Techstars Startup Weekend Pilsen: My first bigger event

Woah, where do I even start? 😆 This weekend was nothing short of extraordinary as I participated in my first-ever Techstars Startup Weekend in Pilsen. The energy, the creativity, the late-night brainstorming sessions – it was everything I hoped for and more!

The Team That Made It Happen

I had the incredible fortune of working with an amazing team of motivated individuals:

• Denys Dmytrov (app idea owner)
• Štěpán Kapko
• Hana Beránková
• Ondřej Tomášek (Me)

Together, we formed a powerhouse of diverse skills and perspectives, each bringing something unique to the table. And guess what? Our hard work paid off with a well-deserved 3rd place finish! 🥳

RoadHero: Making Roads Safer, One Driver at a Time

Our brainchild, RoadHero, is a mobile app designed to revolutionize driver behavior. The concept is simple yet powerful:

• Problem: Distracted driving and unsafe behavior on the roads
• Solution: A gamified app that rewards safe driving
• Key Features:
  • Real-time driving behavior monitoring
  • Reward system with discounts and products
  • Competitive scoreboard system
  • Focus on reducing mobile phone usage while driving

The Weekend Sprint

The 48-hour sprint was intense but incredibly rewarding. Here's how we tackled the challenge:

Day 1: Ideation and Planning

• Brainstorming sessions
• Market research
• Initial business model development
• Team role assignments

Day 2: Execution and Polish

• Business plan refinement
• Presentation preparation
• Graphics and branding development
• Video production (more on that later!)

The Video Production Challenge

As a hobby filmmaker and photographer, I was particularly excited about creating our promotional video. The challenge? We had just 3 hours before the presentation deadline to film and edit a 40-second spot!

With the help of two amazing cameramen from the event, we pulled off what seemed impossible. The result? A polished, professional video that perfectly captured our app's essence and value proposition.

What Made This Experience Special

1. Team Dynamics - Working with such a motivated and skilled team was inspiring
2. Learning Curve - The rapid pace forced us to learn and adapt quickly
3. Creative Freedom - Having the opportunity to contribute my video production skills
4. Networking - Meeting so many passionate individuals in the startup ecosystem

The Perfect Organization

A huge shoutout to the organizers at SIT Port for:

• Flawless event coordination
• Providing excellent resources and mentorship
• Creating an environment that fostered creativity and collaboration
• Ensuring everything ran smoothly

Why You Should Try It

If you're on the fence about participating in a Startup Weekend, here's why you should take the plunge:

• Learn by doing in a supportive environment
• Meet like-minded individuals
• Test your ideas in a real-world setting
• Gain valuable experience in a short timeframe
• Have fun while building something meaningful

Looking Forward

This experience has not only given me a taste of the startup world but also valuable connections and skills that I'll carry forward. The energy and passion I witnessed this weekend have only strengthened my interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.

To anyone considering participating in a future Techstars Startup Weekend – do it! You won't regret the experience, the learning, or the memories you'll create.

Until next time! 🚀