learn to validate business ideas in a weekend

From an idea to a startup

workshop to launch new startups

What is a Techstars Startup Weekend?

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.

Why a startup weekend

Learn how to launch a business

An immersive and unique experience to learn how to validate and propel startup ideas rapidly. Powered by Techstars – www.techstars.com

Rapid Idea Validation

Our event allows you to validate your business idea in just one weekend, saving time and resources.

Expert Mentorship

Receive guidance and advice from international experts and industry professionals throughout the event.

Transform Ideas into Reality

Winning teams receive support to turn their idea into a viable project with the help of investors and mentors.

Transform Your Ideas Today!

Ready to Launch Your Startup Journey?

the startup weekend haugesund

Agenda

Friday 18th October, 17h-20h

Team building

Kickoff presenting the ideas you’ve been thinking on. Teams are formed around the most voted ideas. Coaches help you get started developing the concept.

Saturday 19th October, 9h – 20h

Validate the solution

Spend the rest of the weekend validating the problem, building a solution, and creating a business plan. You will be provided all the materials you need and guidance by experts.

Sunday 20th October, 9h – 20h

Solutions showcase

Set the business strategy and present your new startup to a panel of judges. The winners get a sweet prize package to help them start and grow their business.

You will be provided all the materials, tools, coffee and meals for the three days. You just focus on having fun.

Participant Testimonials

“This was a game-changer for me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, connected me with incredible people, and gave me the kick I needed to start my idea. I now pivoted and teamed up with a co-founder. If you’re ready for an intense, transformative experience, this is it!”

– Per Ejnar Thomsen, now entrepreneur

I loved the collaborative environment at Startup Weekend. It was an immersive experience that taught me so much.

– Jane Smith, business owner

Attending Startup Weekend was the best decision I made. I’m now on the path to launching my own startup!

– Emily Johnson, student

Global Sponsors

Local Sponsors

You will meet them at the event. They support your education with their expertise and resources.
After the event you can stay in touch with them for guidance and work opportunities.

Jury

Rikke Lønning

Managing Director and Business Development Manager, Validé Haugesundregionen

Peder Madsen

Managing Director – Btwn, developing digital solutions to automate processes

Frode Wågen

Senior IT advisor specialised in industry software product management and digital transformation.

Ailin Stensen

Senior IT advisor specialised in industry software product management and digital transformation.

The jury evaluates participants’ startup ideas and provides expert feedback to help them improve. Their guidance helps refine concepts and prepares participants for real-world business challenges.

Facilitator and Mentors

Luuk Hartsema

UX circle lead @ Voys / I am humanizing technology and I love to foster reciprocal connection between entrepreneurial people

Maria Teige

Senior technology engineer in the innovation department at DeepOcean and supervisor for bachelor’s and master’s theses for engineering students.

Reidun Ytreland

Adviser for those who want to start a new business, especially in entrepreneurship, marketing and pedagogy.

Aurora Aastad

Marketing , branding, and co-founder of the gifting platform Stas. She brings a unique perspective in developing startups and reaching out to customers.

Ben Velde

Technical Advisor with a broad background in the oil & energy industry, and a unique overview of technology R&D and its deployment in different environments.

Christina Buhl. Photo credit: Dorthe I Austevoll

Christina Buhl

Online entrepreneur, and former business developer and advisor. Experienced in developing products, services, business models and courses within energy sector, technology, personal finance and real estate.

The facilitator Luuk guides the overall flow of the event, ensuring everything runs smoothly and keeping participants on track. They help teams stay focused, manage time, and create a fun, productive environment throughout the weekend.

Mentors provide hands-on support and expert advice to participants. They share their knowledge, answer questions, and offer insights to help teams overcome challenges, develop stronger ideas, and refine their business models.

More Sponsors, Mentors and Judges coming soon

Event date and place

18 – 20 October 2024

Høyskolen på Vestlandet Haugesund (HVL),
Bjørnsonsgate 45, 5528 Haugesund, Norway

The startup weekend event

Learn how to launch a business

An immersive and unique experience to learn how to validate and propel new startup ideas rapidly. All backgrounds welcomed, to start any kind of startup.

For everyone willing to having fun while learning, no age restriction.

No needed prior knowledge or to bring anything. You will be provided everything.

An effective and dynamic workshop in English.

FAQ

Do I have to bring a group with me? Or are you divided into groups?

You do not need to register with a group. Teams will be formed around different project ideas. The participants will choose the projects they want to join. The organization will make sure that all participants find a team.

Do I have to have an idea to participate?

No. It is optional to pitch ideas. If you have an idea you can pitch it and work on it at the event. The goal of the workshop is to learn a methodology to launch startups, that you can use in your current and future projects.

Do I have to bring anything specific to the event?

No. We will provide all the materials, information, coffee and meals during the workshop. Everything in English. You can focus on having fun while learning how to launch a startup.

In what language is the event?

The event and all materials presented at the event will be in English.

Do I get a confirmation of participation?

Yes. When you submit your pre-register request you will get an email confirming your participation. Before the event starts you will receive a second message with the instructions to pay for the ticket.

first come first serve, limited amount of tickets

Join Us at Startup Weekend Haugesund

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