‘It’s like a networking event on steroids’

Every Thomas Edison needs an Edward Johnson — a business partner and a visionary to help round the sharp corners off of an idea. Some just haven’t made the connection yet.

That could all change for roughly 100 budding entrepreneurs at Startup Weekend Hamilton, a madcap development competition taking place at McMaster Innovation Park this weekend. 

“It’s like a networking event on steroids,” said Chad Fullerton, a McMaster alumnus and member of the coordinating team for this year’s event. “It goes way beyond shaking hands and passing out business cards. It’s an opportunity to find new business partners and really take an idea to the next level.” 

The concept is simple: participants register in three different categories (Developer, Designer and Non-Technical) and spend Friday evening mingling with like-minded peers and industry experts. Guests are then encouraged to share an idea during the frantic “pitch-fire” process, and have one minute to dazzle the room. Once the best ideas have been determined through an in-house voting process, participants band together in small teams and embark on a “54-hour frenzy” to bring a concept to life. 

This is where the real fun begins.

“The development process is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before,” said Fullerton, who was a member of last year’s first-place team, Walkbug — a smartphone app that allows users to create and share curated walking tours. “The vibe and the atmosphere are incredible. It’s a fast-paced exchange of ideas and information, and it’s all very exciting.”

The three-day affair will culminate with a series of final presentations, and the most promising teams will be awarded up to $20,000 in prizes and resources to help further their concept.

For example: one lucky team will receive a full-time desk at Seedworks Urban Offices for a period of three months, while another will benefit from six months of office space at Platform 302 (including access to all building amenities, mentorship programs and event access). All participants will receive a variety of prizes and gift bags, as well as access to more than 20 business leaders and industry experts who will be on hand for the event.

Regardless of the outcome, Fullerton says the experience is invaluable — especially for aspiring student entrepreneurs. Even those with no practical training in commerce or engineering can bring something valuable to the table. 

“Startup Weekend is a chance to get your feet wet without any real risk,” explained Fullerton. “If students or recent graduates have an idea but don’t know how to execute it, this is the perfect setting to get some feedback. Best-case scenario, it could actually take off.”

Organizers have partnered with the McMaster Students Union, Innovation Factory and the McMaster Entrepreneurship Association to help coordinate this year’s event. Kevin Craig, president and intellectual strategist at Mental Espresso, will serve as keynote speaker, and several McMaster alumni, staff and faculty will be involved in the judging and mentoring process. 

Startup Weekend Hamilton will take place at McMaster Innovation Park (175 Longwood Rd. S.) from Friday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. to Sunday, April 27 at 8:30 p.m. The top-three awards will be presented at Stonewalls Restaurant on Sunday evening. 

Click here to register as a Developer, Designer or Non-Technical participant. All meals are included in the cost of registration.