Startup Weekend proudly presents its second-ever pilot event focused on fostering innovation & entrepreneurship in the public sector.

In partnership with Code for America, we invite you to join us on June 15-17, 2012, at Microsoft’s Chevy Chase office (on the red line, Friendship Heights metro stop) to solve real-life problems faced by federal and local government agencies, citizens, and businesses or to breathe a new life into existing outdated solutions. Watch how our first e-GOV event went down in Seattle, then read on to see how our event will be even better.

With DCGOV, we’re working with the City of Washington, DC and several agencies of the Federal Government to source dozens of potential ideas and problem areas where you can make an impact. Of course, any and all e-GOV ideas are welcome. Some of the directions which you may be interested in tackling include:

• making government operations more efficient
• simplifying government collaboration
• reducing barriers to access government resources
• facilitating & improving policy-making
• supporting & enhancing civic engagement

The weekend will involve hands-on collaboration with expert mentors, panels on procurement and alternative monetization options in e-government, and more! Final presentations on Sunday will be judged on validation with real-life users, practicality of the prototype, and business model (for revenue-supported products & services) or impact (for grant-supported products and services). We strongly advise considering these criteria when deciding which ideas to pitch and which ones to build during the event. One winning team will earn a spot in the finalist round of Code For America’s Civic Accelerator!

Register today to improve government, learn new skills, explore emerging opportunities in the e-gov space, and launch a startup or product that makes a serious impact in others’ lives!

Why attend Startup Weekend GOV?

Channel your passion: This is one of the first ever Gov2.0 Startup Weekends. Join other innovators and subject matter experts in making history and improving government. Impact issues you care about!

Education: Startup Weekends are all about learning through the act of creating. Don’t just listen to theory, build your own strategy and test it as you go.

Build your network: This isn’t just a happy-hour. Startup Weekend attracts your community’s best makers and do-ers. By spending a weekend working to build scalable companies that solve real-world problems, you will build long-lasting relationships and possibly walk away with a job, a new colleague, or even an investor.

Co-Founder Dating: We all know it’s not just about the idea – it’s about the team. Startup Weekend is hands down the best way to to find someone you can actually launch a startup with.

Learn a new skill: Startup Weekends are all about learning through the act of creating. Don’t just listen to theory, build your own strategy and test it as you go! Step outside of your comfort zone! With a whole weekend dedicated to letting your creative juices flow, Startup Weekends is the prefect opportunity to work on a new platform, learn a new programming language, or just try something different.

Actually launch a business: Over 36% of Startup Weekend startups are still going strong after 3 months. Roughly 80% of participants plan on continuing working with their team or startup after the weekend.

Get face time with thought leaders: Area government, tech and startup leaders participate in Startup Weekends as mentors and judges. Get some one-on-one time with the movers and shakers in your community.

Join a global community: Join over 30,000 Startup Weekend alumni, all on a mission to change the world.