Amanda L. Roberts, M.A.
- Apr 22, 2019
- 3 min read

Spring 2019 Techstars Startup Weekend Fort Worth "Opioid Watch"

Updated: Jul 29, 2019

The University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) hosted the "Health and Wellness" session theme of the Spring 2019 Techstars Startup Weekend Fort Worth on March 1-3, 2019. Techstars Startup Weekend is a rewarding opportunity for individuals to work in a team to create a prototype of an idea, validate the business idea, and receive constructive advice from successful experienced entrepreneurs.

The crash course is broken down into three steps:

I. Pitch II. Build Something Real III. Launch

(I) Pitch: Pitch an idea, vote for favorites, form your team

(II) Build Something Real: Put your talents to work and build a real product, team, and brand for execution in the real world or portfolio

(III) Launch: Put final touches on presentation and state your case to Judges in front of everyone

The weekend begins with individuals pitching their own ideas and the problem he or she is set out to solve, followed by a vote on the idea that is most intriguing. Next a group of energetic individuals come together with diverse skill sets to create a team. The team will be challenged to create a prototype of their minimum value product that fits the needs of the target customer and launch the case to judges. Over the course of the weekend the teams will receive feedback and one-on-one time with influential mentors. Other benefits include seven full meals, discounts from Techstars' global partners, unlimited internet, and access to a network of developers, designers, and entrepreneurs eager to help each team to reach their fullest potential. If you are interested in learning more about Techstars Startup Weekend or interested in signing up for an event near you click here.

My first experience competing at the 2019 Spring Techstars Startup Weekend event was rewarding and challenging. As a PhD candidate at UNTHSC's North Texas Eye Research Institute with passion to improve health and well-being of people around the world, I stepped out of my comfort zone in order to explore a business adventure that led me to working with four amazing and talented young professionals throughout Dallas/Fort Worth.

Together as a team called "Opioid Watch", we won the 2019 Spring Techstars Startup Weekend Fort Worth. I am thankful for Ivan W. Hall for pitching his "Opioid Watch" idea and for Meenakshi Srinvasan, Thomas Turner, and Cereasa Horner for being an amazing business partners who have a heart to serve others first.

Opioid Watch Team:

Ivan W. Hall - Account Manger at CorVel Corporation

Meenakshi Srinivasan, PharmD- postdoc at University of North Texas Health Science Center

Thomas Turner, BA- Operations Director of KijaniNow

Cereasa Horner, BA- Provider Relations Manager at CERIS

Amanda L. Roberts, MA- PhD candidate at University of North Texas Health Science Center-North Texas Eye Research Institute

Left to Right (Top) Thomas Turner, Ivan Hall; (Bottom) Amanda Roberts, Cereasa Horner, Meenakshi Srinivasan

"When we started out on this journey we were 5 individuals all chasing our dreams and in an instant, we became a team bonded by the purpose of changing the tide and fighting back against the opioid epidemic plaguing our nation. We at Opioid Watch say it's time to break that statistic." -Ivan W. Hall

Being a part of a team of successful individuals who were destined to improve the lives of millions is a life-changing experience. Together we will improve the health and well-being of current and future generations.

Thank you for the following individuals and companies who made this event a success!

Click here for more information