Newark Tech Week, a five-day event created by =Space (Equal Space) that will offer a host of robust programming supporting Newark’s thriving tech community, begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday with a kickoff event at the Jewel Box in the Gateway Center.
=Space founder Citi Medina said the event’s mission is to fuel Newark’s innovation economy and provide a dynamic platform for startup tech enthusiasts and creative entrepreneurs. Medina said he intends to make Newark Tech Week an annual event.
Sponsors for the event include the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Invest Newark, Audible, the Fidelco Group and Onyx Equities.
Medina said =Space, a Black-, Latine- and queer-owned coworking space that caters to tech companies and leaders in Newark, is dedicated to highlighting key changemakers in Newark’s civic, entrepreneurial and corporate arenas.
“=Space has been at the forefront of building a vibrant and diverse community within Newark and beyond,” Medina said. “We are so excited to continue to partner with these innovative partners to support, develop and connect the city’s top talent as they continue to be a shining example of the resilience and tenacity this city holds so near.”
Highlights of the program include:
- Monday (5:30 p.m.): The Newark Tech Summit
- Monday (8 p.m.): Audible Tech Mixer
- Tuesday (6:30 p.m.): Content Creators Mixers: Tapping into the Power of AI (hosted by ABF Creative and the Podcasters of NJ meetup)
- Wednesday (noon): Technology: Leading by Change
- Wednesday (5:30 p.m.): Technology: Leading Through Volatility (hosted by Newark Alliance)
- Thursday (7 p.m.): VC Hot Seat
- Thursday (9 p.m.): BrownMill Game Night
- Friday (4 p.m.): HAX-A-THON
Tim Sullivan, the CEO of the NJEDA, said the event matches the mission of the EDA.
“The NJEDA has taken the lead in providing support to emerging technology companies with the resources and capital they need to succeed,” he said. “Newark Tech Week highlights the vast suite of programs available to business owners and provides numerous opportunities for networking and dialogue, helping to ensure the vitality of this sector for years to come.”
Aisha Glover, head of urban innovation at Audible, agreed.
“Audible is proud to call Newark home, and we’re committed to thoughtfully growing the city’s innovation sector,” she said. “Through our business attraction efforts, we are thrilled to collaborate with these emerging and established startups that will continue enhancing Newark’s vibrant culture and economy for years to come.”
Marcus Randolph, CEO of Invest Newark, said the event represents all that Newark is — and wants to be.
“With innovative tech firms, training providers, coworking, universities, accelerators and venture capital, Newark is establishing itself as a prominent and diverse tech hub,” he said. “That’s why we are honored to be a partner in bringing Newark Tech Week to fruition. Tech Week brings together visionary individuals who are not only innovating in their business, but are also leveraging tech’s potential to help make our city stronger.”
