In its second year, the event attracts innovators, startups and investors from around the globe interested in mobility, gaming, social networking as well as clean tech, education, healthcare and other technology sectors.
This year's big name presenters and keynote speakers include: Dan Bricklin, Paul Mockapetris, John Wood, Stowe Boyd, Dave McClure, Howard Lindzon and Craig Walker.
The main event is centred on "Startups that Matter" and includes, keynote speakers, elevator pitches, tent expos, workshops, future trend discussions plus money prizes.
Philippe Telio, founder of the International Startup Festival said: "Our goal at this year's Startup Festival is to again educate, inspire and entertain. Last year brought in over 1100 people from around the world. With buses coming from New York City and Quebec City, trains from Waterloo, and Toronto, and a host of planes from around the world, this year's event is sure to be a blast for Montrealers and beyond."
The entertainment will no doubt come from the partnership with the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, which will feature original elevator pitches in an elevator, grandmother judges and a host of other fun things.
Microsoft is the 2012 platinum sponsor of the International Startup Festival .
"Microsoft is committed to accelerating the success of young innovative companies," says Christian Beauclair, senior manager, Developer and Platform Group, Microsoft Canada.
Beauclair adds: "There's no better place than the International Startup Festival to find so many entrepreneurs and industry players, under a single tent at the same time. The festival creates a huge opportunity for us to connect with innovators and provide access to the Microsoft software development tools and an ecosystem that can help them start their business."
