Technology entrepreneurs can’t spend all their time alone on their computers, tablets and smart phones.
Sometimes, they might want share and work on ideas together, and experiment on equipment that can turn their dreams into reality.
To that end, a new Coquitlam Innovation Hub is being launched at the City Centre branch of Coquitlam Public Library where people can meet and connect, get guidance and mentorship, fine-tune their ideas on AutoCAD software or build things using 3D Makerbot printers.
TriCelerate, a non-profit organization supporting local entrepreneurs, Coquitlam Public Library and the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce are joint partners in this initiative with an official launch set for Thursday, Oct. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m.
“The idea behind the Innovation Hub is to have a place where entrepreneurs can gather and grow their ideas in a cooperative environment,” co-founder Aly Dhalla said in a press release.
“Having a gathering place where local entrepreneurs can connect with human and technological resources to realize their full potential is fundamental to growing local startups and creating jobs,” added co-founder Jason Carvalho.
The Innovation Hub will also feature entrepreneurs-in-residence, including Dhalla, Carvalho and Coquitlam entrepreneur Lori Crump, who recently started Base Yourself (www.baseyourself.com), an online neighbourhood relocation service.
The event will feature a keynote speech from local entrepreneur Greg Malpass, CEO of Traction. Light food and drink will also be served.
To register, go to www.meetup.com and search for “Tricelerate.”
The City Centre branch of the Coquitlam Public Library is located at 1169 Pinetree Way.
• You can follow TriCelerate, which already has 242 members, at www.tricelerate.ca or look them up on Twitter through @TriCelerate and @COQStartup, or use the hashtags #TriCelerate, #InnovationHub and #TriPreneur.
