A new series of tech-related events are coming to the Bronx next week, which organizers are calling Bronx Tech Week.
The program, which runs from May 15-20, will include two panels, a pitch competition and a hackathon for high school students.
George Nunez and Daniel Nicholson from the Bronx want to make technology accessible to Bronxites. Nunez, a product manager, and Nicholson, a startup attorney, were the masterminds behind last year’s borough-wide TEDx event.
“We believe Bronx Tech Week is a catalyst for positive change, attracting investment and creating job opportunities in the Bronx, ultimately driving economic development and transforming the area into a vibrant tech hub,” organizers told the Bronx Times.
The program’s goal is to empower tech enthusiasts and local entrepreneurs through access to professional development, education and networking, with a focus on “fixing the gaps in the broken Bronx tech ecosystem,” Nunez said.
The week-long celebration of technology and innovation aims to bring together tech leaders, entrepreneurs, minority- and women-owned businesses and investors to learn, collaborate and connect, Nunez said.
As artificial intelligence grows in popularity, Nunez and Nicholson foresee a “digital revolution” coming, and they don’t want Bronxites to be left behind.
“We’re both from the Bronx, so we knew it was time,” the organizers said. “The Bronx is missing so much, and we want to be at the forefront of the tech revolution in our borough before it’s too late.”
While the intended audience for these events is Bronx high school seniors, college students and working professionals, the partners plan to hold events for children and seniors in the future, Nunez told The Bronx Times. He said the free events are made possible through in-kind donations.
Here’s what Bronx Tech Week has in store:
Careers in Tech: Monday, May 15, 5:30pm – 8:30pm at Sankofa House, 2422 3rd Ave.
The participating entrepreneurs will discuss the different paths that entrepreneurs have taken successfully to start and grow their businesses. The speakers will discuss their strategies for creating the operational and financial foundations for achieving profitability.
Register here.
Business idea to start: Thursday, May 18, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, at Sankofa House, 2422 3rd Ave.
Startup founders and venture capitalists discuss raising capital and ways entrepreneurs can seek financing.
Register here.
Bronx Inventors Pitch Competition: Friday, May 19, 5:30pm – 8:30pm, at KD New York, 1215 Spofford Ave.
All Bronx residents are welcome to participate in the pitch competition. In the competition, aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their projects to a panel of judges, get feedback on how to take their ideas further, and compete to win.
Register here.
Youth Hackathon for High School Students: Saturday, May 20, 10am – 3pm at Knowledge House, 363 Rider Ave., 3rd Floor.
This event allows high school students to collaborate and develop solutions to real-world problems. Young innovators will have the opportunity to work with industry experts at this event, with workshops, mentors and resources to help them develop projects. Five teams compete for one prize. Register here.
Contact for more information [email protected] Or visit bronxtechweek.io.