PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2025
Website: www.startupweekworcester.com
WORCESTER –The Heart of the Commonwealth will take center stage as a rising hub for innovation and entrepreneurship this April with the launch of StartUp Week Worcester, presented by M&T Bank and hosted by Auxilium and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. This multi-day event aims to showcase some of the city’s most innovative organizations and to inspire, educate, and connect founders, business leaders, investors and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Taking place April 8-10, 2025, StartUp Week Worcester will feature multiple events including an Innovation Crawl and the Venture Forum’s WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown on April 8, as well as educational panels on April 9th and 10th. The week will bring together key stakeholders and visionaries to experience the City’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The Innovation Crawl will kick off the week of festivities with a guided tour of Worcester’s leading innovation spaces, including Polar Beverages, WPI Innovation Center, Multiscale Systems, Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), and Cogmedix – the medical device division of Coghlin Companies. This immersive experience will give participants an up-close look at Worcester’s thriving innovation ecosystem, highlighting its energy, collaboration, and rapid growth.
At the conclusion of the Crawl, guests can attend the WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown, a pitch competition, where student entrepreneurs from local colleges will present their business ventures to a panel of investors, aiming to secure real-time funding and mentorship.
On April 9 and 10, a series of complimentary panels will cover essential topics for entrepreneurs, including:
· Leveraging Local Resources: Growing Your Start-Up in Worcester
· Crafting Your Startup Story: Building a Brand That Connects
· Legal Basics for Startups: What Every Founder Should Know
· Building a Successful Leadership Team
· Demystifying AI: Addressing Fears and Unpacking the Reality of Artificial Intelligence
· Show Me the Money: Funding Options for First-Time Founders
“Auxilium is pleased to partner with the Chamber to launch the first StartUp Week Worcester,” said Zak Dutton, executive director of Auxilium. “This will set the groundwork for what will become an annual tradition, highlighting Worcester’s past, present, and future as an entrepreneurial hub. This week is about celebrating what already exists and creating pathways for even more founders to succeed right here in Central Mass.”
“Worcester has a rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Tim Murray, president of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to showcasing that legacy while welcoming those eager to learn more about the region and considering Worcester as a possible place to launch and grow their business.”
StartUp Week Worcester is proudly hosted by Auxilium and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and is made possible through the support of local partners committed to fostering entrepreneurship in Worcester, including M&T Bank, Wilmington Trust, Verdantas Flow Labs, Silicon Valley Bank, Bowditch Attorneys, and the Worcester Business Journal.
For more information, including event registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit startupweekworcester.com or contact [email protected].
About Auxilium Worcester:
Launching in June 2025, Auxilium is a startup accelerator and innovation studio based in Worcester, backed by Rucker Investments. Auxilium is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Through strategic mentorship, funding opportunities, and an expansive network, Auxilium empowers startups to scale and succeed. Auxilium aims to position Worcester as a central hub for innovation and business growth by fostering a collaborative environment where founders can thrive. Application for the June 2025 class is live.
About the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce:
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce is the largest chamber in New England, representing more than 2,100 businesses across industries and sizes. The Chamber is dedicated to fostering economic development, advocating for pro-business policies, and providing valuable resources to support businesses in the region. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives like StartUp Week Worcester, the Chamber works to make Worcester a leading destination for entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors.