Hi Change! Startup Weekend is having their first ever hardware version June 28-30. It should be a great event, and a chance to be part of something that's the first step in a global launch. If you're interested, see below for more details. *And* there's a student discount code. (STUDENT is the secret code, tho they will make you show a valid student id at the door). best, beth ___ Startup Weekend , a non-profit based in Seattle, WA, is a global network of passionate leaders and entrepreneurs on a mission to inspire, educate, and empower individuals, teams and communities. Come share ideas, form teams, and launch startups. All Startup Weekend events follow the same basic model: anyone is welcome to pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from their peers. Teams organically form around the top ideas (as determined by popular vote) and then it’s a 54 hour frenzy of business model creation, coding, designing, and market validation. The weekends culminate with presentations in front of local entrepreneurial leaders with another opportunity for critical feedback. Startup weekend is all about innovation- and Startup weekend Maker’s Edition aims to bring innovation to a whole new level. Typically, teams create software applications. However, with the tools and expertise provided byMakerhaus , for the first time in Seattle teams will be able to design, and prototype actual physical products. Micro-controllers, Laser cutting, 3D printing, metal working, woodworking, the possibilities are endless. In addition to the three usual ticket types of developer, designer, and non-technical, we will be selling a fourth type of ticket- unicorns. Unicorns are people who agree to be trained on the equipment available at Makerhaus. We want to make sure there are enough people familiar with the equipment to be a part of each team. Because this weekend is a little different than the typical start-up weekend, there will be an optional pre-event on June 12th. Participants will be able to meet with coaches, check out the materials and tools available at Makerhaus, and get a feel for the possibilities of physical prototyping. Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur, or product developer, a craftsman, a microprocessor enthusiast, a developer or designer who wants to try their hand at hardware, everyone will be enriched by the experience of turning an idea into a physical reality. Registration is live! http://seattlemaker.eventbrite.com/ Beth Kolko Professor Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering University of Washington Box 352315 Sieg 423 Seattle, WA 98195 206.685.3809 Faculty Associate, Berkman Center for Internet & Society Harvard University