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What’s Going On In The Sri Lankan Startup Ecosystem? (August 2019)

August is here, and so is our list of startup events for the month. This list may not look very long at the moment, but expect to see a few more events appear on this list once we get past the long weekend.

Read on to find out what’s on the cards.

Entrepreneurship Caravan at University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Date: 1 August 2019
URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/449192475920911/

With the Entrepreneurship Caravan, experts in entrepreneurship from around the country will visit cities throughout Sri Lanka with the aim of training local entrepreneurs to think differently about their prospective ventures. These workshops cover innovation and design thinking in particular, thus helping entrepreneurs better identify market requirements, and gain insights into what it takes to sustain in an industry. 

Entrepreneurship for Information Technology Students & Graduates

Date: 2 August 2019
URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/682202718961297/

Starting a new venture is a serious undertaking and requires a great deal of risk and sacrifice.

You may have an idea that can change the world or improve an existing process you are familiar with. Or, you may have found a technological breakthrough and want to capitalize on it (perhaps, by founding a startup). No matter what your aim behind entrepreneurship is, this workshop will provide you with a scientific and practical end-to-end framework to help achieve your goals.

Lean Startup

Date: 9 August 2019
URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/3096328157074790/

While there is a lot to be said about trying something and failing at it, it is always better to minimise the risk of failure.

After all, isn’t it better to fail in the first 3 months than after having put in 3 years of time? The Lean Startup isn’t just about how to create a more successful entrepreneurial business. Rather, it’s more about learning from other people’s mistakes and propelling yourself to greater heights.

Wednesday Webinar

Date: 7 August 2019, 21 August 2019
URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/2147126105336508/

Launched by Venture Frontier Lanka together with OviBees Ventures, Wednesday Webinar is a series of live virtual sessions on useful business skills, entrepreneurship know-how, and venture development content to support entrepreneurs to create and run global businesses. 

Join Anish Wijesinghe, the founder of Motion Miracles, to learn how to use gamification strategies to hack your startup development & growth. Anish is a multi-talented social entrepreneur, musician, and former semi-pro tennis player. Currently, he is the founder of multiple companies based in gamification, interactive media, and education technology. 

Digital Disruption

Date: 16 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/337029020518848/

This forum will cover the most crucial aspects of digitalization and digital economy with the insights of experts who have played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.

Idea Cloud Pitch Competition

Date: 16 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/2125732640876598/

Held on the sidelines of the Digital Disruption Forum, Idea Cloud is a platform where researchers, practitioners, and students are welcome to pitch ideas to help drive digital transformation in Sri Lanka.

Rush Coder v2.0

Date: 17 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/490331761715933/

Rush Coder v2.0 is the second successive chapter of the inner university hackathon series organized by the University of Ruhuna. To be held over 24 hours, this competition will test teamwork, creativity and determination of participating coders. 

That’s all we have for the moment. Do check back regularly for updates!

UPDATE 19.08.2019

How to Start an E-Commerce Business – A Beginner’s Workshop

Date: 20 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/2117008055077641/

If you have been dreaming of starting your own online business, this workshop is for you. Starting your own e-commerce business sounds scary. We get that. But there isn’t a better time to start an e-commerce business in Sri Lanka than now. 

This workshop is NOT for you if you want to start the next Kapruka.com. or Takas.lk. 

But if you want to build an e-commerce business that can be managed by yourself or a small team and still make money, this workshop is for you. This is for anyone who wants to turn their passion into an e-commerce business in Sri Lanka.

Why I Built This with Semal Luthra – Episode Three

Date: 21 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/489030681925214/

“Why I Built This” is a series where Semal Luthra, founder of HomeTree Coworking, interviews the best and the brightest in Sri Lanka’s rapidly growing industries. If you’re a fan of NPR’s “How I Built This” podcast with Guy Raz, you’ll enjoy what this series has in store for you. 

Episode 3 will feature exciting opportunities available for innovation-based startups. This episode will also announce the launch of an amazing platform for startups.

SLINTEC Startup Engine v2.0

Date: 21 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/221105258793583/

SLINTEC Startup Engine will be a unique platform supporting entrepreneurs who are seeking to initiate hard-core science/ engineering-based businesses. They will be supported by way of access to high-end analytical instrumentation, free laboratory/ incubation space and scientific/ engineering support for a specific period.

MEET UP & LINK UP 2 : A Networking Event

Date: 22 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/2334502496765128/

Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner or business professional, this event is the perfect opportunity to get away from your desk, have some good conversations and network with potential business partners, investors, industry professionals and new clients.

The Future Ready Leader

Date: 22 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/874366299604532/

Living in a VUCA world demand a different set of skills in order to survive. This event will teach you how to innovate in a world that is in a constant state of change.

SheLeads – Leadership Workshop by Women Will

Date: 24 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/2376118385809537/

Women Will is a Google initiative that focuses on digital programs for economic empowerment for women across the world. Women with access to economic opportunity disproportionately benefit their families, their communities, their countries. 

Whether via research, access or leadership, Women Will addresses the gaps in information and empowerment to help where women are being excluded. “SheLeads” will focus on leadership skills & other soft skills essential for women entrepreneurs and women in the workplace. This free training is open to all women business owners and women in the workplace. 

HackX 2019

Date: 25 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/350741755812778/

hackX 2019 is the fourth successive chapter of one of the most successful inter-university hackathons. In its latest iteration, hackX will be returning as an innovative startup challenge.

2nd Sampoorna Emerging Business Forum

Date: 28 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/2520038391394677/

The 2nd SAMPOORNA Emerging Business Forum brings together top emerging business CEOs, founders, directors, technology and solution providers to discuss the latest trends and success stories for market expansion.

DisruptHR August Edition – Let’s Talk Corporate eLearning

Date: 29 August 2019
Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/872028766487291/

disruptHR Colombo will feature speakers to share their experiences and answer questions, and provide an opportunity to network and build a sophisticated community of HR professionals in Sri Lanka. The panel discussion, featuring Dino Corera and Imani Perera, will focus on why corporate eLearning is taking center stage in training & development, what corporate eLearning can do to your company, and who should corporate eLearning be applied for.

Cover image credits: tamilculture.com

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