Entrepreneurs from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border will work on developing tech solutions at a startup event in Tucson this weekend.
The Latinx in Tech Startup Weekend is an opportunity for entrepreneurs from Arizona and Sonora to come together to network and test out new business ideas, organizers said.
Latinx focused startup weekends are being held in 10 cities across the country June 14-16. But the Tucson event is unique in its binational approach.
“The main benefit is that you can find other types of innovation, new ideas, fresh ideas,” said Hermosillo-based organizer Omar Gutierrez. “You meet new people who have different experiences than you do, and that helps you develop your ideas and your interactions with other people.”
Gutierrez said bringing together people from Arizona and Sonora creates diversity that drives innovation and new solutions to problems that affect communities on both sides of the border.
About 100 people, including 20 from Sonora, are expected to attend the three-day, 54-hour event. They’ll pitch ideas, vote on the most interesting pitches and then form teams with diverse skills, Gutierrez said.
Each team will create a prototype of their idea and get feedback from other entrepreneurs before presenting to judges on Sunday evening.
It’s the third binational startup weekend in Arizona and Sonora and the second Latinx in Tech event, organizers said.
Tickets are $12 and include participation in the startup weekend and seven meals. They are available until the event starts Friday evening.