Information on this page will be frequently updated, so keep checking back for additional details on these events and more. Many Big Ideas events and workshops will be live-streamed from this webpage. Recordings will be made available immediately following each live-stream (see “Past Events” section below).
Tuesday, February 16th, 5:30pm
-7:00pm
The kickoff event will introduce final round teams and their mentors to the full-proposal application requirements and judging criteria. We will also cover best practices for maximizing your mentor-mentee relationship. Edvisorly, joined by their Big Ideas mentor, will share their inspiring startup story and strategies and tips for the final round! (Open to all 2020-2021 Big Ideas Finalists and Mentors) RSVP HERE
February 24th (5:00pm – 6:30pm)
Finalists will receive guidance and feedback about how to effectively craft their full-proposal application and application video. The Big Ideas Team will share proposal examples, discuss best practices, and answer any questions you may have about the final round. Then attendees will have the opportunity to speed-network, share information on their innovation and learn about the other projects in the final round. (Open to all 2020-2021 Big Ideas Finalists and Mentors) RSVP HERE
March 4th (12:00pm- 12:45pm)
How do you build a network? How does an early stage start up gain visibility? Hear from Maria Artunduaga, the Founder and CEO of Respira Labs, about her startup journey and how she leveraged social media, entrepreneurship programs, and outreach channels to expand her networks and expand the visibility of her company. (Open to the public) RSVP HERE
March 8th (5:00pm – 6:30pm)
Join us to learn how you can create the most impactful and effective elevator pitch. In this workshop we will discuss expectations for the pitch video requirement and how you can create the best pitch possible. In the second half of the workshop, we will dive into a working session so you have an opportunity to begin crafting your perfect pitch. (Open to all 2020-2021 Big Ideas Applicants) RSVP HERE
March 11th (5:00pm – 6:00pm)
Now that you have had a chance to work on your pitch, it’s time to put it to the test. Pitch your Big Idea to our network of judges and mentors and gain valuable feedback before the application deadline, April 7th, 1pm. (Open to all 2020-2021 Big Ideas Applicants)
March 16th (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Now that you have your Big Idea, how do you finance it? How do you figure out how much you need? For early stage innovators, this can be a challenge. In the first part of the workshop we will go over the required elements for the budget and discuss examples. In the second half, we will dive into a working session where you begin outlining your budget and can ask questions along the way. (Open to all Big Ideas Finalists and Mentors) RSVP HERE
March 18th (12:00pm- 12:45pm)
If you wanted to transform a research discovery into a social venture, how would you do it? Learn from Dr. Kevin Kung how his social venture, Takachar, combats climate change by transforming massive amounts of waste biomass into marketable products around the world. (Open to the public) RSVP HERE
March 31st (4:00pm – 7:00pm)
Meet one-on-one with expert advisors from the Big Ideas network to discuss your innovative ideas. The experts bring robust technical expertise and will share constructive feedback based on their years of experience advising and coaching startups. The list of experts will be shared in advance and students can sign up for 45 minute advising appointments. This session fills up fast, so look out for an announcement in the Big Ideas Newsletter in mid-March.
April 1st & 2nd, 5 & 6th (all day)
With only a few days left before the final round deadline (April 7th), come and receive last minute advice and help with your pre-proposal. Take advantage of this final opportunity to meet with the Big Ideas staff to fine-tune your full proposal and/or application video. (Open to all Big Ideas Finalists)
April 13th (12:00pm- 12:45pm)
Have you ever been in a class and then become struck by innovation? Siwen Deng and Jessica Schwabach, Co-founders of Sundial Foods, will share how they transformed their class project into a business that is now creating ethically and environmentally friendly plant-based meat alternatives for conscious consumers of all ages. (Open to the public) RSVP HERE
(510) 666-9120
bigideas@berkeley.edu
Blum Center for Developing Economies
The University of California, Berkeley
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