No talk. All action!
Startup Weekend brings together those interested in startups with co-founders, mentors and experts.
Participants put all their energy into their projects to find out after 54 hours whether the business idea has a chance on the market. The event is open to everyone – regardless of whether they have their own idea or not.
Get inspired, develop new skills, and network with creative minds!
Workshops & Mentorship
Get feedback on your business idea, from launch strategy to pricing models and pitching skills from our Mentors and Experts during dedicated mentorship hours!
Pitch your concept
If you have an idea for a startup, you can pitch it on Friday, and convince your peers to join the ride! Don’t worry if you don’t have an idea, you can join any of the ideas pitched!
Build & win
During the weekend you will validate your idea, build an MVP, define the business model, train your pitch and present in front of our expert jury to win awesome prizes!
Fuel the journey
We make sure that you have unlimited coffee, 7 meals, snacks and other goodies during the weekend, so you have the energy to build something great!
54 hours to build a startup
Learn how to think, work, and build like a startup in 54 thrilling hours.
Techstars Startup Weekend is an exciting and immersive foray into the world of startups. Over an action-packed three days, you’ll meet the very best mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors to show you how to get more done faster – and, maybe even start that business.
54 hours to build a startup
Learn how to think, work, and build like a startup in 54 thrilling hours.
Techstars Startup Weekend is an exciting and immersive foray into the world of startups.
Over an action-packed three days, you’ll meet the very best mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors to show you how to get more done faster – and, maybe even start that business.
Techstars Startup Weekend Globally
Speakers & Mentors
Jury
Agenda
Day 1: Network & find a team
18:00 – 18:30
Registration
Welcome to Startup Weekend! Check in, grab your badge, and meet the crew. The weekend starts now.
18:30 – 19:00
Dinner & networking
Fuel up and mingle! Share ideas, chat with potential teammates, and get into the startup mindset over good food.
19:00 – 19:30
Welcome
Our Techstars facilitator will walk you through what to expect this weekend. Spoiler: it’s going to be intense, fun, and unforgettable.
19:30 – 20:00
Pitches
Here’s your shot! The facilitator explains the rules, then it’s pitch time. You’ve got 60 seconds to share your idea and rally a team.
20:00 – 20:30
Vote for top pitches and form teams
Everyone votes on their favorite ideas. The top pitches move forward — and the real game begins. Join a team or recruit your own.
20:30 – 21:30
Startup Ideation Workshop
A hands-on session with Alex Dascalu (Founder Institute), designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs shape great startup ideas using expert feedback, powerful AI tools, and a proven step-by-step process.
21:30 – Late
Start building!
Claim your workspace, meet your new teammates, and dive into brainstorming, planning, and MVP madness.
DAY 2: LEARN, WORK AND PLAY!
09:00 – 09:30
Breakfast
Start strong with breakfast at the venue. You’ve got a big day ahead.
10:30 – 11:30
Workshop: GTM Strategy
Join Alex Gavril, CEO ▲ promocrat, for a hands-on session on how to take your startup from idea to first customers. Learn how to craft a sharp go-to-market plan, validate your audience, and position your product for real traction.
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
Take a well-earned break and recharge with some good food.
14:00 – 17:00
Mentoring sessions
Meet one-on-one with mentors to get feedback, ideas, and support. Ask anything — they’re here to help you move faster and smarter.
18:00 – 18:30
Talk: The story of Planable
A behind-the-scenes look at building a startup that scaled, from early hustle to real traction, with Nicolae Gudumac (Founder & CTO)
19:00 – 19:30
Dinner
Refuel, chat with other teams, and get ready for the evening grind.
21:00 – Late
Night Sprint: Build, Iterate, Repeat
Check in with your team, ask for help if needed, and keep pushing forward. The venue stays open late — stay as long as your energy (or caffeine) lasts.
DAY 3: PRESENT & CELEBRATE!
09:30 – 10:00
Breakfast
Grab some breakfast, check in with your team, and get ready for the final sprint!
10:30 – 11:30
Pitching Workshop
Learn how to craft a clear, compelling pitch that gets attention fast. In this hands-on session, Cosmin Pirvu from Veridion will walk you through practical frameworks for storytelling, structuring your message, and delivering it with confidence.
12:00 – 13:00
Pitch Practice
Test your pitch in a safe space. Get feedback, tweak your story, and boost your confidence before showtime.
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
Fuel up one last time before the big moment.
14:00 – 15:00
Pitch Prep & Rehearsal, Tech Check
Final polish for your slides and delivery. Make sure everything works and your team’s ready to shine.
15:00 – 17:00
Final presentations
Time to pitch like a pro! Each team gets 5 minutes to present their startup and 5 minutes for Q&A with the jury. Show what you’ve built, why it matters, and leave it all on stage.
17:00 – 19:00
Dinner, awards, wrap up and after party!
Celebrate everything you’ve built — the ideas, the teamwork, the late nights, and the breakthroughs. Enjoy a well-earned meal, cheer each other on, and close out an unforgettable weekend together.
Sponsors & Partners
A series of events
You can join Startup Weekend in more over 160 countries all across the world, while in Romania there are several cities organizing Startup Weekend!
Startup Weekend in pictures
