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Inside the First MassChallenge UnTapped of 2012

Submitted on Wed, 2012-01-11 10:15

Over 100 innovators and entrepreneurs signed up for last night's MassChallenge UnTapped. It was a great way to kick-off 2012 (and free beer was included)!

Many of the attendees came out to learn about MassChallenge, our accelerator program and competition, but I think I speak for the group when I say we learned about a lot of exciting new startups. Everything from  chocolate that's "good for you" (what everyone has been waiting for) to an innovative new tool that will clean out only the bad bacteria from your mouth (after that bar of chocolate).

The session went through everything you need to know about applying for, participating in, and winning MassChallenge. Here are some of the major points he touched on:

  • What is MassChallenge?
  • Why you should apply to MassChallenge?
  • When do applications open? 
  • The results from 2010 and 2011 applications and finalists

 

2011 MassChallenge Alumnus Alain Ferry, Founder and CEO of RaceMenu, fielded questions from the audience about his experience at MassChallenge. The group asked some great questions, but this dialogue was perhaps my favorite:

Q: "What's the one thing you wish MassChallenge provided you, but didn't"
A: "Paper plates and utensils. One of the best things is that MassChallenge is open 24/7/365, but if your team is working here day and night, you need to eat right. We seriously needed some plates and forks!"

Following the Q+A, we held an open networking session for future applicants to mingle with each other and MassChallenge Alumni and staff. Of course, the free beer kept everyone going late through the night.

If you're interested in coming out to another MassChallenge UnTapped or MassChallenge Info Session, don't stress! We have plenty coming up, so head over to our calendar of events and follow us on Twitter for more up to the minute info!

Check back soon for the presentation deck we used at last night's event.