Techstars Startup Weekend: Participant Pass

Techstars Startup Weekend: Participant Pass

Build a startup in 54 hours! Pitch ideas, team up, and build with like-minded innovators - all in one weekend.

1.1k followers
By Platform Calgary
1.1k followers
Lots of repeat customers 📈

Date and time

May 9 · 5pm - May 11 · 10pm MDT

Location

Platform Innovation Centre

407 9 Avenue Southeast Calgary, AB T2G 2K7 Canada

Agenda

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Day 1: Friday | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Doors open at 5:00 pm. We kick off with dinner and networking to break the ice and build community. A high-energy keynote will get you inspired before you pitch your ideas (60 seconds or less!). Subm...

Day 2: Saturday | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Time to build! Start the day with light bites and a hands-on workshop, then dive into customer discovery—talking to real potential customers is key. Coaches will be on hand all day to guide your team...

Day 3: Sunday | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Polish your idea and perfect your pitch! After a full day of building and refining, you’ll have five minutes to showcase your startup to a panel of judges. Don’t forget to invite your friends and fam...

Good to know

Highlights

  • 2 days, 5 hours
  • In person
  • Paid venue parking

Is this event for me?

If you are interested in entrepreneurship the answer is most likely yes. Whether you are a serial 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. We believe that great ideas can come from anywhere.

Do I have to participate in all three days?

Everyone who participates in the event is expected to participate in all three days. This is important not only to preserve your own learning experience, but also to minimize distractions or disruptions for the team you choose to join.

Can I invite my support system to the final pitch night (Sunday)?

“Sunday Presentation Only” registration option is available for those wishing to only view the teams’ final pitch presentations. We welcome any friends, family or colleagues you would like to invite to watch your final presentation to see all you have accomplished in just one weekend.

Can I pay at the door?

No, it’s preferable to buy your ticket in advance as organizers need to order catering and supplies to meet the needs of the weekend. Please reach out to the us if you need to pay at the door.

Do I need a team?

Everyone who attends the event as a participant is expected to come to the event without a team and then join and participate with a team at the event. This is important to preserve the Techstars Startup Weekend educational experience.

What ticket type should I purchase to pitch an idea?

Pitching is open to every participant! We recommend you purchase the ticket that best represents your skill set. 

Will accommodation be provided?

Participants are responsible for providing their own transportation and accommodation (if needed) to in-person events. If you are traveling and unfamiliar with the location, reach out to the Platform team to ask for nearby recommendations. 

Do I have to pitch an idea to attend?

No, but we highly encourage you to. You can pitch an idea you've been thinking about for years, or something you think of at the last minute during the event. *Please don’t pitch an idea that you’ve already been developing or have been working on outside of Startup Weekend.

What should I bring for an in-person event?

Laptop/Portable Computer Power cord for Laptop Notepad and pen Business cards (or a business card app) Your phone - feel free to take pictures or video of the event  Optional: A second monitor, keyboard, etc…. Whatever helps you to be most productive. Lots of energy!

What is the refund policy?

Refunds will be honoured up to 72 hours before the event kickoff (If your event is on a Friday, then refund requests would need to be submitted by Tuesday night at the latest). Please reach out to the Platform team for more details.

What are the rules?

There are rules and a code of conduct in place for the weekend which help to ensure that everyone has a great experience.

Can I pitch more than one idea?

Depending on the number of ideas pitched and the event schedule, you may or may not be able to pitch multiple ideas. Prioritize your ideas: pitch your best idea (and the one you have most prepared for) first. Please note that you will only be able to work on one idea through the weekend. 

Can I pitch my existing business?

No. Techstars Startup Weekend is designed to be the most effective platform for growing new businesses from the ground up over the course of a weekend. A key facet of the weekend, and a central value for participants, is the spirit of complete collaboration, buy-in, and ownership.

What if my idea doesn’t get selected?

The purpose of the Friday voting isn’t to exclude certain ideas, but simply to highlight the most popular and high-potential pitches and end up with a manageable number of teams - ensuring that each team has a variety of backgrounds and skills.

What are we supposed to have accomplished by the end of the weekend?

While there are no specific requirements in terms of what teams should have accomplished by Sunday, it’s in your best interest to plan your execution around what you’ll be judged for: Customer Validation: did you research your business idea? Execution and Design: what did you build? & Business Model

Why is it a competition?

Competition is not a central theme of Techstars Startup Weekend. Our goal is to cultivate a positive and educational atmosphere. We do believe, however, that some friendly competition can be beneficial to all parties and accurately reflects the realities of startup life.

Are teams expected to continue after the event?

Whether or not you continue to work on the idea, with some or all of your team, is completely up to you. 

What about parking?

Parking is available through Calgary Parking Authority - There is plenty of parking located at the Platform Innovation Centre. You will find pay stations on the main floor, or you can make a payment through the Calgary Parking Authority MyParking app. https://www.calgaryparking.com/findparking/lotlo

Highlights

  • 2 days, 5 hours
  • In person
  • Paid venue parking

About this event

Techstars Startup Weekend is like a hackathon for people excited about tech! Over a fun-filled 54 hours, participants pitch ideas, team up, and bring a startup idea to life. It’s all about creativity, teamwork, and turning ideas into action! You’ll make new connections, find mentors, or maybe even meet your future business partner. It’s like a crash course where you learn by doing, with seasoned pros showing you the ropes.


This year’s theme? Change Makers!

We’re looking for bold ideas that challenge the status quo and drive positive social, environmental, and economic impact. Think innovations that empower communities, promote inclusivity, and inspire meaningful change. From tech solutions addressing global challenges to local initiatives that make a difference, we’re celebrating those ready to reshape the future for the better. 💡


Join the Ultimate Startup Experience! 🚀

✨ What: Techstars Startup Weekend

📅 When: May 9 - 11, 2025

📍 Where: Platform Calgary


Ready to bring a startup idea to life in just 54 hours? Whether you’re a coder, creative, business pro, or total beginner, Startup Weekend is for YOU!


Why Join?

💡 Learn by doing with mentorship from industry experts.

🤝 Make lasting connections with fellow creators and future collaborators.

🎉 Enjoy meals, workshops, and an unforgettable weekend of innovation.


Get Ready:

• After registering, submit your name and brief idea to be first in line to pitch!

• Register for Startup 101 to gear up with essential tools and frameworks: Next dates: Mar 12, Apr 9, from 5 PM–8 PM, Online.

*Receive a special promo code for Startup 101 after registering for Startup Weekend - see your Startup Weekend Handbook for more details.


📣 Want to support the founders and see the final pitches? Be sure to grab your Pitch Finale ticket on the Pitch Finale page! 🎟️ This is your chance to cheer on the teams, network, and see the weekend’s top ideas come to life.


Terms of Participation Agreement

It is our job to provide you with an incredible networking and learning experience. Our intention is that you meet some amazing people that you might start a company with, learn from mentors and learn from your peers. The event is intended to be a collaborative forum for sharing, learning, building, and having fun. As such, by registering as a participant, you acknowledge that any ideas shared by you or anyone else over the course of the event are contributions to the overall experience and community. If you’re very concerned, you can limit your pitch to the rough outline of the idea without giving away key information.

As a member of your startup community, you agree to be inclusive of any and all people and their ideas. You agree to act professionally, treat everyone with respect, and treat the event facilities with proper care. You agree that you are responsible in the event of any accidents or damages that you cause. You also agree to not hold Techstars Startup Weekend, your local volunteer team, or any of the event supporters liable for any loss, damage, injury, or any other unforeseeable incident.

By participating in the event, you grant Platform Calgary permission to capture photos/videos of the event and use them for marketing purposes, so we can continue to offer amazing Techstars Startup Weekends to the Calgary ecosystem.


By purchasing a ticket to a Techstars Startup Weekend event, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


If you have questions please reach out to programs@platformcalgary.com

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Organized by

Platform Calgary
1.1k followers
Lots of repeat customers

Platform Calgary brings together the resources of Calgary’s tech ecosystem to help startups launch and grow at every step of their journey, from ideation through to scale. We focus on making all parts of Calgary’s startup ecosystem better resourced, connected, efficient, effective, and prominent.

Through collaboration and targeted programming within a purpose-built home for innovators—the Platform Innovation Centre—we are a community hub focused on inclusive tech-led economic diversification and job creation.

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Early bird discount
From CA$27.96