Tickets & Events

Social Justice Innovation

February 17th- 20th
Repair The World
6022 Broad Street  :: Map

Social Justice Innovation

The Social Innovation Challenge will take place over the President’s Day Weekend, Feb 17-20. The structure is simple: anyone can submit an idea under the umbrella of Art Innovation, Faith-based Innovation, or Innovation through Technology, teams will be formed and will work for 2 days developing a product and a pitch with a corps of Mentors. Friday will be a Dine and Discuss at the Repair the World Workshop with food from the Muslim Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Saturday will be the Launch and Team Assignments at the Repair the World Workshop, followed by a full day of work at Alpha Lab, Alpha Lab Gear, and the Repair the World Workshop, Sunday is another day of work and pitch perfection, and Monday evening is the final presentations at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. All are welcome and encouraged to participate!

 

Full Weekend Schedule

  • Friday, February 17, 2017: Social Justice Innovation Kick-off dinner with Mayor Bill Peduto and Councilman Dan Gilman, 6:00pm-9:00pm, Repair the World Workshop (6022 Broad Street, Pittsburgh 15206).

  • Saturday, February 18, 2017: Social Justice Innovation Weekend launch and team assignments, 8:00am-10:00pm, Repair the World Workshop (6022 Broad Street, Pittsburgh 15206).

  • Sunday, February 19, 2017: Full and final day of work and pitch perfecting, 8:00am-10:00pm, Repair the World Workshop (6022 Broad Street, Pittsburgh 15206).

  • Monday, February 20, 2017: Final innovation presentations and awards, 7:00pm-9:00pm, The Kelly Strayhorn Theater (5941 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206).

Organizers:

REPAIR THE WORLD • KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER • FYGMENT • ALPHALAB GEAR • ASCENDER • WORK HARD PGH • INNOVATION WORKS • ALPHALAB • MUSLIM CENTER OF GREATER PGH • JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER PGH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL •

Sponsors:

FORBES FUND • CHERIN LAW OFFICES •

FAQS

Is this event for me?:

If you are interested in entrepreneurship the answer is most likely yes. Attendee backgrounds are roughly 50% technical (developers, coders, designers) and 50% business (marketing, finance, law). Whether you are a serial entrepreneur or new to the startup scene, if you motivated to build a product or startup and open to new ideas you’ll fit right in.

Do I have to participate all four days?:

Apart from Organizers, selected Mentors, Speakers, and press, everyone who attends the event is expected to participate all four days. This is important not only to preserve the ‘vibe’ of the weekend (“no talk, all action”) but also to minimize distractions/disruptions for working teams.

Can I pay at the door?:

Organizers need to order the food and supplies in advance to meet the needs of the weekend. If you live in a city where online payment is extremely difficult, there may be an exception. If you are physically unable to pay online, reach out to the local organizers to arrange payment.

Do I need a team?:

Everyone who attends the event as an attendee is expected to participate on a team. This is important not only to preserve the mission (teamwork!) but also to minimize distractions/disruptions for all working teams.

What ticket type should I purchase to pitch an idea?:

Pitching is open to every attendee! We recommend you purchse the ticket that best represents your skill set.

What are the accommodations for the event?:

Attendees are responsible for booking their own transportation and lodging (if needed). If you are traveling and unfamilar with the location, reach out to the local organizing team to ask for nearby recommendations.

Do I have to pitch an idea to attend?:

No, but we encourage you to! You can pitch an idea you’ve been thinking about for years, or something last minute you think of during the event. It’s a great experience and invaluable practice for public speaking.

Where can I find a schedule for the event?:

Each event has their schedule posted on the local event site.

What should I bring?:

  • Laptop
  • Power cord
  • Business cards
  • Camera – take pictures and video!
  • Optional: A second monitor, keyboard, etc…. set yourself up to be productive!
  • Lots of creative energy!


How do I prepare?

 

  • Do some research. Market research and background information will give you a better understanding of the probelm your trying to solve.
  • Practice your pitch. You’ll have 90 seconds to persuade other attendees to join your team. Make it clear, concise, and convincing!
  • Get some rest.
  • Bring a friend! Events are better with good company.
  • What is the refund policy?
  • The short answer is we do not refund tickets the week before the event, so that organizers can order and plan for food and supplies.


Can pre-existing teams participate?

Pre-existing teams are welcome to participate, but must be open to adding new members, and must present a novel idea. In other words, if you’re incorporated, have a prototype, or even have a website up, you’re probably too far along to compete with that idea.

Feel free to reach out to max.hill@werepair.org with any additional questions you may have