AWESOME StartupWeekend Monterey Bay 2014

This year's StartupWeekend at CSUMB, organized by iiED, was, according the the participants, "AWESOME!"

Over 100 participants, including 70 registered competitors, 12 coaches, 5 judges, volunteers and guests, gathered to pitch 32 business ideas, formed 10 teams and worked over 54 hours from Friday to Sunday. Three winning teams were selected as the top startups:

"Whats in" - mobile APP checks product ingredient for allergen before purchase
"Of course" - assist college students to plan their learning with "what-if" and recommended courses according to their preference and history
"FeedMe" - food exchange on college campus

We are especially excited about

- San Francisco State sent Dr. Matt Levy and Fresno State sent Dr. Eric Liguori, associate director of Lyles Center, to participate and observe the event. Dr. Liguori also brought a student team with him. They both seek collaboration with us for future programs.

- 30 CSUMB students from Computer Science, Business and Communication Design, each registered a one-unit "Startup Experience" were among the competitors. Each of the winning teams have one or more of our students as members. Their performance made us very proud.

- Steinbeck Innovation Center provided substantial prizes, including months of free rent and consulting, to the winning teams. We expect further collaboration between iiED and the Center.

- KION channel 46 featured the event on Saturday night newshttp://www.kionrightnow.com/news/local-news/Start-up-Launch-Weekend/-/23047192/24121076/-/pvdb0nz/-/index.html

MaryJo Zenk, iiED's program manager and Dr. Brad Barbeau, faculty of College of Business and iiED's lead entrepreneurship advisor and Jessica Falkenthal, event facilitator from StartupWeekend spent tens of hours on planning, fund raising, recruiting and organizing the remarkable event, iiED owe the success of the StartupWeekend to them and many coaches and judges.

We'd like to thank all of you for your support to the iiED. We will share with you many of our future events offered by iiED.

Eric Tao - Director of iiED

Final report and discussion with prov

Completed the final report of the planning for the institute. It is not difficult but this is the first time in a long while that I have to generate a large report just by myself with no support staff. Felt relieved but the quality of the report is just adequate because it was rushed.

Met with provost and discuss the future of the institute. She is very supportive and mentioned that she will resolve the two lingering issues: official leadership assignment and basic level of funding. Although it is not a done deal, but I feel confident the campus will provide support to the institute. However, the goals of the institute is rather lofty, I am sure there will be some impacts, but not sure how much. Well, a new challenge.

Update from Eric 04 01 2011

We started the first weekly joint meeting between Monterey County Business Council and the Institute today. The weekly joint meetings will be scheduled every Friday morning 10-11 AM.

iiED/MCBC Office Suites
The office suite renovation is completed. iiED will move in to 209C and 209D (East wing) by the April 15. MCBC will move into 209A and 209B (West wing) after MOU is signed between CSUMB/iiED and MCBC, scheduled by the end of April. An opening reception is planned either first week of May or first week of June.

iiED/MCBC Collaboration

All MCBC personnel should apply for iiED volunteer in order to receive campus OtterID, eligible for parking permit and other campus privileges. As part of the MOU, MCBC staff will support administrative functions of iiED. iiED will support MCBC's activities and connections on campus.

iiED Activities Update
A set of activities are being planned by iiED between June and Aug, 2011
- Start iiED advisory board monthly meetings
- Internet Marketing Internships
- Federal Contract Opportunity Workshop (collaborating with Chamber of Commerce)
- College Town Monterey Bay Symposium
- Select a couple startups to incubate
- Fund raising and grant writing efforts