techstars_
Startup Weekend
San Diego
LAUNCH A STARTUP IN JUST 54 HOURS.
125 PARTICIPANTS
FALL 2025
SAN DIEGO, CA
WHAT IS STARTUP WEEKEND?
Startup Weekend is a high-energy, hands-on event where people come together to launch startups — in just three days.
You don’t need a team. You don’t even need an idea. Just bring your skills, an open mind, and a readiness to build something real.
Over one weekend, you’ll:
- Pitch (or join) a startup idea
- Build a team
- Validate, design, and prototype
- Demo your MVP to a panel of judges and the startup community
Whether you’re a developer, designer, student, marketer, or dreamer — you’re invited.
WHY ATTEND STARTUP WEEKEND?
Because you don’t need to wait for “someday” to start your startup.
At Startup Weekend, you’ll get the time, team, and tools to turn your idea into something real — in just 54 hours. Whether you’re testing a concept, building your network, or learning what it takes to launch, this is where you start.
BUILD SOMETHING REAL
Go from idea to working prototype with a team of motivated builders, creatives, and problem-solvers.
MEET YOUR PEOPLE
Collaborate with future co-founders, mentors, and friends — all passionate about startups and innovation.
LEARN BY DOING
Skip the lectures. This is hands-on, high-speed entrepreneurship with real feedback and real pressure.
LEAVE WITH MOMENTUM
Whether you win or not, you’ll walk away with new skills, new connections, and maybe even your next big thing.
THE SCHEDULE
- DAY 1: THE PITCH (FRI)
PITCH &
TEAM UP
We kick things off with networking and lightning-fast pitches. Anyone can share an idea, and the crowd votes on favorites. By the end of the night, teams form around the most promising concepts and get to work.
- DAY 2: THE BUILD (SAT)
BUILD & VALIDATE
Saturday is all about hustle. Teams dive into customer discovery, prototyping, and business model development — with help from experienced mentors. Expect a lot of pivoting, breakthroughs, and caffeine.
- DAY 3: THE FINALE (SAT)
POLISH
& PITCH
On Sunday, it’s go time. Teams finalize their prototypes, prep their presentations, and pitch their startup to a panel of judges. Celebrate, reflect, and see what 54 hours of focus can build.
GLOBAL PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Startup Weekend San Diego wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our global partners and local sponsors. Your contributions help fuel innovation, support emerging founders, and bring our community together to build what’s next.
Thank you for believing in big ideas and bold action.
GLOBAL PARTNERS
EVENT SPONSORS
PREVIOUS GALLERY IMAGES OF EVENT
📸 Startup Weekend Moments
Curious what 54 hours of building, pitching, and startup chaos looks like?
Check out photos from past Startup Weekends and get a glimpse of the energy, creativity, and community that make it all possible.
