Derby Diversity Week is seeking applicants for the second edition of its Ideathon.
Billed as “a competition focused on promoting diversity in entrepreneurship and technology,” Ideathon is seeking out entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups that are central to Derby Diversity Week — namely women, racial minorities, people in the LGBTQ+ community, veterans and those living with disabilities.
Founded by Tawana Bain, Ideathon consists of a series of presentations made by founders who have innovative business concepts that mainly focus on — but are not limited to — technology, communication, healthcare, hospitality, beverage and spirits, and sports and entertainment.
Those who wish to submit an application can do so here. Applications are due on Wednesday, March 15, by 11:59 p.m.
Participants must be available to present during the week of May 1-6. Exact times have not been determined, but the tentatively scheduled time is to have the first round on May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the semifinals from 6-8 p.m. The finals will be held in the fall for the three finalists who are named.
Entrants will be competing for $50,000 in funding. Last year's grand prize of $25,000 was after the finalists presented on Oct. 18 at the Kentucky International Convention Center.
Last year’s Ideathon winners, KidVestors — which is building financial education curriculum software for underrepresented students in grades K-12 — went onto be named one of our 2023 Startups To Watch, as well as the recipients of several other accolades including a $20,000 grant as the winners of a the Girls in Tech Startup Challenge, and $50,000 grant after being named under the “Future of Finance” category as one of its Industry Award Leaders a the 2023 MassChallenge Resolve Awards.
KidVestors is also taking part this spring in the Talent x Opportunity cohort of Andreesen Horowitz, a venture capital firm. The startup is planning on releasing its minimal viable product (MVP) in May, as it prepares to do a demo day of the MVP in Los Angeles in June.
