At the June 2 Disrupt Forum, Morgan Hill’s inaugural “pitchfest” for tech startups seeking investments and industry expertise, attendees can learn about a variety of cutting-edge apps under development that could improve the outdoor sporting experience, make it easier to help the environment and connect people to those looking to advance these endeavors.
For example, Archer Components will pitch an “aftermarket wireless shifting solution” for bicycle riders. Another startup, RoboRod, will present the latest coupling of sport angling with high technology—“the first fully integrated fishing rod with a drone that is guided on the surface of the water to the destination of your choice.”
In yet another example of scheduled pitches that adhere to the event theme of “Innovation Goes Outside,” startup Cruz Foam “transforms shrimp shells into surfboards to shape the future of sustainable surfing.”
These are just some of the pitches lined up to compete for the attention and wallets of investors at the Disrupt Forum, according to investor Danielle Davenport, one of the event organizers. The event will take place at Specialized Bicycle Components headquarters, 15130 Concord Circle, starting at 9 a.m. June 2.
Along with the introduction of new technologies to the South County tech world, another highlight of the Disrupt Forum is “an amazing lineup of speakers,” Davenport said. Keeping with the event theme, speakers will focus on the latest technology in sports, agriculture and renewable energy, and how these fields relate to the “Internet of things,” wearable apps and virtual reality.
“If you care about the environment, and like sports and food, this is for you,” Davenport said.
Twenty investors will be on hand, and organizers plan to make the Disrupt Forum “very engaging” for attendees, Davenport said.
Another goal of the Disrupt Forum is to gauge the interest in expanding opportunities for technological innovation in Morgan Hill. To that end, the Chamber of Commerce has been helping to promote the June 2 pitchfest and Disrupt Forum.
Economic development officials and experts in Morgan Hill have often touted the need for more businesses in town, to offset the cost of residential development. Davenport said by promoting innovation that “touches every part of our lives,” efforts like the Disrupt Forum could help build a “sustainable, recurring revenue model.”
The Disrupt Forum will last from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a full day of presentations, speeches and plenty of networking. Tickets cost $30 per person, and can be purchased at igo.eventbrite.com. For more information, visit the Facebook page titled “Disrupt Forum-Innovation Goes Outside” which is hosted by the Morgan Hill Chamber.
<
The theme of the June 2 Disrupt Forum pitchfest and networking event is “Innovation Goes Outside.” Presentations and pitches will touch on the cross section of high technology with sports, agriculture and the environment, among related topics. The event will take place 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 2 at Specialized Bicycles headquarters, 15130 Concord Circle. Tickets cost $30 each. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit igo.eventbrite.com.
