Twin Cities Startup Week 2021
Smart Cities
Saturday, September 18, 2021
VIP Walk and Talk
Start your morning taking in the beauty of Lake Harriet while getting to know your peers. We'll meet at the Lake Harriet Bandshell for a casual stroll around the lake. Let's get to know one another while getting our steps in.
Event will be limited to the first 20 people who register.
*VIP ticket required to attend this event*
“Hack Your City” - Creatives in Tech
From music, to art, to marketing, technology is transforming the way we work and create. The intersection of technology and art play a crucial role in creating new possibilities for diverse communities. On this panel, creative professionals from multiple industries will be discussing how they use technology in their work, and how they envision creative technology contributing to a more inclusive and abundant future.
Immediately following the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to experience immersive media first hand, with the VR social justice exhibit “One City, Two Realities,” put on by Rem5 VR Lab.
During the event, Smart North will be announcing the launch of a design contest entitled “Hack Your City.” We are calling upon MN based artists, designers, developers, and creatives to craft submissions that envision an abundant future for the Twin Cities, or one of its diverse communities. Further details on the contest will be revealed during the announcement.
Monday, September 20, 2021
Future of Our Cities Track
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
The Future of Our Cities Track of Twin Cities Startup Week is being hosted by Smart North and sponsored by MnDOT. Prepare to be inspired as we discuss the future of Livability, Mobility, Sustainability, and Workability and all the opportunities that exist for disruptors in the space. Food and beverage will be provided during the event.
Attend this track in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin. IN-PERSON CAPACITY: 35 people.
SCHEDULE
7:50 am - Opening Remarks
8 AM - Reimagining Our Cities in the Post-Pandemic World (Hybrid)
9 AM - Transforming Livability and Equity Through Technology (Hybrid)
9 AM - Reimagining Partnerships in Placemaking and Urban Planning (In-person)
10 AM - Digital Equity - The Next Great Equalizer (Hybrid)
11 AM - Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis Through a New Investment Strategy (Hybrid)
11 AM - Future of Mobility Tech & Research Showcase (In-person)
12:30 PM - Shark Tank Reverse Pitch Competition (Hybrid)
2 PM - The Re-emergence of Place-based Entrepreneurship (Hybrid)
2 PM - Entrepreneurial Roundtable (In-person)
3 PM - Investing in Our Collective Futures! (Hybrid)
4 PM - Bringing the Future Forward, Fast! (Hybrid)
4:45 PM - What's your Blueprint for becoming Future Ready? (Hybrid)
Reimagining Our Cities in the Post-Pandemic World
Abimbola Asojo
University of Minnesota, Associate Dean for Research, Creative Scholarship and Engagement
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Get inspired by the research-led vision of Abi Asojo, Tom Fisher, and Virajita Singh, University of Minnesota colleagues who have led a series of webinars over the last year on Design in the Post-Pandemic World. They will converse about the challenges and opportunities that exist as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transforming Livability and Equity Through Technology
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Join Smart North for a conversation on why these Entrepreneurs, Academics, Community Leaders believe this is an imperative.
Non-Dilutive Federal Funding for Novel Early Stage R&D Projects
The annual $4 billion in federal, non-dilutive funding offered through the SBIR/STTR programs is often a critical milestone in moving an entrepreneur’s research idea from concept to commercial product/services. Small business (startups and existing) across the country engage with the programs to de-risk their innovations toward new products, services and/or processes. The Small Business Administration and the 11 federal agencies are committed to making sure innovators – particularly women and minorities are aware of the SBIR and STTR programs and gain a higher percentage of that funding moving forward.
The Minnesota SBIR/STTR Accelerator™ facilitates the commercialization of deep tech ideas, concepts and projects by leveraging federal research and development funding to small business in collaboration with government, industry, and academia.
SBIR/STTR funding is all about commercializing a novel product, service or process for domestic and international markets. There is no limit to the amount of funding or awards a small business can be awarded. The funding is awarded via a federal grant or contract, based on the agency.
Get started today to learn if your novel idea or project is a good fit with the programs. These programs are HIGHLY COMPETITIVE. Forming a research collaboration with other entities (academic, medical, federal laboratories, etc.) are highly encouraged.
Emergent Africa Forum (EAF)
The EMERGENT AFRICA FORUM (EAF) is the signature event of the Africa Chamber of Digital Commerce (ACOFDC Inc.), a non-profit organization headquartered in Minnesota; a gateway to the community (Diaspora) and the continent (Africa).The EAF is a Digital confluence of elevated ideas and mindset; a solution focused event that seeks to accelerate tech Investments in Africa and Diaspora community in strategic and impactful ways. The EAF seeks to bring together professionals, founders, investors and the public sector from Africa and the diaspora nations to showcase innovations, celebrate accomplishments, seal deals and foster a private-public partnership ecosystem.
Futureproof and Thrive
New York Times technology journalist and bestselling author, Kevin Roose, will discuss the age of automation in a conversation with leadership from local venture studio DNT BLNK. They will explore how we, as humans, can be happy and successful in a world built by and for machines. Kevin’s most recent book, “Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation'' addresses the pervasive impact of artificial intelligence on our lives and jobs. In a discussion with attendees, Kevin will examine the uniquely human skills - creative, inspiring, and meaningful things - that differentiate people from machines.
Shark Tank Reverse Pitch
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
The Future Cities Shark Tank Pitch is a catalyst that connects government, start-up funders, talent and others in the innovation and technology markets to find ways to use automation, connectivity and other tech solutions to advance livability, safety, mobility, access, equity and sustainability.
The Re-emergence of Place-based Entrepreneurship
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Tom Fisher in conversation with local entrepreneurs, educators and designers - Reimagining the future of the Root District and the Upper Harbor around the emerging notion of place-based entrepreneurship.
Bringing the Future Forward, Fast!
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
A fireside chat with Mayor Frey of Minneapolis and Mayor Carter of St Paul, on how they are reimagining and reshaping the Twin Cities to be future-ready, as the world watches.
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Emergent Africa Forum (EAF)
Theme: Illuminating Africa And The Diaspora.
The EMERGENT AFRICA FORUM is the signature event of the Africa Chamber of Digital Commerce (ACOFDC Inc.). A non-profit organization headquartered in Minnesota and serves as a gateway to the Africans in diaspora community and the continent of Africa. The EAF is a Digital confluence of elevated ideas and mindset. A solution focused event that seeks to illuminate and accelerate tech Investments in Africa and Diaspora community in strategic and impactful ways. The EAF seeks to bring together professionals, founders, investors and the public sector from Africa and the diaspora nations to showcase innovations, celebrate accomplishments, seal deals and foster a private-public partnership ecosystem.
Understanding Your Startup Non-dilutive Funding Options
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Early Stage Founders must be diligent about financing growth and need to be aware of all funding options. Founders are looking for ways to finance their growth with non-dilutive capital options and extend runway for equity raise. This helps founders retain control, align their business growth to their core values, preserve equity and raise future equity at higher valuations.
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
Red Bull Basement
Red Bull Basement gives wiiings to student innovators in all areas of study to kickstart their ideas using technology to drive positive change. This global program aims to connect students and inspire them to innovate at university today and disrupt the world tomorrow. We will have local innovators speak to share their experiences and how they took their idea to the next level. This will be followed by open conversation, questions, and potential pitch practice for students. The goal is to inspire students to move forward with their own ideas and solutions.
SCHEDULE
- Introduction & Welcome 2:00 PM - 2:10 PM
- Bharat Pulgam - 2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
- Amy Helgeson - 2:40 PM - 3:10 PM
- Q&A and Workshop 3:10 PM - 3:30 PM
LOCATION
The Toaster Innovation Hub: Walter Library BO4, University of Minnesota Libraries - 117 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55445
XR Happy Hour
Join us for a happy hour dedicated to celebrating and connecting the MN XR Industry. Connect with others in AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality) over drinks and food to catch up, network, and learn what others are doing in the space. This event is for anyone in or interested in XR - developers, product, designers, enthusiasts, business folks, students - anyone.