Boston's Idea Week launches today at MassChallenge

“Ideas and innovation are at the core of Boston’s identity, and supporting the work of entrepreneurs across our neighborhoods is crucial to our city’s economy,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “I am pleased to be partnering with the public and private sector to celebrate Boston Idea Week – a program designed to shine a spotlight on the city’s vibrant idea economy, and celebrate influencers of change.”

BIW serves as an umbrella platform to showcase Boston as a hub of innovation and creativity through eight days of collaborative idea sharing, exhibitions, and happenings across the city. Through its vast partner network, BIW encourages idea makers to experiment with new ways of approaching the everyday routine. From unique interactive public exhibitions to innovation symposiums, a pop-up idea lab in a transit station to the grand opening of the expanded headquarters for the world’s largest accelerator, BIW will showcase the city’s robust entrepreneurial economy.

“At MassDOT and the MBTA, we are wholly rethinking how we deliver transportation services to the people of Massachusetts,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. “Transportation isn’t just about moving goods and people – it’s about creating environments that foster economic growth and opportunity, provide residents with a lifeline to critical services and improve the quality of life for all those who call Massachusetts home. Idea Week gives us a platform to showcase the many ways in which we are changing the face of public transportation.”

Invested partners involved with BIW share a common desire to further regional growth and development.

“One of the driving forces of our regional economy is our relentless innovation sector and access to an incredible talent base through our world-class colleges and universities,” said Paul Guzzi, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.  “We are excited once again to sponsor Boston Idea Week, a unique partnership between the public and private sectors, which celebrates the success of our innovation economy and fosters closer connections among the entrepreneurs, students, and businesses who are active in this critical area.”

BIW was made possible by a dedicated group of partners including Above Summit, The City of Boston, CO Everywhere, Careinnovators, Central Wharf CO., Design Museum Boston, Granary Tavern, Gilbane Building Company, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Fundraise.com, Future Boston Alliance, IdeaPaint, MassChallenge, Party by Design, MassDOT, MBTA, MMB, OAI Advisors, ONEin3 Boston. Technology Underwriting Greater Good  (TUGG), Samuel Adams, Wayfair & many more.

Below is a snap shot of Boston Idea Week programming.

Idea Week Kick Off: MassChallenge Ribbon Cutting: Wednesday, June 11, 2014 | 9:30am | Innovation & Design Building

Don’t miss the kick off to Boston Idea Week at MassChallenge. Join John Barros, Chief of Economic Development for the City of Boston, and Paul Grogan, President & CEO of The Boston Foundation, to welcome the world’s largest startup accelerator to their new headquarters. Keys to the accelerator’s new office will be delivered via drone thanks to Idea Week partner, Above Summit.

BostInno’s State of Innovation Forum Thursday, June 12, 12:00pm | Westin Waterfront

Join 1,500 business leaders and professionals for an afternoon of high-profile main stage speakers, cutting-edge panel discussions, invigorating breakout sessions and incredible networking at BostInno’s second annual State of Innovation Forum. Hear from the region’s influencers including: Governor Deval Patrick, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh,  Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey, and many more.

Boston TechJam Thursday, June 12, 2:00pm to 9:00pm | City Hall Plaza

Boston TechJam is a showcase and accelerator for new ideas and world-class innovations coming out of the Boston region. The event brings together early stage companies, entrepreneurs, students, established enterprises, venture capitalists, and artists to celebrate the region’s technology, entrepreneurship and culture. Equal parts idea exchange and celebration, Boston TechJam is an unconventional meeting ground for local innovators, visionaries and up-and-comers.

The Idea Bus from Wayfair.com and the MBTA Thursday, June 12th through Sunday, June 15th | South Station

Wayfair.com and the MBTA take riders home for Boston Idea Week. Riders can pick up the IdeaBus at South Station.

“Will the Biotech Bubble Burst?” Wednesday, June 18 | District Hall

Given the continued upswing of biotech valuation and stocks, many debate whether or not this “biotech bubble” will eventually burst. Join presenters for an engaging panel featuring three industry experts, as they share their points of view on the future of biotechnology. 

 The Idea Lab Brought to You by Gilbane New England Tuesday, June 17, through Thursday, June19 | Courthouse MBTA Station

Since well before 1776, Boston has been a breeding ground for revolutionary ideas. A revolutionary city must pioneer new concepts, not confirm to status quo. A signature component of Boston Idea Week 2014 will be ‘The Idea Lab.’ This three-day pop-up idea sharing space will replace the traditional conference space with its unique placement and location.

Post Hack Pitch Fest Thursday, June 19, 6:00 to 9:00pm | TBD

Hackathons like Healthcare’s Grand Hackfest bring talented people together to solve real-world problems in healthcare. But after the hackathon, these nascent teams often struggle to get to the next step, whether it’s to keep the team focused, secure pilots with industry customers, or get early investments. The event is designed to give hackathon teams an opportunity to make progress on their business before pitching again to industry leaders, investors, and customers.