Startup Weekend Women
Upcoming Events
Startup Weekend Women San Diego
March 6–8, 2026
International Women’s Day Global Edition
Building Solutions That Support Women in a 3-Day Startup Experience
Startup Weekend Women is a special edition of Startup Weekend focused on creating products, services, and businesses that support, empower, and improve outcomes for women.
Held as part of Techstars’ global International Women’s Day initiative, this event brings together people from all backgrounds to collaborate, experiment, and turn ideas into action over one immersive weekend.
You do not need to identify as a woman to participate.
You do need to care about building solutions that matter.
What Is Startup Weekend Women?
Startup Weekend Women follows the classic Startup Weekend format over three days:
Pitch ideas on Friday
Form diverse teams
Validate problems and solutions
Build and iterate
Pitch to judges on Sunday
The difference is intentional focus.
Teams are encouraged to explore challenges and opportunities that disproportionately impact women across industries, life stages, and communities.
This is a hands-on, beginner-friendly experience designed for learning, collaboration, and momentum, not perfection.
Who It’s For
Startup Weekend Women is designed for:
Aspiring and first-time founders
Experienced entrepreneurs
Designers, developers, marketers, and operators
Students and career changers
Allies who want to build solutions that support women
Whether you arrive with an idea or join a team on the spot, you will find a welcoming environment built around collaboration and respect.
What Makes This Different
Mission-driven focus on solutions that help women
Inclusive by design and open to all genders
Accessible and supportive culture rather than all-nighter hustle
Mentors and judges with startup and community experience
Connection to a global initiative through Techstars
Startup Weekend Women is about learning by doing, building confidence, and expanding what is possible.
Why Women-Focused Innovation Matters
Women experience unique challenges and represent enormous opportunity for innovation.
From healthcare and safety to finance, work, education, caregiving, and beyond, building with women in mind leads to better products for everyone.
Startup Weekend Women creates space for these conversations to turn into real experiments quickly.
Get Involved
There are many ways to participate:
Attend as a participant
Mentor or judge
Sponsor or provide in-kind support
Volunteer behind the scenes
If you are interested in supporting or participating in Startup Weekend Women, we would love to hear from you.
- GLOBAL PARTNERS
- LOCAL SPONSORS
- COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities
Ideas That Empower: Startup Weekend Women 2026
Startup Weekend Women San Diego takes place March 6–8, 2026 as part of Techstars’ global International Women’s Day initiative.
Over 54 hours, participants from diverse backgrounds come together to form teams, build startups, and develop solutions designed to support and uplift women—locally and around the world.
This event is open to everyone who wants to help build a more equitable future, and it doesn’t happen without the support of community partners who believe in the power of entrepreneurship as a force for change.
Whether you’re interested in sponsoring financially, providing food or services, supporting accessibility efforts, or helping amplify the message, there’s a meaningful way to be part of the Startup Weekend Women story.
💰 Cash Sponsorships
Support local entrepreneurs and gain visibility for your brand.
Cash sponsorships start at $500 (Silver tier) and scale up to $5,000 (Premier). Benefits include logo placement, social media spotlights, tickets, and the opportunity to mentor or judge.
👉 Learn More About Cash Sponsorships »
🍽 Food & Beverage Sponsors
Fuel the innovators, dreamers, and doers who will spend 54 hours bringing ideas to life. Provide a meal, snack, or beverages (in-kind or discounted) and be recognized at your sponsored slot with signage, shoutouts, and social media coverage.
👉 Learn More About Food Sponsorships »
🤝 Community Partnerships
Don’t have funds or space to offer? You can still make a huge impact by helping us spread the word. Community Partners amplify Startup Weekend through cross-promotion like newsletters, social media, and member outreach. In return, your organization is featured as an official Community Partner, with recognition across our website, programs, and event channels.
👉 Learn More About Community Partnerships »
🌟 Why Partner With Us?
- Direct Exposure – Connect with 100+ attendees plus our extended online audience.
- Brand Recognition – Visibility across website, signage, and social media.
- Community Impact – Show your commitment to San Diego’s entrepreneurs.
- Flexible Options – From $500 sponsorships to in-kind partnerships, there’s a level for everyone.
📩 Ready to Get Involved?
Choose the partnership that fits you best — and let’s fuel San Diego’s innovators together.
READY TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY?
Let’s chat! We’ll work with you to create a custom sponsorship package that matches your goals.