What is a Techstars Startup Weekend?
Techstars Startup Weekend is a high-energy, 54-hour experience where you get to try building a startup, not in theory, but in real time. If you’ve ever had an idea you thought could be something but didn’t know where to start, this is the perfect place to begin.
Over three days, you’ll pitch an idea (or join someone else’s), form a team, build a prototype, participate in valuable workshops, validate your concept with real feedback, and pitch to a panel of judges. It’s fast-paced, hands-on, and intentionally intense, in the best way. Check out this video to hear from previous participants and get a feel for the event!
But the real value is the people. You’ll work alongside students, creatives, developers, builders, mentors, and future founders who all share the same drive to make something real. Whether your idea becomes a business or not, you’ll walk away with skills, confidence, connections, and experience you won’t get from a class or just thinking about an idea.
The time commitment is simple: Friday evening kickoff, most of Saturday, and Sunday afternoon through final pitches in the evening. You’re not “stuck” the entire weekend, but you are committing to the process and your team.
If you’ve ever wanted to build something, explore entrepreneurship, or push yourself in a new way, Startup Weekend gives you the opportunity to do it, not someday, but now.
Register by Monday, January 12th at 11:59 PM to get a free shirt and event swag.
Schedule of Event
Organizing Team
Sponsors
Local Partners
Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority
The University of Alabama
Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute
Sloss.Tech
ReRev
Lovable
Global Sponsors
Google for Startups
Brex
HSBC Innovation Banking
Mercury
deel
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you’ll need to fill out our registration form to gain access to the event. Please fill in the registration form with some basic information to get started.
If you are interested in entrepreneurship, the answer is most likely yes! Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the startup scene, you’ll fit right in as long as you are motivated to build a product or startup and are open to new ideas. Techstars Startup Weekend is a collaborative and inclusive space for sharing, learning, building, and having fun.
Yes, participants are expected to attend all three days to ensure a complete experience and minimize disruptions for their team. Some events offer a "Sunday Presentation Only" ticket for those who want to view final presentations. Check your local event website for availability.
No, participants join and form teams at the event. Teams should have diverse skill sets to develop a strong minimum viable product (MVP) by Sunday.
No, but pitching is encouraged! You can pitch a brand-new idea or one you've just thought of at the event. However, pre-developed ideas with extensive planning are discouraged.
Business Model: Feasibility, scalability, and revenue generation.
Customer Validation: Market research and user interviews.
Execution & Design: MVP development and usability.
Laptop and charger, an idea, and lots of energy!
Research the problem you want to solve.
Practice your 60-second pitch.
Get familiar with tools like Lean Canvas or BMC to help you plan.
Get enough rest before the event.
Friday: Networking, dinner, icebreaker, speaker, and 60-second pitches. Participants vote, form teams, and begin work.
Saturday: Teamwork, mentor sessions, and short workshops.
Sunday: Final preparations, pitch practice, and presentations to judges.
Depending on time constraints, you may pitch more than one idea. Prioritize your best idea first.
No, Startup Weekend is for building new businesses from scratch. Existing businesses will be disqualified. You will gain valuable skills and a good network, so even if you do already have a business, come build a new one for the weekend!
You can still join another team or, with organizer approval, work on your own idea with enough team members.
No, but some teams choose to work late into the night. The focus is on productivity, not exhaustion.
Techstars does not claim ownership over ideas. However, Startup Weekend is a learning experience, and participants should be mindful of sharing proprietary ideas. Legal agreements are not permitted at the event.
Customer Validation: Have you validated your idea with real users?
Execution & Design: Have you built a functional MVP?
Business Model: Do you have a future plan?
Email hunter.stepanovich@techstarsassociates.com for any other questions, concerns, or if you'd like to volunteer to help with the event!
