Digital Inclusion Week 2024: October 4-11
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In 2023, MCA developed Maine’s first Digital Equity Plan alongside Maine nonprofits, state agencies, Wabanaki Nations, communities, and individuals. Digital Inclusion Week (Oct. 4-11, 2024) is a time to bring awareness to the importance of digital inclusion, to recognize the work of Maine’s ecosystem of partners, and to draw additional partners, resources, and skills in order to achieve our goals.
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Digital Inclusion Week is an annual week organized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and its 1,800+ affiliates nationwide.
Nominate a Digital Inclusion Star
Recognize someone who has helped make a difference in support of digital inclusion in Maine. This can be through their professional work or in their personal lives. We will be following up with nominees to recognize them, and highlight their work in a social media post during Digital Inclusion Week.
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Start Summit: Innovating to Protect Older Adults from Online Fraud
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This year, MCA will kick off Digital Inclusion Week in Maine with an event where you can help design a solution to fight online fraud.
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While new technology has opened up avenues for communication, learning, and entertainment, it has also given rise to a serious problem — online fraud. Older adults, in particular, are often targeted by predators seeking to exploit their trust and lack of familiarity with the digital landscape.
How might we develop a solution to protect older adults from online fraud?
The Roux Institute, in partnership with Maine Connectivity Authority, AARP Maine, the University of Maine Center on Aging, and Foster Center for Innovation, invites you to our upcoming Start Summit — the opportunity to creatively address this challenge and transform ideas into action.
At this fun and interactive event, you’ll experience what it’s like to build a startup solution in a very short time — all with the support of facilitators and mentors and fueled by good food!
On Friday, you'll hear from a panel of business and cybersecurity experts on the topic of the challenge and opportunity of protecting older adults from online fraud. On Saturday, participants will develop an innovative idea with a randomized team and participate in educational entrepreneurship workshops. The day culminates in a pitch competition with cash prizes followed by more snacks and networking.
Members of the first place team will receive $500 each, and members of the second place team will receive $200 each. Winners will also have the opportunity for ongoing entrepreneurial support from the Roux Institute as-needed.
No prior experience is necessary to participate. This Start Summit is open to all. Registration is required. Registration includes summit participation, educational workshops, food + beverage, networking events, and more. Note: Participants who have won prior Start Summits will not receive cash prizes.
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Location: University of Maine, Wells Conference Center (131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469)
Date & Time: Friday October 4 (5:00 - 7:00 PM) - Saturday, October 5 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
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Questions? Please contact Jessica Perez at jperez@maineconnectivity.org or 207-200-4753.
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Registration is Open
Follow the link to view the full agenda and register:
