Nelson's first StartUp Weekend

Nelson's first StartUp Weekend

Nelson’s first StartUp Weekend has exceeded all expectations, with judges commenting that the quality of pitches was outstanding and comparable with national level events.

The Nelson 54 hour StartUp Weekend kicked off on Friday evening with 27 pitches and 55 participants including entrepreneurs, designers and developers –with 10 pitches selected as projects for the weekend. From solutions to address health and safety at work, and streamlining the building specifications process, through to making films family-friendly and new models for temp staff recruitment – the range and depth of ideas was outstanding. Using the great facilities in the event venue, the creative industries G Block at NMIT, one team was even able to construct a prototype of their product for the home brewing industry. As one judge commented – if Nelson is able to pull together this level of creativity, then it’s entrepreneur ecosystem is in excellent shape.

After a weekend of intensive work and coaching from mentors who volunteered their time and expertise, the teams did their final pitches on Sunday evening in front of a judges panel comprising business leaders, angel investors and developers. Two of the projects were announced as equal winners: Bleeep for their model to provide an overlay on films watched online to make them more family-friendly, and Keen for their innovative concept to connect employers and temporary workers. The winners will share the prize which includes a place on the forthcoming Co.Starters programme to be run by Innovate Nelson, as well as 6 months use of co-working space at the Bridge Street Collective.

Matt Peacey, the manager of Innovate Nelson, said: ‘this weekend has confirmed that Nelson is home to an amazing creative entrepreneur community. Several of the projects from the StartUp Weekend have already secured business interest in their projects and may well go on to create real businesses. Innovate will be there to support them.’

ENDS

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