On 16 September, 2016 I and other classmate participate on the first day of Startup Weekend. But, what is actually a Startup Weekend? Startup Weekend is a 54-hour weekend event, during which groups of developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing gurus, graphic artists and more pitch ideas for new startup companies, form teams around those ideas, and work to develop a working prototype, demo, or presentation by Sunday evening.
This year the Startup Weekend topic is about education. It was so great to join this incredible events. On the first day just was just an introduction. Participant were all playing ice-breaking game so we all are happy and get to know each other better. On that day we also break into teams just to let out some idea about business and pitch to the judge. They gives us crazy idea such as sunny toilet, pizza cat, sad sandwich etc. So the first pitch need to reflect to those topic. Then at last participant we giving opportunity to do the pitch to everyone about the plan that they come up to change the education in Cambodia. So, some people were talking about building an app, website, games, songs and activities. For me, my idea is to include STEAM activity into our learning curriculum. After everyone pitching their idea, it is time for voting. The judge choose top ten best vote and that idea will be past. Unfortunately, my idea didn’t past but it was a really good experience. That was all about the first day.
On the second day, everyone were divided into teams to plan out the business model (business plan) and going out talking people to find the data. My team name Sna Dai Seavpov Khmer (SSK). For my team we are working on building the apps and website for Cambodia authors who had less opportunity to sell their book to sell it to Cambodia students through bookstore. On the same day I went outside and try to interview local book store to find out what types of book that sell most. I find out that I learn so many things in this event. Many main skills like Collaboration, networking, dot connecting, communication were some skills that I gain from working with teammates and going outside and meet new people.
Last day everyone is still working for almost the whole day again. We need to make the presentation for the judge. So, at about five in evening every team are taking turn to give a presentation about the business to the judge. Then it comes the voting time. Again, unfortunately my team is not in the top three that the judge choose.
It was a fantastic experience for me and I will join this event again next year.