Education and Social Enterprise top priorities

26 October 2016

Education and Social Enterprise top priorities for problem-solving Auckland entrepreneurs

Next month, over 120 entrepreneurs will gather in Auckland to create unique solutions to some of the most challenging issues and opportunities facing society today – education and social enterprise.

In just 54 hours, innovators from all backgrounds - developers, designers, marketers, managers and entrepreneurs - will share their ideas for businesses that can make real, positive impacts.

Startup Weekend Auckland will take place over the weekend of 18-20 November at Massey University’s Albany Campus, and this year, for the first time, since the event’s inception five years ago, the weekend will have two key focus areas.

The organisers of Startup Weekend Auckland are shining the spotlight on Education - encouraging participants to consider education in the broadest term that we are in ‘school’ for life and to identify better systems of learning.

“By connecting sectors, disciplines and diverse groups of people, we will develop insights in to the many different needs, fears and aspirations for education,” says Laura Kerrison, Marketing Lead, of Startup Weekend Auckland.

“Not only do we aim to tackle real challenges facing education today – such as the affects of poverty on schooling, demands on teachers, outdated processes – we also want to challenge our attendees to consider what education for the future might mean; if the jobs today no longer exist, how do we adapt and learn for the changing landscape? As transportation, cities and lifestyles change, what does that mean for education?”

The other stream of focus will be Social Enterprise - using business to make an impact on real problems. The event aims to unlock creative, impact-driven processes for approaching problems. Those who attend will develop the capacity to create lasting solutions that bring about change.

Rowan Yeoman, Startup Weekend Global Facilitator, says participants gain new skills ranging from lean startup, prototyping and customer validation to decision making and working within a team by attending the weekends.

Lifelong friendships, cofounder, investor and mentorship connections flow on from the events, and participants become part of the Startup Weekend alumni community made up of more than 45,000 entrepreneurs from around the world.

“It’s incredibly inspiring to see resourceful individuals get together to discuss, and act on important problems. Startup Weekend isn't just about creating startups, it's about empowering our community to have the skills, tools and attitude to create a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem within Auckland.”

Startup Weekend Auckland has been instrumental in helping Aucklanders fast forward their business ideas to get them off the ground quickly.

“The talented people we see attend Startup Weekend Auckland, year after year, are passionate about rising to the challenges our families, communities and society are facing,” adds Kerrison.

“The impact extends far beyond the weekend – their ideas can make a tangible difference and benefit communities here in Auckland and all around the globe.”

Startup Weekend Auckland #SWAKL
18-20 November 2016
Massey University, Albany Campus
Tickets $99/person available at Eventbrite - www.eventbrite.co.nz
Get your ticket to Startup Weekend Auckland Education

Get your ticket to Startup Weekend Auckland Social Enterprise

Connect with Startup Weekend Auckland #SWAKL
Instagram: @swauckland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWAKL/?fref=ts
Twitter: @AKLSW
www.startupweekend.co.nz/auckland

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