CLEVELAND, Ohio – A new conference aimed at promoting tech, arts and culture is coming to Cleveland in late October.
FutureLAND was announced in a press release issued by its producers on Wednesday morning. It is backed by the City of Cleveland, United Black Fund and Jumpstart Inc., and MCPC, a Cleveland-based IT company.
The event runs from October 27 to 28 and features panels, workshops and fire safety discussions with industry experts. There will be two tech-focused pitch events where participants will compete for over $100,000 in funding.
Its goal is to “transform Cleveland’s innovation and technology ecosystem” by welcoming and supporting people from diverse backgrounds. According to the announcement, while the tech economy is booming, equitable access to capital and opportunities for growth are lagging.
“Cleveland has the power to turn the tide,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. “We are more than a sports city. We have an emerging technology ecosystem led by a group of bright color leaders. We have the talent, benefits, services and passion to make our city a place where tech founders build and entrepreneurs thrive.
Jumpstart will host one of the pitch sessions featuring the five tech founders who are finalists in the PitchCypher competition. First place gets $25,000, second $15,000, third $10,000 and fourth and fifth $2,500.
The Presidents Council will hold a pitch competition for five black-owned businesses. According to a JumpStart spokesperson, they will be drawn to a panel for a chance to win prizes ranging from $1,500 to $25,000.
FutureLAND’s main event will be held at Flats East Bank. More information is available at Futurelandcle.com.
