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Techstars Startup Weekend Athens
Join Us!
February 27-March 1, 2026!

Techstars Startup Weekend Athens

Mark Your Calendars

Techstars Startup Weekend Athens, February 27-March 1, 2026!

Startup Weekend is a 54-hour entrepreneurship competition that helps future entrepreneurs develop the skills to launch their dreams. All participants start on a level playing field, and ideas are pitched, validated, and turned into companies in 54 hours.

On Friday evening, participants will pitch ideas and form teams. Over the weekend, they’ll work with mentors to develop a working prototype, demonstrate validation, and build a VC presentation by Sunday evening. Startup Weekend is a hackathon-like event with a global presence.

Because of its hands-on approach, Startup Weekend is an extremely impactful educational experience for catalyzing future entrepreneurs. Examples of companies in Ohio that a student at Startup Weekend started include and .
Startup Weekend Athens is a volunteer-organized event, hosted in part by the Center for Entrepreneurship.

Tickets include:

  • 5 meals throughout the weekend 
  • SWAG 
  • Mentorship throughout the weekend from local business leaders
  • Access to the CoLab for the weekend
  • and so much more!

Learn About Our Organizers' Experience

Startup Weekend Testimonial
Sara Viseholman

Entrepreneurship Major, Class of 2026

I had an incredible time at Startup Weekend Dayton 2025! So excited (and still in shock!) that our team won 1st place with Dry Guy! I was such a surreal and empowering experience.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such talented teammates — we pushed each other, supported each other, and had so much fun along the way. A huge thank you the Center for Entrepreneurship at ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ for all the support, mentorship, and encouragement. 

Startup Weekend Testimonial
Hannah Wiederhold

My experience at Startup Weekend Dayton was truly transformative. I arrived feeling nervous and unsure of what to expect, but the energy in the room pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and pitch an idea—Dry Guy. Over the course of just 54 hours, that idea developed into a viable business concept. With the help of an incredible team, we ultimately won first place in the competition.

Beyond the win, the weekend significantly strengthened my confidence as an entrepreneur. It also helped me recognize how Dry Guy, and the skills I gained through the process, can tie directly into my own business, The Hoe Shed, a houseplant-focused venture I’ve been building. Startup Weekend didn’t just challenge me—it expanded my vision of what’s possible.

Startup Weekend Testimonial
Emily Voss

While studying Retail and Fashion Merchandising at ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ, I discovered a passion for minimizing fashion waste in landfills and reusing discarded clothing/accessories to create new, fashionable, better quality pieces. While studying entrepreneurship and fashion, I discovered my passion and found people who share that same passion.

I founded my own small business, Venus's Curse, in January 2024. I focus on upcycling old clothing and jewelry and giving these pieces new life. While I am finding success in my business during college, I know that I have more room for growth in the upcoming years. I am excited to help plan Startup Weekend Athens and see what different skill sets people can offer to a team. Events like Startup Weekend Athens can help other budding entrepreneurs find and grow their network, acquire necessary skills for building a business, and discover their own passions! 

Techstars Startup Weekend Schedule

The goal of Techstars Startup Weekend is to create an environment where passionate, driven, and like-minded people can come together to get things done — to learn, network, bridge the gap between trades, expose potential, and see actual results.

Event Mentors & Judges

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Techstars Startup Weekend Athens cost?

Students have the option to sign up for 1 credit hour class. That class is MGT 4900-104, class #13076.

Student pricing is $20 if not taking the class for credit.

Non-student pricing is $50.  

Email ce@ohio.edu for a promo code to use for the student price.

What’s included?

5 Meals included, snacks, branded swag, mentorship from local business leaders, hands-on learning experiences

Whats not included?

Housing and Transportation. If you would like help securing housing or transportation, please email Dr. Krystal Geyer.  

What skills do I need?

Just a willingness to learn!

I am not an Entrepreneurship Major, can I still participate?

Yes! All majors are welcome and encouraged to apply!

I am not a student, can I still participate?

Yes! Techstars Startup Athens is open to all ages and experience levels!

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 Techstars permission to capture photos/videos of the event and use them for marketing purposes, so we can continue to offer amazing Techstars Startup Weekends around the world.

By purchasing a ticket to a Techstars Startup Weekend event, you agree to our  and . If you have questions please reach out to privacy@techstars.com.

If you require a reimbursement, contact the event organizer.

Sponsors

Mercury Logo
Google for Startups
HSBC Innovation Banking

 

Brex Logo
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