Build a Startup in 60 Minutes with Melissa Martin

Have an idea you’ve been thinking about, or just curious about entrepreneurship? In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, you’ll go from idea to a first-draft startup concept in just 60 minutes.

Led by entrepreneur and innovation educator Melissa Martin, you’ll work through practical exercises to identify a problem worth solving, define your target customer, craft a value proposition, and map out your next steps.

No business or startup experience required. Bring an idea, a problem you’ve noticed, or simply an open mind.

You’ll leave with:

A first-draft startup concept

A clear problem and target customer

An initial value proposition

Practical next steps and a 30-day roadmap

Come ready to build, test, share, and connect. You don’t need to have a startup—you just need an idea worth exploring.

Built Here. Backed Here.

Calgary Innovation Week is the city-wide moment that brings Calgary’s innovation ecosystem into full view. Across the week, founders, industry, investors, talent and community organizations come together to share what they’re building, make connections, and show the strength of what’s being built here – and backed – here.

By registering for this event, you acknowledge that Platform Calgary (the organization), as well as third-party organizations hosting activities in the shared public spaces of Platform Innovation Centre (the venue), may capture photos, audio, and video recordings. These materials may include your image or likeness and may be used for promotional purposes, including marketing, social media, and other communications by the respective organizations.

Since the event is held in a public space with multiple users, complete exclusion from photography or recording cannot be guaranteed.

Additionally, your name and contact information may be shared with select event sponsors for the purpose of post-event engagement. This is intended to enhance your event experience and provide relevant follow-up from participating partners.

The collection and use of personal information complies with Alberta’s PIPA and Canada’s PIPEDA. For more details on how we handle personal information, please see our Privacy Policy.