The second Hyvecamp event took place in Berlin from September 30th to October 3rd, 2018. This is an international meeting of Adventist start-up entrepreneurs, investors, coaches and the curious. It strengthens prospective and existing start-up companies in their efforts to implement good ideas for the benefit of their fellow human beings and at the same time to help build God’s kingdom. God said to His people, “I will make you the head, and not the tail” (cf. Deuteronomy 28:13). He wants us to shine in the world, to be known for doing good things. We Adventists once had such a position in the world. Unfortunately we lost her. The Hyvecamp wants to help Adventist companies take off and shine in their environment.
I was there in 2017 and again this year I was enthusiastic about the atmosphere and the many brilliant ideas that other people bring to Hyvecamp. We spend a few days together, get to know new people, hear their ideas, exchange ideas, work together on individual projects, listen to lectures and life stories, are encouraged and receive many tips for our own business ideas.
The business hackathon works as follows:
If you have a business idea that you would like to implement or have already started, you can present this idea at the beginning of the event. Then you work in groups on the ideas that made it into the second round. Finally, the mature projects are presented again. The start-ups that convince the experts the most then receive a prize. Every entrepreneur present has the opportunity to talk to professionals and look for an investor for his project.
The presented business ideas could not be more different and inspire me again and again:
⦁ A woman produces healthy, natural facial care products and teaches her customers how to make their skin beautiful and young again. Of course, this not only includes a cream, but also facial training, nutrition, emotions, forgiveness, trust in God, etc.
⦁ A young teacher from the Matteson Mission School in Norway learned from a book that you can grow and sell enough vegetables on 1.5 hectares of land to feed 1-2 families. He now wants to try it himself and then help others to do the same quickly and easily.
⦁ A woman has developed picture cards showing different situations related to illness, accident and hospital. The cards help parents talk to their children so that children can better classify and process illnesses and accidents in their environment.
⦁ Another has developed a hammock that doubles as a sleeping bag and tent. So you no longer have to carry a tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag with you, just this one hammock sleeping bag.
⦁ A couple has developed a cream that makes tattoos disappear. All tattoos that you have tested so far have completely disappeared – this is unique and a great opportunity for many people!
There are many more great ideas and I can’t describe them here in as much detail as I would like. I can only encourage you: if you have an idea to change the world around you, or if you want to support such start-ups, then join Hyvecamp 2019!
