Date: January 26 + 27, 2024
Location: Portland Museum of Art + Bowdoin College
Are you an aspiring founder or startup-curious individual? Register here to participate in the Maine Start Summit, presented by the Roux Institute.
The Challenge:
The construction industry is responsible for producing 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, so tackling climate change requires changes to how we design, build and maintain structures. With Maine’s history as pioneers of high-performance buildings, we have an opportunity to lead this charge for retrofitting existing structures and new construction standards.
How might we develop innovative products and services that will significantly lower carbon emissions and/or capture carbon to reduce the environmental impact of our built environment?
You bring the energy to develop big ideas, and we’ll take care of the rest!
The Roux Institute invites you to our upcoming Start Summit — the opportunity to creatively address a local challenge and transform ideas into action.
At this fun and interactive event, you’ll experience what it’s like to build a startup solution in a very short time — all with the support of facilitators and mentors and fueled by good food!
On Friday, you’ll hear from a panel of experts as they frame the challenge at hand, followed by snacks and networking.
On Saturday, over breakfast and lunch, participants will ideate with a randomized team and participate in educational workshops like Design Thinking, Customer Discovery, and Pitching your Value Proposition. The day culminates in a pitch competition with no-strings-attached cash prizes followed by more snacks and networking.
The first place team will win $2,000 and the second place team will win $1,000 to be shared between team members. Winners will also have the opportunity for ongoing entrepreneurial support from the Roux Institute.
No prior experience is necessary to participate. This Start Summit is open to all. Registration is required. Your registration includes summit participation, educational workshops, food + beverage, networking events, and more. We want everyone to have the opportunity to participate, so if registration fees are an issue, please reach out as scholarships are available. Participants who have won prior Start Summits will not receive cash prizes.