Ramp Up: Fresh Ideas is quickly approaching but this year, things are a little different.

Yes, we are still bringing together developers, designers, makers and entrepreneurs together to build a minimum viable product.

Yes, they still have 55 hours to do so.

Yes, it’s still held over a weekend in spring – March 29 – 31 to be exact.

Yes, there will still be amazing prizes.

So what’s different? This year, we’re putting an emphasis on Clean Tech innovations.

Clean Tech includes products or services that.

• Reduce the use of energy, materials or water consumption
• Explore different energy sources or ways to distribute energy
• Make natural resource extraction more environmentally friendly/minimize the impact
• Focus on reducing water and pollution

This year’s theme was suggested as a way to encourage ideas that are sustainable, renewable and aim to reduce the impact on our planet. “Ramp Up Weekends have always been open to business ideas of all kinds,” says Emelia Nyarku, Events Manager for North Forge, “but clean technologies can offer solutions that are not only good for business but can also have a big impact on the environment and how we protect it. We want to hear business ideas that can change the world and so we’ve added the extra challenge of thinking in terms of clean technology.”

Not only is the theme brand new for Ramp Up but the venue has also changed, the event is set to take place at The Commons, Maples Met School which has left Ramp Up committee excited for what’s to come. “With the rapid advancement in Clean Tech, it will be interesting to see the ideas that come out to improve the world,” says Ramp Up committee member, Jesse Marr.

“There are some very creative and unconventional business ideas that come out of Ramp Up weekends,” adds Emelia Nyarku, “and I’m excited to see more of these turn into established businesses. We’re also fortunate to have a larger venue, which will give teams plenty of space to work through the weekend and provide a great backdrop for the Sunday pitch finale.”

Organizers for the event are quick to remind people that although Clean Tech is the theme of the event, all ideas are welcome.

You don’t have to be part of a team to participate in Ramp Up: Fresh Ideas, free tickets are available for the final pitch on Sunday where spectators can experience the passion, excitement and drama first-hand.

Ramp Up Weekend is always a highlight for the innovation community in Winnipeg and whether you have an idea or plan on watching the final pitches – this is an event that is not to be missed!