Here’s the problem: Entrepreneurs keep saying they don’t know where to find local tech talent. Meanwhile, CodeCrew Code School alumni are hungry for real-world projects to showcase their skills.
So here’s the solution: I bring my crew to the startups and entrepreneurs.
At CodeCrew, we’re building the pipeline of tech talent, and through partnerships with organizations like Epicenter Memphis, we’re connecting founders with the skilled developers they need. Our alumni are trained, tested, and ready to build. We’re not just training tech talent—we’re powering the Digital Delta, making sure Memphis startups have the resources to scale and succeed.
This past weekend, that mission came to life in a big way at the Epicenter InnovateXcelerate Hackathon. Over three days, 47 participants formed 14 teams, working intensively to develop innovative solutions in climate tech, clean energy, cybersecurity, logistics, and med tech. With the support of mentors, judges, and volunteers, participants collaborated, built, and pitched their projects in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. The results? Inspiring innovations, stronger networks, and a renewed belief in the power of Memphis as a startup hub.
The Power of Collaboration
For many participants, this hackathon wasn’t just about winning—it was about learning, connecting, and proving what’s possible when passionate minds come together.
Marcos Barrera, a first-time hackathon participant, shared his excitement:
“This was my first hackathon, and I walked in not knowing what to expect—but I left with an incredible experience. The past three days have been an incredible learning experience, and I got to see amazing pitches and make connections with many individuals with innovative ideas. Our project, Routes and Jobs, is a workforce ridesharing platform that provides job placement and transportation for shift-based workers, bridging the gap between opportunity and mobility.”
The winning team, led by Donnie Gladney, focused on addressing one of Memphis’s biggest challenges: transportation access to jobs. Their innovative approach combined ridesharing with employment opportunities to help shift workers secure stable transportation to work. The impact of their idea resonated deeply with the judges and audience alike.
Why These Events Matter
Startup success isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about execution. And execution requires talent. The reality is 38% of startups fail because they run out of cash, often due to inefficiencies in operations and marketing that better technology implementation could mitigate (CB Insights). Events like InnovateXcelerate give founders access to the technical expertise they need to bring ideas to life.
Additionally, startups without a technical co-founder have a 20% higher failure rate because they struggle with product development, scalability, and system reliability (MIT). This is why partnerships between startup ecosystems and technical training programs like CodeCrew are so crucial. We’re providing startups with the skilled workforce they need to build sustainable businesses, while simultaneously giving our alumni the experience and opportunities they need to thrive.
Praveen Kukudala, another participant, highlighted the real value of this event:
“Walking into the event, I was surrounded by brilliant minds, passionate problem-solvers, and industry professionals, all eager to turn ideas into reality. Collaborating with like-minded innovators, we brainstormed, coded, and iterated, pushing the boundaries of what we could achieve. Hackathons like these remind me why I love tech—the ability to create, collaborate, and continuously learn.”
The Impact of InnovateXcelerate
The hackathon didn’t just generate innovative projects—it created lasting impact:
- 98% of participants said they would attend another hackathon
- 100% found it a productive use of their time
- 85% felt they had access to enough resources (mentors, materials, tech support)
- Majority of teams plan to continue working on their projects post-hackathon
Some participants even wanted even more structured mentorship, extended workspace hours, and clearer judging criteria. These technologists are showing up at other Hackathons such as GiveCamp and Hack Memphis which was the City of Memphis’ fall hackathon. These technologists are hungry to apply their skills.
What’s Next?
We need to keep building. The Memphis startup ecosystem is reenergized, but for it to truly thrive, we need stronger connections between founders and tech talent. I firmly believe that venture capitalists should invest in organizations like CodeCrew, ensuring that startups not only receive funding but also the technical support and talent they need to succeed. Investing in talent is just as crucial as investing in ideas.
To every entrepreneur struggling to find tech talent: We have the developers you need. To every aspiring technologist looking for opportunities: We are building the pipeline to connect you with the right people.
We are no longer working in silos. We are building the future of Memphis together. If you’re ready to be part of this movement, let’s make it happen. The future of startups depends on it.
