
You may have questions for an Intellectual Property Lawyer or Patent Agent. Questions like:
- When should a patent application to be filed?
- What is patentable?
- Do we need to register our brand name as a trademark?
Or questions for a Corporate Lawyer such as:
- What are the benefits of incorporating?
- Do I need a Unanimous Shareholder Agreement?
- What do I need to consider when bringing investors on board?
Well, feel free to bring those questions to the table, literally! We will have some of our experienced lawyers and Patent Agents waiting at tables in our virtual lounge to answer your burning legal questions and help you get started on the right foot.
What could make this even better? We want to make this event feel as much like we are in person as we can, so we will be delivering a charcuterie snack along with a beverage to our early sign ups. Sign up for our event by Monday, October 18 at 12pm, so we can make sure you get something a little extra to enjoy while we get to know each other.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
WTF is Bitcoin with Bitcoin Well
Curious about Bitcoin and how it works?
Attend our presentation where you will learn the basics about Bitcoin and blockchain technology. During this session, we’ll be answering all of your bitcoin-related questions, including:
- What is Bitcoin?
- Why was it created?
- How is Bitcoin's value determined?
- How does Blockchain work?
- How can you use and access Bitcoin?
Bring all your questions you have about bitcoin! (There will be lots of opportunities for Q&A).
Leveraging the Immigrant Talent Pool to Grow Alberta Startups with Immigrant Techies Alberta
Alberta's tech sector is growing rapidly, so is our need for sustainable talent. On the other hand, we have a young, vibrant, competent and resilient immigrant talent pool that we're not making the best of.
What would it look like if we can redesign and optimize the newcomer-economy interface and once again make Alberta the first choice for new Canadians?
Join Immigrant Techies Alberta in this panel discussion as we explore this topic.
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Global Morning Keynote with Omi Iyamu
Roll out of bed, grab your coffee, and start your morning with an inspiring chat with a global entrepreneurial leader highlighting their unique journey and disruptive startup.
We all need a good pick-me-up in the morning and listening to those who have been through the process, know the struggles, and can remind us that there is a light at the end of the 16 hour days… well that’s a good morning!
This morning will feature Omi Iyamu who is the Co-Found of ACE in the USA.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
100 No's and 1 Yes: Closing Your First Sale with Innovate Edmonton
Every start up needs that first sale, but how do you get that first sale? How do you close the deal? All the marketing efforts, all the pitches, you need to be able to close the deal. What does it take to get that first sale? After a 100 No's how do you get that first Yes.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
From start-up to scale up, Alberta’s new business Accelerators are getting ready with Innovate Edmonton & Alberta Innovates
Join us for an information session with the four accelerator programs.
Learn more to understand which program you should apply for to take your company to the next level.
This event is a partnership between Innovate Edmonton & Alberta Innovates.
Avenge Your Startup - Strategies to Build a "Thought-full" Community with Unbounded Thinking
Learn from Tony Stark.
You don’t get as far in your quest for success without having the right team and network of Avengers to save the world from destruction. Learn how to build a team and network of people for your startup to help you think through ideas, solve problems, and make decisions in a holistic manner.
We will explain the psychology of how we think and acknowledge biases, and how to make them work for you so you can build a community of cognitively diverse people to support you on your quest.
How to Grow a Startup Using Partnerships with Senkow Ventures Inc
This session will touch on how you can, as an early-stage company, leverage someone else's audience or customers to promote and grow your business. Partnerships aren't just for the well-funded startups or billion-dollar unicorns, they are for all businesses. You will leave this session with a game plan and hit-list of possible partners you can collaborate with to grow your business faster and stronger, together.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Startup Finance 101: A Legal Perspective with Dentons
From the “Bank of Mom and Dad” to venture capital, this presentation will cover the funding lifecycle for a growing startup business and how an experienced startup lawyer can provide the legal assistance you need, as you raise capital to start, grow or scale your business.
Job Mixer + Company Meet and Greet Sponsored by Jobber
Log on and check out the local startup scene! Edmonton startups are growing and need great teams to help build innovative products that solve problems worldwide. Learn more about job opportunities available now and get to know what kind of skills they will be looking for in the future.
This job mixer is open to anyone curious about opportunities at growing tech-enabled companies - students from all programs of study and schools, recent grads, people on the job search and more.
Join at any time during the two-hour event, and stay as long or short as you'd like.
Companies include:
- Neo Financial
- Jobber
- Edmonton Screen Industries Office (ESIO)
- Harvest Builders
- Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii)
- Bitcoin Well Inc.
- Drugbank
- AltaML
- PainWorth
- samdesk
- Betable
- QuoteToMe
- DevFacto Technologies
- Parlee McLaws LLP
- Jobs Alberta
- Drivewyze
- Intuit
- Fly & Fetch
The Job Mixer is made possible thanks to the generous support of Jobber.
Why Inclusion Matters and How You Can be an Active Participant in Change - a practical guide to owning your own equity, diversity, and inclusion journey in a time of heightened social consciousness with Erin Davis Co.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have become part of our mainstream dialogue, whether you are hearing the topic come up at the boardroom table, or over coffee with a fellow entrepreneur -- we’ve moved into a time when understanding how you can help build a more inclusive world matters.
Erin can help you on your journey to understand why EDI matters in your business, how you can be an active participant in forming more inclusive solutions and showcase why inclusive workplaces matter.
Find your pricing sweet spot with Harvest Academy
Join Jack Cristall, Finance Venture Lead at Harvest Builders, as he breaks down the different approaches you can use to determine the optimal pricing for your startup's product or service.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Deconstructing Data Rooms with Startup TNT and 4th Street Capital
Thinking about raising money for your startup in the next 6-12 months? You need a Data Room!
A well-organized data room signals to investors that you are detail-oriented, serious, credible, and have thoroughly thought through how you plan to use the investment to grow your business.
It is the best way to enable investors to easily peruse all the company documents that they need to make an investment decision about your deal.
In this interactive seminar, we will walk you through the key components of a data room, practical tips on how to organize them, and share the same Data Room checklist that our investors use at the Startup TNT Investment Summit.
Lessons Learned as First-Time Founders with FLIK
Michelle & Ravina, Co-Founders of FLIK, sit down to reminisce over their journey together as co-founders and first-time founders. We'll talk about all the lessons we've learned in building this community of 10,000+ women from 70+ countries worldwide, the ups and downs, and how we got through it all together.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Finding The Perfect Space To Launch Your Business with Cushman & Wakefield Edmonton
Does your business need physical space to fulfil its growth potential?
In this session, we will reveal:
- How to determine if it makes sense to expand your business into a commercial space.
- What to expect during the leasing and buying process, and how to effectively navigate through it.
- After the deal is done, what are the next steps to moving your business in.
Hope to see you there!
✨ FEATURED✨ AI Meetup with Amii
Learn about the latest tools and techniques in machine learning, and explore topics that researchers and industry professionals are thinking about or working on. Each meetup features two presenters; at the end of each presentation, participants will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session.
Thank you to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) for sponsoring the AI/ML track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Business Model 101 with Startup Edmonton
Popularity: 🔥
Come in with an idea for a business/product/project and leave with clear next steps to move your idea forward.
In our most popular workshop, we'll introduce you to the Lean Canvas—a tool used by entrepreneurs around the world. Spots will fill fast!
Startup Edmonton's fantastic facilitators will cover: How to use the Lean Canvas, who your customer is, different sales models and pricing, and how to define your unique value.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Global Morning Keynote with Odun Eweniyi
Roll out of bed, grab your coffee, and start your morning with an inspiring chat with a global entrepreneurial leader highlighting their unique journey and disruptive startup.
We all need a good pick-me-up in the morning and listening to those who have been through the process, know the struggles, and can remind us that there is a light at the end of the 16 hour days…well that’s a good morning!
This morning will feature Odun Eweniyi who is the Co-Founder of PiggyVest in West Africa.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Virtual Makerspace Tour with Edmonton Public Library
Did you know that Edmonton Public Library offers free training and free/low cost access to creative equipment and software in its recently expanded Stanley A. Milner Makerspace?
We'll be presenting a live virtual tour of this space - featuring recording studios, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, a garment press, and more. We help learners of all ages and skill levels get started and we can be a great resource for those developing an idea, taking the very first steps with prototyping, or working on low-cost, DIY digital promotional materials for their business.
This interactive session will include opportunities for Q&A.
Get Started with RocketFire Labs & Startup Edmonton
Startup Edmonton's Tristan Ham talks to Geff Croteau, Founder & CEO of RocketFire Labs in this special edition of The Get Started Show during Edmonton Startup Week 2021. Their discussion focuses on Geff's journey with the company and their flagship product, Fox Hole Esports app.More details: https://www.rocketfirelabs.com/
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Recruiting 101 - Attracting Top Talent with Jobs Alberta
Win the war on talent. Insider tips on how to attract and retain great people.
An Equitable Economic Recovery - A Small Business Perspective with MacEwan University
Register in advance at https://enlightenedeconomy.net/register
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense and disproportionate impact on historically underrepresented groups like communities of colour, women and people with disabilities. It has also amplified the systemic challenges these communities face, such as racism, poverty and gender inequality.
In this session, a panel of entrepreneurs and business advocates will share the impact the pandemic has had on their community as well as their perspective on what an inclusive economic recovery looks like. Their stories will shed light on how we can each respond as an ally to the businesses, organizations and people around us.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Fireside Chats: Startup F**k-ups and How to Avoid Them with Goodlawyer
It's Small Business Week throughout Canada, and we can't think of a better way of celebrating than getting cozy with Brett & Josh as they share some fun anecdotes about their times as lawyers and entrepreneurs.
Join the conversation as they share the startup lessons we've learned along the way that can help you prevent legal decisions from coming back to haunt you.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
How can we make innovation more inclusive with Startup Edmonton
How can we ensure underrepresented potential founders pursue entrepreneurship? The question of what prevents these potential founders from succeeding as entrepreneurs is of vital importance to not only the innovation ecosystem but our economy and society as a whole.
What are the barriers and what are the crucial next steps?
Join us for a discussion on inclusive innovation.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of Parlee McLaws.
People and Pipelines: Building a Scalable Data Strategy with Showbie
Showbie, a mid-stage startup, has seen tremendous organizational growth in the last year. But what do you do when more decision-makers join the team and the demand for data exceeds capacity? Is growing your data team enough? Or is building a scalable data pipeline the answer?
Join us as we share our data journey from one analyst to a team of six, and how we modernized our data architecture to increase scalability.
Showbie is the hybrid learning platform empowering millions of educators to quickly and easily manage classroom workflow and deliver personalized feedback to students of all learning abilities on any device.
Avoid needless failure in entrepreneurship with Hubble Incubator
In entrepreneurship, there are a few big ideas that if you get right, will massively increase your ability to succeed. They are not easy, but when understood they will save you a ton of time, energy, and resources. You will walk away with three tools you can immediately implement in your life and business that will make a difference. While designed for the early-stage entrepreneurs, it’s surprising how they are not well defined in established businesses.
This session kicks off Hubble's 4 part series on Hiring, Cash-flow & Budgeting, and Product-market fit. Colin has been in and around business for decades and had his share of big wins and big losses. Navigating the minefield was a disaster at first but it got easier over time. He serves as MacEwan University's Entrepreneur In Residence, has ownership roles in 6 companies in Renewable energy, Building materials, Apps, Social enterprise, and Acceleration. He spends most of his time helping entrepreneurs avoid needless failure.
Join us for fun and a ton of energy around entrepreneurship.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Strategies to Support Mental Health in the Workplace with Startup Edmonton
Tiana Field-Ridley
Mental Health Commission of Canada, Implementation Specialist, Workplace Mental HealthBecome a wellness ninja! Learn about strategies that can support mental health in your workplace and how you can build a culture of wellness in your startup or organization.
Topics include:
- What is Mental Health?
- Difference between Mental Health and Mental Illness
- Building Mental Health into Daily Operations
- Why being proactive is necessary
- How to maintain teams as your company expands
- Tools and Resources available for individuals and organizations
Navigating the AI Resources in Your Ecosystem with Cybera
Over the last few years, the AI and cloud ecosystem in Alberta has grown rapidly. There are lots of organizations that are ready to support you in your tech journey, however, sometimes it is hard to tell if they are the right match.
This panel discussion on local AI resources is aimed at innovators, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem support providers who are seeking the know-how, tools, and support to develop their artificial intelligence projects and DIY capacity. Following this panel, attendees can expect to have a better understanding of the fit of Alberta’s AI service providers/not-for-profits and how they can better leverage them.
Thank you to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) for sponsoring the AI/ML track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
A Deep Dive into Local Neurotechnology Development with NeurAlbertaTech
We will start with a quick introduction to the NPO, NeurAlbertaTech, with a recap of projects we have supported since our founding in February of 2019.
Then we will dive deep into the specifics of one of our current projects, "Koalacademy" (submission to the Russian Neurotech Cup 2021), and how we are scientifically validating a Brain Computer Interface-accelerated language learning platform through traditional academic research avenues at the University of Alberta.
Thank you to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) for sponsoring the AI/ML track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Making Connections Across Alberta with the Mawji Centre at NAIT
Register in advance at https://www.eventbrite.ca/x/we-three-collaborative-student-networking-event-tickets-159035969867 & use code Startupweek.
A gathering of individuals in the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. This mixer serves as a catalyst for cross-institutional connectivity between student makers, builders, and the broader community.
Network and share your ideas and challenges with other students and entrepreneurs. This event is hosted as part of Women in Entrepreneurship Week and a Collaboration between Bow Valley College, NAIT, and the University of Lethbridge.
We are fortunate to have Joanne Fedeyko, CEO of Connections Silicon Valley and Canadian Women's Network, as our keynote speaker. Joanne will share her secrets to building a strong network.
We will then move into breakout rooms with facilitated discussion and networking. No need to be intimidated by this networking event. We've got your back and we want to make networking fun!
Launch Party 12 🚀🚀🚀 Sponsored by Parlee McLaws
Join us online for the twelfth annual edition of Launch Party! 🚀🚀🚀
Launch Party is Startup Week’s flagship event that celebrates and showcases the hottest startups in town on Thursday, October 21, 2021.
Launch Party showcases our city's brightest entrepreneurs, their tech-enabled products and celebrates everything that our startup community has to offer. Since 2010, more than 100 technology, Edmonton-based, companies have launched products at the event, including rapidly growing teams like Jobber, Drivewyze, Vertical City, Medo.ai, and Showbie.
Thank You To Our Selection Committee 👏
- NATHAN IP – STARTUP EDMONTON
- ALLIE KNULL – RESUMEFREE
- TIM KWOK – PANACHE VENTURES
If Remo is full at any point in the night, you can head to our Youtube broadcast of the formal program. Once the program is done, try again to get into Remo (through the "Join Stream" button at the top of this event) as we expect there will be additional room following the event.
Launch Party 12 is made possible thanks to the generous support of Parlee McLaws.
Friday, October 22, 2021
Global Morning Keynote with Jonah Chininga
Roll out of bed, grab your coffee, and start your morning with an inspiring chat with a global entrepreneurial leader highlighting their unique journey and disruptive startup.
We all need a good pick-me-up in the morning and listening to those who have been through the process, know the struggles, and can remind us that there is a light at the end of the 16 hour days…well that’s a good morning!
This morning will feature Jonah Chininga who is the CEO of MICC in PEI.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Raising Series A with Innovate Edmonton Sponsored by Williams Engineering
Let’s talk about Money! For startups, raising capital is a beast of a task. It’s daunting. It’s endless hours of work. But you aren’t alone.
Hear about raising Series A funding from those who have successfully been through the process! Learn about the ins and outs of raising big money.
Joining the panel to share their stories are:
Colin Bramm, CEO of Showbie
James Neufeld, CEO of samdesk
Andrew Chau, Co-Founder of Skip the Dishes and Co-Founder of Neo Financial
This top-notch panel will be moderated by Catherine Warren, CEO of Innovate Edmonton. Don’t miss out!
Startup Week's Series A Panel is made possible thanks to the support of Williams Engineering.
Social Impact powered by AI/ML with the Edmonton Police Foundation
There’s over $7.5B spent on community / social programs in Edmonton alone and the outcomes aren’t quite what we would have expected for that level of investment. In addition, there’s a great opportunity to lead on social justice and create a model that’s replicable globally.
We believe that we can leverage entrepreneurship, technology, data, AI/ML, mentorship, funding, domain partners to finally help devise and deploy workable solutions that can not only deliver better outcomes but more importantly, make a real difference in the lives of our citizens and help our entrepreneurs scale the solutions globally. Technology can help deliver better outcomes!
This is our chance to do Good, Deliver Better Outcomes and Create Scalable Companies and for Alberta to lead the world in Community Safety and Wellness Solutions.
Thank you to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) for sponsoring the AI/ML track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Parade, Meet Rain: A Fun Chat With Lawyers About Everything That Can Go Wrong with Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP
Yes, lawyers can be killjoys. But when consulted early, your lawyer can help you overcome obstacles. Or better yet, avoid the obstacles altogether. This session will introduce early to middle-stage startups to some important issues they should be thinking about, and why they should be thinking about them, including:
- Choosing to incorporate … or not
- Naming your organization (and understanding the difference between a corporate name, a tradename, and a trade-mark)
- Properly structuring relationships between founders (and what happens when things go sideways)
- Equity arrangements
- Non-disclosure agreements
- Intellectual property
- Service agreements
- Employment/contractor contracts
While these may not be the flashiest topics, they are essential to ensuring your business avoids pitfalls down the road. Thinking about and understanding these issues now can save you many headaches later.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
How to start a VC fund/Angel Network to invest in startups with StartupFuel Inc.
Attendees who are aspiring VC fund managers will learn how to set up a fund/network to invest in startups. Startup founders will learn what investors look for when making early stage investments.
✨ FEATURED✨ AI Seminar with Amii & UAlberta
The AI Seminar is a weekly meeting at the University of Alberta where researchers interested in artificial intelligence (AI) can share their research. Presenters include both local speakers from the University of Alberta and visitors from other institutions. Topics can be related in any way to artificial intelligence, from foundational theoretical work to innovative applications of AI techniques to new fields and problems.
Thank you to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) for sponsoring the AI/ML track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
Breaking into Data Science - The How’s and Why’s with Cybera
Over the past few years we have seen and heard a lot about the use of machine learning and data science. Now more than ever, organizations of all sizes from startups to large scale corporations are looking at ways they can benefit by applying these technologies to their data.
However, as your business or organization dives into these areas, you likely have questions. You might be wondering:
- Am I ready?
- How do I start?
- How do I measure success?
- Who do I need to add to my team?
As part of Startup Edmonton's "Startup Week" the data science team from Cybera will provide you with an introductory overview into data science. They will cover how you can apply it in your area of expertise, share resources that you can leverage, and discuss what you may need to start your own data science project. We’ll also share success stories from Alberta organizations currently using data science and provide "real world" examples of how this practice can be applied.
Forward, Faster, Free- how the ERIN Coach Program can help founders flourish with Innovate Edmonton
Do you have a project or startup that needs expert help to move forward? Hear from founders and advisors in the ERIN Coach program to learn how to move your project forward, faster, for free.
Thank you to DrugBank for sponsoring the Entrepreneurship track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
3D Printing 101: Workshop and Certification with Edmonton Public Library
Attending and completing this free, online workshop gives you access to use Edmonton Public Library's 3D printers virtually or in-person at the Stanley A. Milner Makerspace! Hosted by friendly and knowledgeable EPL staff, this training will prepare you to run a 3D printer and covers: EPL's 3D printing service guidelines and hours of operation, safety, basic concepts and operation of the 3D printer, and an overview for selecting and setting up suitable digital models for the 3D printing process.
EPL's 3D printing service currently allows customer print jobs up to 12 hours in duration, uses a single nozzle 3D printer (one colour at a time), and charges 10 cents per gram for PLA plastic used in customer projects.
Participants require an Edmonton Public Library membership card or an eligible Edmonton-area library card so that we can record and update your 3D printing certification status. Edmonton Public Library cards are free for residents and can be created online.
3D printing service participants must be at least 12 years of age or accompanied by a caregiver.
Open House and Networking with Health and Life Science Companies at the Hub
Discover the Health Hub & Accelerator and learn about the diverse group of startups and scaleups in our community. Meet and network with the health and life-science companies, dynamic group of founders, and employees who have called us their second home. And, find out how you can take advantage of the whole gamut of resources that we provide at no cost—from a spacious office and lab space, to cutting-edge equipment for product development, to customized support and services from a dedicated team of subject matter experts—by becoming a member of our Hub! Come and meet our team of business professionals and let us walk you through a virtual tour of our HUGE space in Enterprise Square (literally on top of Bay Enterprise Square LRT Station).
Start a career in Data Science/Machine Learning or Software Engineering with Alberta AI
Zoom Passcode: 123
After a hiatus of a few months, Alberta AI is kicking off with an amazing program for those who want to pursue a career in Data Science/Machine Learning or Software engineering. This time the mentor will be the President of Alberta AI, Dr. Lihang Ying. He will guide you on how to learn about these fields, will share some resources, and will discuss interview preparation. You will also get a chance to ask any question you have.
This session is geared towards those who have background in engineering but everyone is welcome. Don't miss this fascinating opportunity!
Thank you to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) for sponsoring the AI/ML track as part of Edmonton Startup Week.
AESA Insight Podcast: Startup Edmonton Week Edition
The Alberta Esports Association (AESA) is a non-profit organization dedicated towards fostering the growth and development of esports within Alberta, Canada.
Join the Co-Founders of the Alberta Esports Association as they share their journey from hosting events in their parent's basements to becoming the largest esports events organizers in the province and building a successful non-profit organization in the midst of the pandemic.
Learn more about how AESA is establishing a regulatory framework for esports in Alberta and building the structure necessary for safe & organized competition in a nascent industry that merges the interactive digital media and traditional sport sectors.