Is your inner geek itching for something to do? Well, you’re in luck, because GeekWire has you covered with everything from robotics and science fiction to startup events and tech meetups.
Continue reading for highlights from the top geek gatherings and technology events happening in the Pacific Northwest in the coming days and weeks, handpicked from the GeekWire Calendar.
PNW District FIRST Robotics Championship
FIRST Robotics prepares high school students to become innovators and leaders in science and technology. This two-day championship will include 64 FIRST Robotics teams from Washington and Oregon that will show off their newest creations. They’re competing to advance to the World Championships, to be held in St. Louis, Mo.
- When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 11, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm April 12
- Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Portland Ore.
- Cost: Free
Open Sourcing Mental Illness
Open-source developer Ed Finkler will be the featured speaker at this special talk, sharing his experiences with depression and anxiety “in the spirit of open source,” as he puts it.
Finkler explains, “By speaking openly about my own challenges and successes, I hope those struggling with mental illness will learn how to be happier and more productive, and others can better understand how to be helpful and supportive.”
- When: April 11, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Where: SURF Incubator’s Dice Cabana, Seattle
- Cost: Free
Seattle Iteration of The International SpaceApps Challenge
The International Space Apps Challenge is a 48-hour intensive space exploration competition with the goal of producing open-source solutions to address challenges on Earth and in space.
- When: April 12 from 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and April 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Jigsaw Renaissance, Seattle
- Cost: Free
Kaplan EdTech Accelerator, Powered By Techstars Info. Session
Kaplan and Techstars have created a 3-month EdTech accelerator program based in New York City. At this informational event in Seattle, the program’s alumni panel will share their experiences in the program and answer questions from the audience.
- When: April 14, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Where: WeWork, South Lake Union, Seattle
- Cost: Free
Seattle Tech Meetup – 2nd Annual SPECIAL UW FREE Event
The latest installment of Seattle’s largest ongoing monthly event will feature companies started by the University of Washington. Companies presenting at the event will include AnswerDash, presented by Jake Wobbrock and Andrew Ko; GraphLab, presented by Carlos Guestrin; and SNUPI, presented by Jeremy Jaech & Shwetak Patel, among others.
- When: April 15, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Paul Allen Center for Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington
- Cost: Free
Norwescon
If you are a science fiction fan, don’t miss the Pacific Northwest’s premiere science fiction and fantasy convention, one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. In addition to talks and panels, the event features anime, costuming, art, gaming, and more. There will be more than 200 panelists plus writers’ workshops and more.
- When: April 17 through April 20.
- Where: Doubletree by Hilton Seattle Airport
- Cost: $75
Reach GeekWire’s Yelena Shtelen at yelena@geekwire.com. Listings for this feature are picked from the GeekWire Calendar, where you can submit free listings for technology-related events in the Pacific Northwest.
