The Getting Real Competition is a high pressure race to develop web-based software and launch an online startup. Competitors are asked to work in teams and go from an idea to online startup in two weeks. A series of hack days are scheduled at the okcCoCo where teams will be provided space, drinks and food to fuel progress. The startups will launch at OpenBeta 4, March 25th, 2010 and will be asked to give a technology demonstration and a 10 minute pitch to a panel of expert judges made up of experienced entrepreneurs, investors and technologists. The winner of the competition will take home cash and business services towards supporting a public launch.

Want to compete? Register online! It's free!

Getting Real is a software development methodology and online startup philosophy developed by 37 Signals. It is all about a better way to build successful software application by focusing on small and fast -- smaller applications, with fewer features, built by small teams in an agile environment using iterative development cycles guided by user feedback.

Some of the key tenants of Getting Real include:

• Less Software - Keep your code as simple as possible
• Scale Later - You don't have a scaling problem yet
• Race to Running Software - Get something real up and running quickly
• Test in the Wild - Test your app via real world usage
• Build Less - Underdo your competition
• Fund Yourself - Outside money is plan B
• Lower Your Cost of Change - Stay flexible by reducing obstacles to change

These and many others are detailed in the must read book Getting Real produced by 37 Signals.

Schedule

DevCamp I, 9am - 5pm, Saturday, March 13th

DevCamp II, 6pm - 2am, Wednesday, March 17th

DevCamp III, 9am - 5pm, Saturday, March 20th

DevCamp IV - 6pm - 2am, Monday, March 22th

OpenBeta - 6pm - 12pm, Thursday, March 25th

Competition Prizes

• Interview on the Web 2.0 Show
• Incorporation of the startup, provided by Brown and Roberts
• Online promotion and traffic services provided by Revnetics
• 6 months of Coworking Membership at the okcCoCo
• Business tax consulting and training services, provided by Cole and Reed
• Commercialization funding assistance services, provided by i2E
• Plus $1000 in funds applicable toward startup costs

Competition Judging Criteria

• Innovation
• Prototype Development
• Business Plan Development
• Size and Diversity of Founding Team
• Market and Business Opportunity

Panel of Expert Judges

Competition Rules

• Only online startups that produce a web-based application qualify
• Only startup ideas that have not been developed prior to March 1, 2010 are acceptable. Work initiated at Startup Weekend OKC, 2010 is acceptable.
• Startup must be incorporated and funds expended within three months of the competition or the award is forfeit.
• Expendature of funds are subject to review and approval for appropriateness.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Q) Why did you create the Getting Real Competition?
(A) To get people to start online businesses.
(Q) Can you really come up with a company in 2 weeks?
(A) Yes!
(Q) What if I can't attend all of the days?
(A) The only event you must attend is the first DevCamp, Saturday, March 13th
(Q) What if I have a full-time job and can't dedicate all my time to a startup?
(A) Don't worry, you don't have to dedicate all your time to a start-up, just some. Many people launch startup in their free time while holding down a full time job.
(Q) What if I don't have an idea for an online startup?
(A) No problem. Come to the Launch event and we'll cnnect you with someone who does have one.
(Q) What if I don't know anyone?
(A) You'll have plenty of chances to meet lots of other people.
(Q) What if I already have partners, can we work together?
(A) Yes. Absolutely. All of you should attend the Launch Event.
(Q) What if I already have an idea for an online startup?
(A) Great. Bring it, tell people, and convince them to help out.
(Q) What if I don't like the idea my team comes up with?
(A) Don't worry. You can walk away at any time. There is no commitment to follow through and start a company.
(Q) Who will/should be participating?
(A) Anyone interested in getting a taste of what it means to do an online startup including web designers, software developers, entrepreneurs, sales and marketing experts, SEO experts.
(Q) What if I've already launched a startup?
(A) Sorry, it's not qualified for the competition.
(Q) What if my idea isn't for an online business?
(A) Sorry, it's not qualified for the competition.
(Q) Can I just submit my proposal without coming to the competition?
(A) No. Attendance at the launch event is required.
(Q) Does it cost anything to compete?
(A) Only your time.
(Q) Who owns the ideas that are discussed or presented at the competition?
(A) You and your partners own everything you create. The details are up to you to settle, just like they would be in any startup.