EqualSpace, a one-of-a-kind workspace and incubator located in Newark, hosted an exciting lineup of speakers, work sessions, social activations and hands-on startup competitions as part of its annual Newark Tech Week conference.
Held from Oct. 14-18 and with sponsorships and participation from over 30 businesses and organizations, Newark Tech Week was the most comprehensive, free and multi-cultural tech convention in the city.
“This event celebrated the rich diversity of our community by connecting culture, business, and technology. We believe tech shouldn’t exist in a silo; it must be part of our everyday lives,” Citi Medina, organizer of Newark Tech Week and Founder of EqualSpace, said. “By bringing together investors, startups, and diverse voices, we ensure that everyone has a seat at the table and an opportunity to shape the future of tech.”
“Newark Tech Week showcased how our city is paving the way for the next generation of innovators,” Aisha Glover, global head of Urban Innovation at Audible, said. “Audible is thrilled to continue its support of Newark’s entrepreneurs and to foster connection, collaboration, and progress in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
A key activation as part of convention took place on Oct. 15. The inaugural “Newark Demo Day” took center stage at the Newark Museum of Art. Hosted by the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), Lair East Labs, Newark Alliance, and Audible, the event brought together over 150 founders, investors and industry leaders, who all share a passion for propelling the growth of Newark’s burgeoning tech scene.
The afternoon kicked off with opening remarks from New Jersey’s top tech voices, setting the tone for an afternoon of discovery and networking. Nine promising startups had the chance to showcase their company’s innovations to an esteemed panel of judges, including Thomas Villani of NJII, Carlos Cruz of HarbourView Equity, and Chika Ogele from Newark Venture Partners. The startups presented a range of groundbreaking solutions, from medical diagnostics to fintech.
Three standout companies took home top honors for their innovative work: OculoMotor Technologies, accepted by Chang Yaramothu, acting CEO and chief technology officer, for its revolutionary VR-based vision diagnostics; Bckers, accepted by Amos Winbush III, co-founder and CEO, for its platform helping small and medium businesses raise capital directly from their customer base; and Portable Diagnostic Solutions (PDS), accepted by founder and CEO Glennon Simmons, for its next-generation drug testing platform.
Aaron Meyerson, chief innovation economy officer of Newark Alliance added, “As Newark continues to emerge as a hub for technology and innovation, I’m immensely proud of the welcoming startup culture that’s uplifting so many local businesses.”
Newark Demo Day succeeded in not only placing a spotlight on some of the brightest minds in tech, but also in strengthening the region’s reputation as a leading destination for tech innovation and investment.
