ADD THIS EVENT INTO YOUR CALENDARMentorship
We are bringing experienced entrepreneurs and subject matter experts to guide and support you throughout the weekend.
Startup Weekend Žilina
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SWZA 2026 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!ARE YOU PUMPED FOR THE NEXT WEEKEND?
Build your startup in 54 thrillinig hours! Build your startup in 54 thrillinig hours! Build your startup in 54 thrillinig hours! Build your startup in 54 thrillinig hours!
WHAT IS STARTUP WEEKEND?
AN INTENSIVE 54-HOUR, WEEK-LONG EVENT WHERE DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS COLLABORATIVELY TAKE AN IDEA FROM CONCEPT TO PROTOTYPE AND FINAL INVESTOR PITCH.
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TECHSTARS PHOTOSFROM - 2025
The Essence of techstars S
An (intense) 54-hour hackathon where you get the space to bring your idea to life. The idea doesn't have to be technical. If you don't have an idea, that's okay, you can be part of a team with an idea you decide to support. You can help as a programmer, UX designer, marketer, business specialist, idea maker, specialist in law, domain expert or expert in a particular branch of industry.
There is a lot of work when you are trying to turn a vision into reality, but the experience and enthusiasm of each team member is useful. Come, form your team and pitch a business idea or join other startup enthusiasts.
WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH..
WE PROVIDE MENTORSHIP FROM EXPERTS, FULL CATERING, A DEDICATED WORKSPACE, ESSENTIAL OFFICE SUPPLIES, VALUABLE NETWORKING AND TECHSTARS RESOURCES.
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Food & Drinks
We’ll keep you energized, nourished, and delighted through the weekend with Red Bull, meals, snacks, and coffee.
Tools
Every startup needs the right tools in the right space. We’ll provide markers, post-it notes, and other brainstorming tools.
Space
Thanks to our venue sponsor, your team will have a dedicated office for the entire weekend.
Networking
Learn how to tap into your personal network, connect with other attendees, organizers and industry experts.
Resources
In just 54 hours, it’s best not to spend your time reinventing the wheel. We’ll provide you with valuable resources.
MENTORS (2026)
Commercial strategist with experience in go-to-market, sales, and business development across leading technology companies.
Product leader with 17+ years in tech, passionate about AI, product building, experimentation, and turning ideas into launched products.
Entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor helping founders validate ideas, sharpen go-to-market strategy, scale sales, and raise funding.
International analytics team leader connecting business, data, and technology while helping teams turn unclear ideas into practical next steps.
Brand strategist and AI marketing expert helping companies clarify their brand, strategy, and communication.
Entrepreneur and technology leader with experience in e-commerce, automation, data, and AI-driven business growth.
Product manager at KROS focused on digital economic solutions, ERP systems, automation, and product development.
Startup consultant and former Porsche development engineer helping innovators build impactful solutions and reach their customers.
Freelance marketing manager focused on social media, content, strategy, sales, and brand relationships.
Tech and business consultant focused on practical AI solutions and turning ideas into real operations.
Sales and revenue-growth expert helping startups build commercial strategies, teams, and scalable processes.
Startup founder focused on AI, data analytics, electric mobility, product development, and go-to-market strategy.
Technology leader and CEO with expertise in software development, hiring, and building strong teams.
Startup accelerator leader with a background in PR, marketing, and supporting founders through new challenges.
Marketing consultant and founder of Wild Cards specializing in social media, content marketing, and communication strategy.
CEO of BiteBerry and former CEO/CTO of OrderLord, with 15+ years of experience building technology products from early ideas to scalable businesses.
KIDS MENTORS (2026)
A SPECIAL MENTORING TEAM FOR YOUNG CREATORS WILL JOIN THE STARTUP WEEKEND EXPERIENCE.
MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS SOON
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Innovation manager at INOVIA leading student entrepreneurship and helping young people turn their first ideas into real projects.
Bilingual high-school student from Košice who enjoys photography, the outdoors, and staying active through fitness.
Mentor and educator connecting formal and informal learning, bringing practical business inspiration to young people and schools.
Secondary-school teacher and mentor dedicated to creating safe, inspiring learning environments where young people can grow.
JUDGES (2026)
EXPERIENCED FOUNDERS AND INVESTORS HELPING TEAMS SHARPEN THEIR IDEAS, VALIDATE THEIR VALUE, AND TELL A STORY THAT STANDS OUT.
MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS SOON
Tatiana is a founder, investor, and business leader with more than 20 years of experience building brands and companies in travel, e-commerce, technology, and fashion.
Miroslava is a communication, education, and AI implementation expert who helps teams turn good ideas into clear, valuable, and compelling stories.
Pavol drives practical AI adoption in a regulated environment across technology, business, and management, with a background co-founding startups.
FACILITATOR (2026)
MEET THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER, WORKSHOP FACILITATOR, AND CONFERENCE EMCEE WHO WILL HELP BRING THE WEEKEND TO LIFE.
Keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and conference emcee helping teams connect, collaborate, and make the most of their Startup Weekend experience.
Join us as we collectively push the limits of your idea, discovering how intense collaboration and expert mentorship redefine what's possible, fostering a truly transformative experience for all. This is your chance to be at the forefront of shaping tomorrow's entrepreneurial landscape in just 54 hours.
LET'S EXPLORE HOW NEW IDEAS FLOURISH AT THE INTERSECTION OF ART, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, CREATING GROUNDBREAKING COLLABORATIONS.
ENGAGE WITH PIONEERS, EXPLORE EMERGING CONCEPTS, AND EMBRACE NEW PERSPECTIVES TO COLLECTIVELY SHAPE TOMORROW'S CREATIVE LANDSCAPE.
FAQ
We've gathered common inquiries about registration, program details, venue, and more to help ensure you have all the information needed for a seamless Startup Weekend experience.
Is the event just for technical ideas?You can come up with any idea. We had many non-technical projects. Eco, fashion recycling, bakery, d...You can come up with any idea. We had many non-technical projects. Eco, fashion recycling, bakery, design of a work table and often these projects were successful because they were different.
I don't have an idea to pitch, should I come?Definitely. An idea is one thing, execution is another. If you want to learn a lot of new things, pl...Definitely. An idea is one thing, execution is another. If you want to learn a lot of new things, please come. You can find an idea that you like the most and join it. Maybe you will become a co-founder of another successful business... : )
It is OK to come to the event even if I don't have my own team?Absolutely. If you manage to excite people for your idea, Startup Weekend is just the place where yo...Absolutely. If you manage to excite people for your idea, Startup Weekend is just the place where you can get a team. If you don't have an idea, you can join the idea that appeals to you the most or where you can find greatest use for yoursef. In addition, you will get to know a lot of awesome people.
We have a project, part of which is already finished. Can we participate?Certainly yes. You can make another big progress on your project. Find smart people for the team, ge...Certainly yes. You can make another big progress on your project. Find smart people for the team, get feedback from mentors and new contacts. The jury evaluates the progress over the weekend and the initial state is taken into account in order to maintain fairness.
What should I bring for an in-person event?Laptop/Notepad Power cord for Laptop Your phone - feel free to take pictures or video of the event O...Laptop/Notepad Power cord for Laptop Your phone - feel free to take pictures or video of the event Optional: Whatever helps you to be most productive (keyboard, mouse, etc.) Lots of energy
Is there a deadline for registration? I'm still undecided / I don't know if I'll make it.The event is limited only by capacity. I.e. if tickets are available, you can also register on the s...The event is limited only by capacity. I.e. if tickets are available, you can also register on the spot. We recommend buying tickets in advance, precisely because of capacity limits - also because of the time management.
What happens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday?Friday: Participants typically arrive between 5-7 p.m., begin networking, and have dinner. After an...Friday: Participants typically arrive between 5-7 p.m., begin networking, and have dinner. After an ice-breaking game and an introduction by the Facilitator, there will typically be a short talk with a speaker. Then, the "Pitchfire" will commence: anyone intending to pitch will have 60 seconds to give their best pitch. No presentations are needed for Friday, it will just be you and a mic. After pitches are finished, all participants will vote on their favorites, and using these votes, the top ideas will be selected to be worked on over the weekend. The Facilitator will provide guidance on team formation. Then teams will form organically, consolidate, and get to know each other and begin working. Saturday: Teams will work all day, with the occasional breaks to eat, listen to short talks, or attend a short workshop. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks will be provided at an in-person event. In the afternoon mentors will be circulating to provide advice in the field of their expertise for those teams that want it. There will usually be a mentor sign-up sheet available where you can sign up for mentorship from someone with the industry experience that can support your team. Sunday: Breakfast, lunch and dinner also will be provided on Sunday at in-person events. Teams will work uninterrupted from morning until mid-afternoon. They'll begin wrapping up their product/prototype and presentation around 3 PM to do tech-checks and practice their presentation. After all judges have arrived, presentations will begin. Each team typically has five minutes plus around a three to five minute Q&A from the judges (this varies occasionally). The judges will select the top teams, who will be awarded prizes (if applicable), and the event usually ends with a small celebratory get-together.
It is also provided as part of the event accommodation?Accommodation is not part of the event. For accommodation, it is possible to use e.g. university dor...Accommodation is not part of the event. For accommodation, it is possible to use e.g. university dormitories Velky Diel. If you are interested -> please contact us.
Is the event open to the general public?The parts accessible to the public are on Friday approx. from 5PM., when registration, introduction...The parts accessible to the public are on Friday approx. from 5PM., when registration, introduction to the event format, presentation of ideas and team formation take place. Also, the final presentations and evaluation of the jury are accessible to the general public on Sunday from 3PM. Due to the limited capacity for teams and the capacity of mentors, participation in the entire event is only available to registered participants who want to actively participate in the event. Registration will be suspended in case of capacity strain.
What is included in the ticket price?The ticket price includes: Space and place to work for the whole weekend Food for the whole weekend...The ticket price includes: Space and place to work for the whole weekend Food for the whole weekend (2x dinner, 2x breakfast, 2x lunch) Professional mentoring T-shirt Office supplies Coffee, tea and energy drinks Good mood (Capacity is limited. Please also try to bring your own good mood. Otherwise we'll have to tell you jokes and that's exhausting.) Merch from our Partners
What are the prizes for the winners?More or less useful advertising items, merch from our partners, after event mentoring, tickets for n...More or less useful advertising items, merch from our partners, after event mentoring, tickets for next events, software licences and subscription plans... But ask yourself! Are you really going to the SWZA for some ordinary stuff you can buy on the internet? Nah... You're comming for the better stuff. Contacts, good time, new friendships, professional mentoring, feedback from judges... See Ya in October!
OUR YEARS
Dive into the history of Startup Weekend Žilina. Select a year to watch highlights and revisit the ideas, teamwork, pitching, and moments that shaped our past events.
SCHEDULE (2026)
A FULL WEEKEND OF IDEAS, TEAMWORK, MENTORSHIP AND PITCHING.
TIMEEVENT
REGISTRATIONHAPPENING NOW
REGISTRATION
Check in, collect your badge, and get ready for the weekend.
REFRESHMENT AND NETWORKINGHAPPENING NOW
REFRESHMENT AND NETWORKING
Grab a refreshment, meet the other participants, and start making connections.
WELCOMEOPEN TO PUBLICHAPPENING NOW
WELCOMEOPEN TO PUBLIC
Organisers kick off the weekend and explain how it all works.
PRESENTATION OF THE IDEASOPEN TO PUBLICHAPPENING NOW
PRESENTATION OF THE IDEASOPEN TO PUBLIC
Got an idea? Pitch it on stage in 60 seconds and say who you need on your team.
RATING OF THE IDEASOPEN TO PUBLICHAPPENING NOW
RATING OF THE IDEASOPEN TO PUBLIC
Everyone votes on the pitches. The best ideas move on.
FORMING OF THE TEAMSOPEN TO PUBLICHAPPENING NOW
FORMING OF THE TEAMSOPEN TO PUBLIC
Join the idea you believe in, or build a team around your own.
LEAN CANVAS WORKSHOPHAPPENING NOW
LEAN CANVAS WORKSHOP
A quick crash course to map your business idea on a single page.
START OF WORKHAPPENING NOW
START OF WORK
Teams get going with roles, a first plan, and initial research.
VENUE CLOSINGHAPPENING NOW
VENUE CLOSING
Wrap up your first day, save your progress, and recharge for Saturday.
TIMEEVENT
BREAKFASTHAPPENING NOW
BREAKFAST
Start the day with breakfast and a quick team catch-up.
WORK ON THE PROJECTHAPPENING NOW
WORK ON THE PROJECT
Validate your idea, talk to real customers, and build a prototype.
LUNCHHAPPENING NOW
LUNCH
Take a break, refuel, and exchange ideas with the other teams.
WORKSHOP HOW TO PRESENT TO THE INVESTORSHAPPENING NOW
WORKSHOP HOW TO PRESENT TO THE INVESTORS
Learn how to turn your project into a pitch that convinces the jury.
MENTORING / WORK ON THE PROJECTHAPPENING NOW
MENTORING / WORK ON THE PROJECT
Experienced mentors visit teams to give feedback and help you get unstuck.
DINNERHAPPENING NOW
DINNER
Pause for dinner before the final work session of the day.
WORK ON THE PROJECTHAPPENING NOW
WORK ON THE PROJECT
Use the feedback you received and keep building, testing, and refining your solution.
VENUE CLOSINGHAPPENING NOW
VENUE CLOSING
Save your work and get some rest before the final day.
TIMEEVENT
BREAKFASTHAPPENING NOW
BREAKFAST
Fuel up, check the final plan, and prepare for the last push.
WORK ON THE PROJECTHAPPENING NOW
WORK ON THE PROJECT
Continue building and testing while preparing your key presentation points.
LUNCHHAPPENING NOW
LUNCH
Take a short break before the final preparation session.
WORK ON THE PROJECT / SET UP OF THE PRESENTATIONHAPPENING NOW
WORK ON THE PROJECT / SET UP OF THE PRESENTATION
Add the final touches to your prototype and pitch deck.
PRESENTATION OF THE IDEASOPEN TO PUBLICHAPPENING NOW
PRESENTATION OF THE IDEASOPEN TO PUBLIC
Each team presents its startup to the jury and the audience.
JUDGING AND THE AWARD CEREMONYOPEN TO PUBLICHAPPENING NOW
JUDGING AND THE AWARD CEREMONYOPEN TO PUBLIC
The jury picks the winners and the prizes are handed out.
DINNERHAPPENING NOW
DINNER
Celebrate the weekend, meet the teams, and enjoy dinner together.
LOCATION
TOGETHER,
WE DO GREAT THINGS.
Toto podujatie bolo podporené z dotácie Ministerstva školstva, výskumu, vývoja a mládeže SR v oblasti práce s mládežou, ktoré administruje NIVAM – Národný inštitút vzdelávania a mládeže.
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