What is a public service?
We think of the public services as a useful service, that can be used by many people in the society. The main aim of the service is not to make money, but solve some kind of a bugging problem. The service could be mash-up of various data sources, improvement of existing public service or totally new web or mobile application.
If you have good ideas for new services, please submit your idea to info@garage48.org or better sign-up for the event and come present your idea on our event. If you get enough team members, you can build the services over the weekend.
Any example services out there?
1) Garage48 Tallinn had a project Prügikast, a service that mapped locations of thousands of different type of trash-bins in Estonia onto the public Google Map. Very useful service, but probably would not make tons of money.
2) Community Tools - free web-based software and tips for creating and managing communities
Who can participate?
Registration is open to anyone. We are looking for front-end developers, back-end developers, mobile developers, designers, marketers, entrepreneurs, project managers, and other people interested in joining or creating a startup project. We might have a light selection of participants by the organizers, in part based on person's ability, interest and willingness to work on a startup, both at the event (and if successful) afterwards!
I don't have my own team? Can I come?
Sure, Garage48 is about networking, meeting new people, hacking, building new services and finding new friends.
After pitching ideas on Friday evening, all participants will choose their favorite idea and form a teams. You will review and talk to your favorite teams, negotiate, brainstorm and finally find a best match for yourself. Then join this team and start building the product.
How are the project ideas selected?
All participants are welcome (although not required) to present their ideas at the event. One person can present several ideas too. You have 90 seconds to present your idea, followed by 60 seconds for questions. So make sure you plan your pitch well. Afterwards, each participant can choose an idea that she wants to work on. Ideas that are able to gather a sufficient team around them will prevail. People who chose the ideas that are not able to gather a big enough team around them will join other teams.
PS. We encourage people to submit their ideas already before the event, which allows other participants to ask questions and contributing to the idea.
If I present an idea at Garage48, can someone steal it?
Of course :) Garage48 has many participants, including journalists, bloggers and tweeters - your idea will not remain a secret. So, if you think you have a top-secret, patentable, Nobel-prize worthy idea, then don't present it at Garage48 ;). On the other hand, if you have an idea that has been sitting at your head for some time, waiting for right time or right people to be put into practice, then Garage48 is a great place and environment for make it happen!
Is 48 hours enough?
Yes and no. 48 hours is more than enough time to take an idea, build a working prototype, alpha or beta and make it publicly available for everybody. (Unless you are building a nuclear reactor, new drug, a spaceship of something similar, of course). However, to make your prototype, alpha or beta into a viable business, much more work after the event is needed. We encourage (and give preference in selection) to those participants, who show an interest and willingness to continue with (successful) ideas after the event!
Is it a startup competition to get funding? Not really. The main idea of the event is to build a community, find new friends and meet people, build something cool in 48 hours. It's not so much about "winning" or getting financing for your project. You might get financing as well, as we have mentors on-site and on-line, but that's not the main goal. It's mostly about a very cool experience of building new services in 48 hours and meet and work with new people whom you probably would not meet otherwise.
How big is an ideal team?
In our experience, best teams have between 4 and 7 members. Each team should be self-sufficient by having all the main roles (business and product vision, design, programming, marketing and business development) covered.
What happens to the developed products and services after the event?
It's up to the teams to decide. Some ideas are very likely to be developed into successful businesses, others struggle to find a business model and fade away. Organizers are encouraging teams to continue developing the ideas and provide mentorship, but ultimately, the success or failure rests solely with the members of the team.
Is Garage48 a continuous 48-hour marathon or can I sleep during the weekend too?
Sleep is for the weak. (Just kidding). While some teams pulled all-nighters at the last event, most successful teams did take time to get a full 7-8 hour sleep, come back in the morning refreshed and were fully productive during the day. (The event venue is closed during the night too, no working (or sleeping) there at night).
What if I have paid for my ticket, but can not come to the event?
We have a policy, that we do not refund tickets. But you are welcome to find a friend to replace you (with the same role you registered). Please notify us by e-mail about such request as we have to prepare badge with your name for every participant.
Do you have any videos about the event?
Yes, please look at the video below from Garage48 Tartu. You can also follow our Youtube channel.
More questions?
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates or write us at info@garage48.org