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SUMMARY:BlueTech Innovation Challenge\, culminating during NMSW
DESCRIPTION:Go from learning to startup launch\n\n\nEver wanted to build a startup — or sharpen how you build one — but weren’t sure where to begin? \nThe Innovation Challenge is a hands-on\, multi-session startup program where participants work in teams to tackle real-world BlueTech and water challenges and turn them into pitch-ready solutions. \nThe program builds over several weeks of guided pre-sessions and culminates during Northern Michigan Startup Week\, when teams take the stage at TCNewTech to present what they’ve built. \n📍 Locations:\nPre-sessions at 20Fathoms\nSprint at NMC Innovation Center (Room 106/107) \n🗓 Program Commitment:\nParticipants are expected to attend the full program\, including: \nPre-Sessions (in-person at 20Fathoms):\n• Friday\, March 27 (1:00 – 3:00 PM): introduction + BlueTech ecosystem overview\n• Friday\, April 10 (1:00 – 3:00 PM): ideation + the art of innovation\n• Friday\, April 17 (1:00 – 3:00 PM): storytelling + pitching \nInnovation Challenge Sprint (at NMC Innovation Center):\n• Monday\, April 20 (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)\n• Tuesday\, April 21 (8:30 AM – 8:00 PM\, including TCNewTech pitch competition) \n🥐 Breakfast & Lunch Provided During the Challenge (April 20 and 21) \nSpace is limited\, and participants are expected to commit to the full program. \nThis program is designed for people who want to actively build and experiment\, including: \n\nEstablished entrepreneurs looking to apply their skills to new industries or meaningful community challenges\nPeople exploring how to start a company and wanting a structured\, hands-on experience\nStudents curious about entrepreneurship and innovation\nTechnologists and developers eager to build and experiment\nOperators\, creatives\, and problem-solvers who thrive in collaborative environments\n\nWhether you’ve built companies before or are just beginning to explore what startup life looks like\, this experience meets you where you are. \nStep 1: Prepare with Pre-Sessions \nBefore the Challenge officially kicks off\, participants will take part in a series of in-person or virtual pre-sprint learning sessions designed to set you up for success. These sessions will cover topics like an introduction to water-focused innovation\, how startups are formed and validated\, and how to develop and pitch strong ideas. \nYou don’t need to be a water expert or a seasoned founder — we’ll help you get grounded so you can hit the ground running. \nStep 2: Hear the Challenges \nInstead of entrepreneurs pitching their ideas\, local nonprofits working on water-related challenges will pitch real problems they’re facing. These are tangible\, community-rooted issues — and your team will work on building creative\, viable solutions. \nStep 3: Build the Solution \nOver two fast-paced days at the NMC Innovation Center\, you’ll: \n\nForm interdisciplinary teams\nSelect a challenge\nDevelop a solution with support from Blue Tech subject matter experts and experienced entrepreneurs\nRefine your concept into a compelling pitch\n\nBreakfast and lunch will be provided to keep you fueled and focused. \nStep 4: Take the Stage \nThe Challenge culminates live on stage at TCNewTech\, where teams will pitch their brand-new ideas to judges and a live audience. \n\nCash awards will go directly to the winning team and the nonprofit whose problem inspired the solution.\nThe winning team will also receive a startup support package from 20Fathoms should they decide to pursue their solution — or any future startup idea they’re ready to build.\n\nWhether you’re a student curious about entrepreneurship\, a founder looking to apply your skills to meaningful challenges\, or someone who simply wants to learn how startups are built — this is an immersive crash course in innovation. \nThis is more than a hackathon.\nIt’s hands-on startup education.\nIt’s community-driven innovation. \nCome curious. Leave capable. \nBreakfast and lunch provided to participants during the sprint. \nAbout 20Fathoms \nBased in Traverse City\, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit organization and the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. The 20Fathoms team works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries\, and also offers specialized services to meet the unique needs of technology-focused startups. Programs include startup education\, business coaching\, TCNewTech pitch competitions\, access to capital\, a vibrant coworking space\, and general resources and support. For more information visit: https://20fathoms.org/
URL:https://20fathoms.org/event/bluetech-innovation-challenge-culminating-during-nmsw-2/
LOCATION:Innovation Center at Northwestern Michigan College (Room 104/105)\, 1701 East Front Street\, Traverse City\, MI\, 49686\, United States
CATEGORIES:Northern MIchigan Startup Week
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