Startup Weekend

Immerse yourself in an action-packed weekend where you’ll turn your ideas into reality and network with like-minded students.

What is the Startup Weekend?

Startup Weekend offers a dynamic introduction to entrepreneurship, where creativity thrives, and learning takes centre stage. In just over two days, you'll pitch ideas, form teams, and receive expert mentorship, gaining hands-on startup experience that would normally take months to acquire. Whether you're new to entrepreneurship or looking to sharpen your skills, it's a chance to network, innovate, and collaborate with diverse individuals from across the University. No business idea? No problem - bring your skills and join a team to elevate an idea. With a focus on creativity, teamwork, and fast-paced learning, Startup Weekend is your gateway to fast-tracking your entrepreneurial journey.

Startup Weekend is a free event. To help us with the organisation of the event, if your application is accepted, you will receive an email inviting you to pay a refundable £15 deposit. The deposit will be fully refunded on full completion of the Startup Weekend (Friday-Sunday). You can expect to receive your refund within 3-4 weeks.

 

Dates, Times & Location

Startup Weekend is a weekend-long event - you will be expected to attend all three sessions listed below:

  • Friday, 22nd November 2024, 18:30-21:00
  • Saturday, 23rd November 2024, 10:00-18:00
  • Sunday, 24th November 2024, 10:00-18:00

Location: The Hive Space, 3rd Floor, Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS)

Student pitching

 

What you'll gain:

  • Showcase your own creative vision or contribute your skills and expertise to a project that resonates with your passions and interests.
  • Learn all the essential skills you need to develop a startup.
  • Access to experienced entrepreneurs and mentors.
  • Develop a minimum viable product (MVP).
  • Pitch your innovative ideas to a supportive audience and panel.
Students collaborating

Why join?

  • Experience what it’s like to launch a startup over a weekend
  • Learn from experienced mentors
  • Build a network of innovators and investors
  • Gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship
  • Win prizes and potential funding opportunities

 

Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. Register now and be part of the next big innovation!

Students listening to a presentation

Who can apply?

  • Any current student at the University of Manchester (UG, Master’s/PGT, PGR/PhD).
  • Graduates from the University of Manchester within the last 2 years (on or after 1st December 2022).
  • A limited number of places will be made available for external applicants.

Startup Weekend is perfect for:

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs
  • Developers and programmers
  • Designers and creatives
  • Marketing and business professionals
  • Anyone with a passion for innovation!

What is the application process?

To participate, you will register for the programme via the form here.