The eighth annual Edmonton Startup Week is days away from kicking off, with more than 50 events scheduled between Oct. 18-22. The five-day event brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, community champions, and those interested in startup culture to learn, discuss, network, and build momentum in the community.
This is the second year the event is happening virtually due to COVID-19. While gathering online is a departure from the usual in-person networking, the head of Startup Edmonton said the goal is to build on last year's success.
"COVID has challenged all of us. It's changed how we live our lives, how we collaborate, network, and innovate. But it's our community — and how we come together — that amazes me," said Christian Tokarski. "We keep going, looking out for one another, collaborating, pivoting, and hustling every day. This year's event is virtual again, but that means we're extending Edmonton's innovators and innovations to viewers from across Alberta and beyond."
Startup Week begins with a treasure hunt of downtown Edmonton to win startup freebies and launch party swag. Follow Startup Edmonton on Twitter and Instagram closer to Oct. 18 for clues and more information.
The popular week-long series of events is going virtual for the second time after its initial shift in 2020. (Supplied)
"We're going to hear stories to inspire us from local companies that are solving global challenges," said Tokarski.
The week also features community events like virtual workshops, panel discussions, and podcast recordings. You can check out the event schedule and decide what you want to attend — including the flagship event, Launch Party 12.
All Startup Week events are free and open to the public, but space is limited for certain events so make sure to RSVP in advance.