SmartUp Week Information for the Top 50!
Summary
TLDRThe session welcomes the top 50 founders selected from over 965 applications for a startup competition, outlining the upcoming Startup Week. Founders will participate in three one-hour sessions with mentor-judges who will evaluate their pitches based on criteria such as impact in urban resilience and innovation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of mentorship during these sessions and encourages participants to connect with judges afterward. Logistics for using the Gather platform for virtual meetings are also covered, including navigation and screen sharing. Founders are reminded they can refine their pitches based on feedback received during the sessions.
Takeaways
- 🎉 Congratulations to the top 50 founders!
- 🗓️ Startup Week is from September 8th to 10th.
- 👩🏫 Each founder will have three one-hour sessions with different judges.
- 📊 Judges will evaluate based on impact, innovation, and viability.
- 🤝 Use the time with judges for mentorship and feedback.
- 🔗 Connect with judges on LinkedIn after the sessions.
- 🖥️ Familiarize yourself with the Gather platform for smooth navigation.
- ⏰ You can leave the session if you don't have another scheduled immediately after.
- 📋 Feedback forms will be provided after the sessions.
- 🔄 Refine your pitch based on feedback from previous sessions.
Timeline
- 00:00:00 - 00:05:00
The session begins with congratulations to the top 50 founders selected from over 965 applications, emphasizing the significance of their achievement. The speaker outlines the purpose of the session, which is to prepare the founders for the upcoming startup week, detailing the structure of their scheduled sessions and the evaluation criteria.
- 00:05:00 - 00:10:00
The competition structure is explained, highlighting that the top 50 will be narrowed down to the top 10 during startup week, followed by a virtual boot camp. The top five will receive funding and have the opportunity to present at the Smart City Expo in Barcelona, where winners will be announced.
- 00:10:00 - 00:15:00
The schedule for startup week is presented, with each founder having three one-hour sessions with different mentor/judges. The importance of checking calendar invites for specific times and links is stressed, along with the organization of the sessions despite potential last-minute changes.
- 00:15:00 - 00:20:00
The dual role of the mentor/judges is clarified, emphasizing that they are there to provide guidance and feedback while also evaluating the founders. Founders are encouraged to utilize this time effectively, treating judges as mentors rather than just evaluators.
- 00:20:00 - 00:25:00
The structure of the one-hour sessions is outlined, with the first 10 minutes dedicated to the founder's pitch, followed by 45 minutes for questions and feedback from the judges. Founders are reminded that judges have prior knowledge of their companies, allowing for more in-depth discussions during the session.
- 00:25:00 - 00:30:00
The evaluation criteria are detailed, with a focus on impact in urban resilience, innovation, and business viability. Founders are encouraged to structure their pitches around these criteria but are also reminded that storytelling is important and they should feel free to present in their own style.
- 00:30:00 - 00:37:13
Logistics for the sessions are discussed, including the option for founders to leave after their pitch if they do not have another session immediately following. A brief tutorial on using the Gather platform is provided, including tips for navigating and troubleshooting audio issues, as well as the importance of practicing screen sharing.
Mind Map
Video Q&A
What is the purpose of Startup Week?
Startup Week is designed to evaluate the top 50 founders and select the top 10 for a virtual boot camp.
How will the judges evaluate the pitches?
Judges will evaluate based on impact in urban resilience, degree of innovation, business viability, and whether they recommend the entrepreneur as a finalist.
Can I bring a colleague to the pitch sessions?
Yes, you can bring a colleague as long as they have access to the meeting link.
How long is each pitch session?
Each pitch session is one hour long, with approximately 10 minutes for the pitch and 45 minutes for discussion.
What should I do if I have audio issues during the session?
If you experience audio issues, try leaving and re-entering the Gather platform, which often resolves the problem.
Can I connect with judges after the sessions?
Yes, you are encouraged to connect with judges on LinkedIn and maintain communication.
What happens if I have multiple sessions scheduled back-to-back?
If you have another session immediately after, you can use the 15 minutes after your session to take a break.
Is there a specific template for the pitch?
No, there is no specific template; you can present your pitch in any format you choose.
When will I receive feedback from the judges?
Feedback forms will be sent to you within a week after the sessions.
Can I adjust my pitch based on feedback from previous sessions?
Yes, you are encouraged to refine your pitch based on the feedback received.
- Startup Week
- Mentorship
- Evaluation Criteria
- Urban Resilience
- Innovation
- Gather Platform
- Pitch Sessions
- Feedback
- Networking
- Competition