Entrepreneurs gather for start-up event

Cornwall’s second Techstars Start-up Weekend took place in the Launchpad studio last weekend (16-18 Sept) bringing to life a set of innovative new business ideas.

On the opening night participants pitched 28 ideas with the top seven chosen for development over the weekend where the ideas were taken from concept to creation – testing, prototyping, validating, and culminating in a final pitch night to a panel of judges!

The range of ideas included an immersive AR application that allows you to ‘be there’ for any occasion, a VR gallery experience, a remote worker onboarding platform and a digital hub for student freelancers. The winning team, SpaceforU, led by Launchpad student Lauren Packham, explored the concept of a digital marketplace listing all the co-working spaces in the region.

Lauren said: “It was so amazing to see my idea take first place - this is my third Techstars Weekend so I’m really happy! Huge thanks to my team, who worked so hard over the weekend. It’s an intense environment but you learn so much, and we definitely think this could be a viable business to keeping working on so watch this space!”

The weekend was led by Techstars facilitator Cosmin Pirvu, an innovation and coding expert who came over from Bucharest. Judges included Michael Calver, founder of Launchpad start-up Amutri, Ruth Ross-Macdonald from digital product studio Hiyield and Nicholas Pearson from the University of Exeter at Penryn.

Steve Cox, Head of Launchpad, added: “We’re proud to have brought Techstars to Cornwall, it’s quickly becoming an important part of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“The beauty of these events is in the diversity. We had participants of all ages and backgrounds; first year students and alumni from both Falmouth and Exeter universities, the region’s business community and people who travelled down from out of county. The sharing of ideas, experiences and knowledge is so rich, and I’m sure everyone has taken lots away with them.”

Part of the globally renowned Techstars Startup Weekend movement, the event is designed to support and encourage budding entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, creatives and anyone with new business ideas.