Social Entrepreneurs Compete at TechCrunch50
Today, fifty promising start-ups, hoards of venture capitalists, leading technology firms, and lots of movers and shakers in the technology industry are convening in San Francisco for the third annual TechCrunch 50 Awards.
The conference allows hand-selected, early-stage start-ups to showcase their products in front of a receptive audience. However, unlike most conferences with which TechCrunch50 competes, the companies are not charged a fee to attend. This very factor can make a huge difference for an early-stage start-up, still clinging to any funds it has.
What makes this year's TechCrunch50 especially exciting, though, is the number of start-ups that have a social entrepreneurship focus. A couple of companies of interest include:
ClaseMovil, out of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This company's goal is to "empower elementary school students all over the world to face the challenge of competing in an ever expanding global economy." It achieves this through a number of web-based activities, where the underlying goal is helping students master specific skills and competencies they will need later in life. In addition to the educational aspect, there are collaborative tools to allow for social interaction while the learning takes place.
HealthyWage is an American based start-up that seeks to "use incentives and goals, technology, and personal health and wellness records to empower you to live a healthier life." Its technology begins with a "healthy checkup," and setting goals, and allows you to track your progress online, receiving customized tips and tasks based on your profile and goals. It's also partnering with corporations to encourage them to reward its workers for living healthier lifestyles.
How will the social entrepreneurs' projects do compared with the other startups? Check in with TechCrunch50 on Wednesday to see the winners and learn more about all of the companies involved.
This post was contributed by Alex Budak, who is a recent graduate of UCLA, and is currently enrolled in graduate school at Georgetown University studying Public Policy, with a focus on technology and social entrepreneurship. After spending the summer in India, he is excited to be working with Ashoka Tech this Fall.
