13th annual MIT Global Startup Workshop

The 13th annual MIT Global Startup Workshop was held in Reykjavik, Iceland in cooperation with Reykjavik University and Innovit Entrepreneurship Center.

This year's theme was "Conquering the Economic Crisis with Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Green Energy"

The annual MIT Global Startup Workshop (GSW) brings together entrepreneurial leaders, financiers, students, professors, government agents and private parties to build a global support network for entrepreneurship. The GSW bridges boundaries across different sectors to stimulate discussion, generate ideas and share best entrepreneurial practices. Since 1998 this non-profit, student run organization has held 12 international workshops, spanning 6 continents and attracted participants from 60 nations.

The research and educational environment at MIT fosters a unique ecosystem that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. A 2009 survey by the Kauffman Foundation reported that the aggregate value of all the companies founded by MIT graduates and faculty would make MIT the 11th largest economy in the world.

The MIT GSW has become a key ambassador for this ecosystem around the globe. Since 1998 they have held 12 international workshops, spanning 6 continents and attracting participants from 60 nations, and built a unique diverse community and dynamic forum.

This year’s conference included inspirational keynote addresses, expert panel discussions,interactive case studies, breakouts, and energy-filled elevator pitch competition.

Keynotes:

• Robin Chase - Founder Zipcar, Time 100 most influential people 2009

• Alf Bjorseth - Founder Renewable Energy Corp, Recipient of Royal Order St Olav

• Nader Darehshori - Investor, former CEO Houghton Mifflin and founder of Cambian Learning

• Ken Morse - Serial Entrepreneur, Founding MD MIT Entrepreneurship Center

Since its founding, the MIT GSW continues to gather global thought-leaders on new venture creation via the business plan competition process. As the competitions in the global network have matured, the workshop has expanded focus to address building sustainable environments for entrepreneurship.

The MIT Global Startup Workshop continues to offer a chance to connect with others from around the world, who share the same passion for entrepreneurship. Beyond the specific tactics suggested in panel discussions, participants report that the dialog and sense of community that stems from the MIT GSW is revitalizing and results in contacts that become a sounding board merely a phone call or an email away.