AI Startathon & Big Idea CompetitionTurn Your Ideas Into a Startup! | Hosted by GDG Annapolis
November 7–11, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST Location: AACC CALT Building, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012 Theme: Build with AI | Hands-on training, mentorship & prizes
Why You Can't Miss This
This isn't just another school project. This is your launchpad. Over 4 action-packed days, you’ll get hands-on AI training from industry experts, build a team, and develop a real-world solution. Then, you'll pitch for cash prizes at the Chesapeake Innovation Summit and get noticed by hundreds of people.
What’s in Store
Hands-On AI Workshops: Learn how to build AI-powered solutions that solve real-world problems. Beginners welcome!
Team Formation & Mentorship: Collaborate with AACC students and local professionals while receiving guidance from experienced entrepreneurs.
Prototype Development: Go from concept to working prototype with expert support.
Pitch Prep & Video Creation: Create an AI-powered video pitch and a winning presentation for judges.
Final Competition: Pitch your solution at the Chesapeake Innovation Summit for prizes and recognition.
Win BIG: Compete for a pool of cash prizes and awards in the Big Idea Competition brought to you by theEntrepreneurial Studies Institute. (You need to team up with an AACC student to qualify)
First Place: $2,500 Second Place: $1,000 Third Place: $500 Technology Idea Award: $1,000
📄 Supercharge Your Resume: Go from "student" to "innovator." Add a real-world project, a competition win, and in-demand skills to your resume and LinkedIn.
🚀 Get Mentored: Receive direct guidance from entrepreneurs and industry professionals who have been there and done that.
☁️ Free Google Swag & Cloud Credits: Score exclusive gear and the tools you need to build, sponsored by Google Developer Group Annapolis.
Who Should Attend
Students eager to learn AI
Entrepreneurs & small business owners
Developers, engineers, and tech enthusiasts
Anyone ready to turn a big idea into a real-world solution
HOW IT WORKS (Simple 1-2-3 Graphic):
STARTATHON AI (Nov 7-11): Join the virtual kick-off, receive AI training, form your team, and build a prototype of your big idea.
PITCH PREP: Refine your idea with expert mentors and create a video using AI.
BIG IDEA FINALS (Nov 20): A panel of expert judges will review submissions made on November 11th, and Big Idea finalists will be viewed at the innovation summit, where we will announce the prize winners. at the Chesapeake Innovation Summit!
Ready to Build The Future?
Spots are limited and will fill up fast. Register your interest today!
This is a hybrid event. Join the event virtually at https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-annapolis-presents-got-ideas-turn-them-into-a-startup/
or in person at
AACC CALT Building - 101 College Parkway Arnold, 21012
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Agenda
Day 1
10:00 AM: Introductions and Daily Plan
10:30 AM: Training - Market Analysis / Value Proposition and AI
12:30 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Training - Business Plan and AI
4:00 PM: Panel Discussion - Tech Judges
5:00 PM: Team creations
Day 2
6:00 PM: Check-in
Day 3
6:00 PM: Check-in
Day 4
6:00 PM: Check-in
Day 5
12:00 PM: Submit your project
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Hosted By
Angelo Thalassinidis, GDG Organizer
Spotlight on Angelo Thalassinidis: Empowering the Future of Tech and Education
With over 25 years of experience in education and professional services, Angelo Thalassinidis is a proven leader in shaping the future of technology programs, and supporting founders and innovation. As a first-generation college graduate, Angelo is at the forefront of social mobility efforts and creating impactful degrees, certifications, and industry partnerships that bridge the gap between academia and the tech industry.
🔧 Transforming Technology Education
Angelo has spearheaded the development of new academic programs, especially in MedTech, AI, and Information Systems, preparing students for the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
🌐 Building Communities and Connecting Innovators
As a co-organizer of GDG Baltimore and GDG Annapolis, Angelo is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where tech enthusiasts, developers, and entrepreneurs can connect, learn, and innovate. Events like the StartathonAI, Chesapeake Innovation Summit, and DevFest Annapolis offer invaluable opportunities to engage with the latest in AI, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
💡 Entrepreneurial Leadership
Angelo led multimillion-dollar projects and corporate ventures in business intelligence, data warehousing, and IT service management with MCI Systemhouse, EDS, ATT GIS, and various startups. His leadership has created high-impact solutions and successful ventures in both the US and Europe. Angelo has also founded several companies in both Europe and the US.
📊 Shaping the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
Angelo’s expertise extends to program development, having created graduate and undergraduate degrees in IS/IT, as well as custom educational solutions for corporations. His experience at Tampa Bay Tech and Tampa BSides further underscores his commitment to fostering tech communities and knowledge sharing. Angelo has planted the seed and mentored several startups and has a goal to increase the pipeline of founders.
💬 Driving Strategic Growth
Known for his ability to drive strategic initiatives and data-driven organizational change, Angelo’s leadership focuses on value creation, customer-centric solutions, and continuous improvement. He consistently helps organizations harness emerging technologies to scale and succeed.
Mary Leaf, Co-organizer
Mary Leaf is the founder of MLof Strategies, where creativity meets strategy to elevate brands. Specializing in Brand Identity Design and Content Creation, she excels at developing compelling brand narratives and visual identities. Her approach integrates brand development, marketing, and artistic talent with a holistic mindset.
Mary believes a brand’s strength comes not only from its logo but from a clear, deep understanding of its core identity and the narrative it tells. By blending creative design with marketing insights and data-driven strategies—including the innovative use of AI and advanced tools—she enhances content performance and overall brand development.
Leveraging her business acumen, Mary also excels in crafting executive summaries and strategic roadmaps, providing clients with actionable steps to clarify their vision, define their unique position, and achieve sustainable growth. As a Marketing Content Creator, she utilizes SEO and data analytics to help businesses improve their online presence and engage meaningfully with their target audience.
With a background in operational optimization and project management, Mary ensures that every project is executed efficiently from concept to completion. Whether supporting startups to define their brand or helping established businesses refine their strategy, Mary is dedicated to positioning every brand for success in a rapidly evolving market.
Jesse Alton,
Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-annapolis-presents-got-ideas-turn-them-into-a-startup/.
