The South by Southwest [SXSW] conference/event/gathering is happening next week, and this year, there's a unique event that occurs on the way to Austin, Texas, where SXSW is held.  It's the Startup Bus.  Six teams are developing a startup idea while they ride the bus to Austin.  Regular folks can use virtual dollars to invest in the startup of their choice.

Daniela Barbosa, the information scientist and Dow Jones exec, writes about the competition on her blog.  Our colleague and recent transplant to the US, Elias Bizannes of vast.com, is the Brain Behind the Bus.  Visit the Startup Bus site.  Become an investor.  It's fun!