Frequent asked questions
Participants in the competition
How do I register for the Cooperathon?
It’s very simple:
What are the rules of the competition?
Rules to Cooperathon 2020 – Canadian Edition will be available soon.
Kick-off vs Competition: what’s the difference?
The kick-off of the Cooperathon will take place on September 30th. This marks the beginning of the innovation marathon. For the 2020 edition, the kickoff will be virtual with multiples parallel tracks, including conferences, panels, workshops and networking.
The Kick-off is the moment when one draws inspiration and networks. For the participants of the competition, it is an essential moment to present your project, meet mentors and join or complete your team. An essential warm-up before the big race!
Which Canadian cities will be hosting the Coopérathon 2020?
Cooperathon 2020 – Canadian Edition will be 100% virtual.
This makes it available in all Canadian territory, coast to coast.
Is it mandatory to attend all workshops?
Although it is recommended that participants attend as many workshops as possible for their own benefit, it is not mandatory. For logistical reasons, we ask you to confirm attendance to workshops on the participants platform, Global.
Who owns the Intellectual Property of the projets?
All the work completed by the teams belongs to the teams. No company, organization or entity other than the registered members of the team can claim any rights over the intellectual property developed at the Cooperathon. All prior intellectual property that Cooperathon participants bring with them or through which they are connected by their employment must be declared to other members of their team and Cooperathon organizers.
At which stage does my project need to be to participate in the Cooperathon?
The Cooperathon is a pre-incubation competition: from an idea to the production of a prototype solution. All projects that fall within this stage of the entrepreneurial project are accepted. Projects must also be in the pre-sales phase, which means they have not processed any sales or registered any customers.
Do I have to work on one of the 10 challenges?
No, you can work on your own.
In the Global Platform, when creating your team, simply select “I work on my own challenge”.
What if I don’t like working in a team. Can I participate alone?
The Cooperathon can only consist of teams of 2 to 7 people. It’s the team spirit that keeps the project moving forward!
Volunteers & Mentors
How can I become a volunteer?
Those wishing to help as volunteers are invited to submit their interest to benevoles@cooperathon.com indicating availabilities for September 30th 2020, the virtual kickoff.
A member of the organizing team will then contact the selected candidates to discuss an eventual role.
Please note that positions are be limited.
How to become a mentor at Cooperathon?
Very easy! Just follow this link and complete the form.
Only seasoned entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs (champion of an innovative business project employed by a company/organization) can be mentors at Cooperathon.
How much time does it take to be a mentor at the Cooperathon and what can I expect?
It will depend on whether you want to be paired with a single team, throughout the Cooperathon, or if you prefer to help different teams during the Saturday work periods.
If you are paired, a first meeting with the team, possibly during the first Saturday work period on, October 3th is expected.
The semi-finals will take place on Sunday, Nov. 1st. Mentors, if available, would be present for moral support for their team (allow 2 hours minimum).
Between these two periods, the meetings will be at the request of the team and according to your availability.
If you prefer helping various teams, your presence will be particularly appreciated by the participants from 1pm to 3pm during work periods that will follow the Saturday workshops.
Workshops and work periods will be held on the following dates:
Saturday, October 3th
Saturday, October 10th
Saturday, October 17th and
Saturday, October 24th
It is not mandatory to attend all work periods but the more you attend, the more you will live the full Cooperathon experience.
How will the matching between teams and mentors be done?
The teams will decide if they want a dedicated mentor or not. They will choose a mentor based on their LinkedIn profile and on their meetings (during the Kick-off and first Saturday) with the mentors.
Mentors are free to accept or decline a team’s invitation.
The mentoring will officially start during the second week of the Cooperathon.
Mentors that are not assigned to a team, will be present from 1pm to 2pm during Saturday activities, when available. They will circulate in the room to answer questions or be at the Mentors’ Den where participants can come see them.
Can mentors attend the Saturday morning workshops?
Yes. Mentors are welcome to all Saturday morning workshops as well as to all Cooperathon events.
Mentors do not need to register for activities. You will be notified about the details.
Is the Cooperathon, and all its activities, free for mentors?
Yes!
How will I receive pertinent information during the Cooperathon?
You will be part of the mentors distribution list and a concierge will be assigned to you.
Need more information?
Contact us: info@cooperathon.com
The Cooperathon in 60 seconds
Whether you have an idea or not, you can participate in the Cooperathon
Let the adventure begin!
Transform your ideas into impactful innovations!
We connect passion and talent, communities and academics. Together we develop a socially responsible future.
“Cooperathon” is a Trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.
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We connect passion and talent, communities and academics. Together we develop a socially responsible future.
“Cooperathon” is a Trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.