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Coronavirus
(COVID-19)
Updates

Updated: January 12, 2021

Important: Required Virtual Participation & COVID-19 Updates

Dear Technovation Community,

We hope you are all staying safe in light of the ongoing global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As we begin the second Technovation season affected by COVID-19, we want to share some updated guidance, as well as our deepest wishes for your continued health and safety.

The safety of our communities is of the utmost importance to us, which is why all official judging will take place online, via Technovation’s platform, for the 2021 season. Local chapters should follow their own national guidelines or WHO recommendations about in-person gatherings. We recognize that the majority of teams will be working virtually this season and know that it can be very challenging, and we applaud you!

Because the virus’ impact and governmental responses vary so much region by region, we recommend you follow your local health and safety guidelines above all else. We strongly encourage everyone to continue wearing masks, practice social distancing, and wash their hands frequently.

  • We understand that some regions are experiencing lower levels of transmission and fewer documented cases of the virus and that local guidance may permit meeting in small groups. Please exercise the utmost caution. Wear masks. Keep firm physical distance, and wash your hands thoroughly and often.
    • Technovation is NOT asking any student, mentor, ambassador, or other volunteer to hold in-person events. We recommend all events be held virtually online. We also recommend consulting the World Health Organization recommendations on how and when to meet in person.
  • Technovation as an organization is treating this season as a virtual/remote learning season. We have tips for collaborating online to help you do the same.
  • Please do not take what another Technovation Chapter or Club in a different region does as medical advice. Follow your local health guidelines in deciding whether or not to meet in person. 

All official judging will take place online for the 2021 season. We encourage chapters to hold unofficial celebration events at the end of the season that include live pitching either virtually, or, if your area is safe for in-person events in COVID-free areas, even in person.

While judging results from live pitching/in-person events won’t be considered during the official competition judging process, please consider finding a way to celebrate the end of the season! Feedback from adults with experience in technology or business fields is so helpful to teams, and coming together (even online) to celebrate everyone’s hard work is fun and deeply meaningful.

Taking time to recognize what you’ve accomplished is a huge part of the learning process!
Celebration events are about so much more than scores — they provide teams the chance to share the projects they’ve been working on for months, allow volunteers to be recognized and thanked, and most of all, create a space to gather together and celebrate a job well done.

Technovation’s 2021 World Summit will be held online. Learn more here, and join us on August 12th and 13th, 2021 as we celebrate as a global community.

We know this is a difficult moment in time for us all — we are working hard to ensure Technovation continues to provide an exceptional online learning experience and opportunity to support our local communities. All of our curriculum is online, and we are here to support you as we adapt to a different way of learning for the upcoming season. If you have any questions, please reach out to your area’s Chapter Ambassador or, if you don’t have one in your area, to your mentor or our team at [email protected].

Thank you for learning and building a better world with us. We are confident in the power of our communities to create positive experiences amid these unprecedented circumstances. Please remember that we are here to support you. 

Onward,
Technovation Team