RampUp Weekend 2024

Innovation starts with an idea—your idea.

RampUp Weekend pulls developers, designers, makers, and entrepreneurs together to take an idea to a minimum viable product (MVP) in just over 50 hours.

This event not only offers an opportunity to launch a business but also provides a platform for building deep, meanidevelopers, designers, makers, and entrepreneurs together gful relationships among attendees while learning and taking the first steps toward entrepreneurship in Manitoba.

Did we mention that the top first-place winner can get over $10,000 in prizes?

FRIDAY APRIL 26th:

5:00-10:00 p.m. (Innovation Hub - 100 Innovation Drive - 1st floor *)

1. The 60-second pitch - Attendees pitch their business ideas (tech-enabled, science-based, or advanced manufacturing).
2. The selection - The top ideas are selected and move on to the next stage.
3. Team formations - Teams are formed, and design, development, business, and other roles are assigned.
4. Brainstorming sessions - Initiate building a minimum viable product (MVP) for the rest of the weekend.

SATURDAY APRIL 27th:

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m . (Innovation Hub - 100 Innovation Drive - 1st floor *)

1. Build and plan - business logos, websites, product mock-ups, and prototypes.
2. Questioning period - Mentors move from team to team, asking tough questions and helping teams survive the ‘pivots’ ahead.

SUNDAY APRIL 28th:

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Innovation Hub - 100 Innovation Drive - 1st floor *)

1. The FINAL hours - It’s a race against the clock as teams continue to build their final business pitch.
2. The FINAL PITCH - Teams will pitch their business in 5 minutes and then withstand a questioning period from the judging panel.
3. Award announcements - Teams are awarded:

• First Place: $10,000 +
• Second Place: $5,000 +
• Fan Favourite: $500 +

It’s a fun-filled, adrenaline-producing weekend that has jump-started many local businesses.

* The Innovation Hub will remain open until 10:00 p.m. for teams to work. Teams are free to gather elsewhere and continue working on their ideas. Innovation Hub will be closed to non-participating guests.

Host or Publisher North Forge Technology Exchange