Minority Innovation Weekend adds emerging technologies track, startup showcase

Minority Innovation Weekend is looking to provide resources for people looking to start a business, and those who are looking to learn about how new technology is shaping business and society.
The event, organized by the National Society of Black Engineers – Baltimore Metropolitan Area Chapter, returns for its second year on November 3-4 at the University of Baltimore’s H. Mebane Turner Learning Commons.
“Our goal is to aid minority innovators to launch tech-focused startups, understand the impact of emerging technologies, and showcase tech startups that have a minority founder or cofounder,” said NSBE-BMAC President Derek Westray. The event is open to all, Westray said.
DeShuna Spencer, founder of kweliTV, will give the keynote address. Spencer’s startup offers a streaming service for the African diaspora, as our sister site Technical.ly DC has reported.
This year’s conference has two tracks: startup fundamentals and emerging technologies.
“We have speakers that will discuss the fundamental steps needed to turning an idea into a startup,” Westray said. “This year we’ve also added an emerging technologies track with panels dedicated to technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and virtual reality. ”
On the startup fundamentals track, speakers will offer a guide through the steps of building a business.
“The Startup Fundamentals track now includes topics such as ‘To Pivot or Not,’ ‘Customer Acquisition & Gaining Traction,’ ‘Intellectual Property and Patents,’ and ‘Building A Team,'” said Westray.
Panels will also dig into specific tech areas.
“The Emerging Technology track covers topics such as cybersecurity, augmented reality & virtual reality, blockchain, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. ”
To provide a chance for attendees to interact with founders, the event will also include a showcase featuring 10 companies.
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