Aspiring Founders
Individuals with a new concept who want to pitch ideas, test market viability, and learn how to launch a company.
From ideas to pitch in 54 hours. Learn how to think, work, and build like a startup in one weekend, on the Eastern Shore.
Register Now
Tickets: $15 - $25
Welcome to Startup Weekend
What is Techstars Startup Weekend?
Learn how to think, work, and build like a startup in 54 thrilling hours. Techstars Startup Weekend is an immersive, hands-on experience. Over an action packed three days you will meet the mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors who show you how to get from idea to launch faster than you thought possible.
- 54 Hours
- 3 Days
- No experience required
Who It's For
You do not need an idea, a team, or a technical background to attend.
Developers & Programmers
Tech talent looking to code and build the technical foundation or minimum viable product over the 54-hour sprint.
Designers
Creative professionals focused on user experience, branding, and interface design for new ventures.
Business & Marketing Professionals
Strategists and operators interested in customer discovery, financial modeling, and building the pitch deck.
Early-Stage Focus
Ideal for people at the "idea phase" seeking co-founders, mentorship, and validation.
Open Environment
Welcomes students, local professionals, corporate intrapreneurs, and domain experts.
How the Weekend Works
Friday - Pitch & Team Up
Meet fellow participants, pitch your idea, vote on concepts, and form teams.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 p.m. | Registration | Arrive at the venue and get checked in. |
| 6:50 p.m. | Dinner & Networking | Eat, share ideas, practice pitches, and get to know fellow participants. |
| 7:20 p.m. | Welcome | Review the agenda for the weekend and get introduced to speakers, mentors, and community leaders. |
| 7:40 p.m. | Speaker | Hear from an experienced entrepreneur and visionary. |
Saturday - Build & Be Mentored
Build an MVP with hands-on mentorship from local experts.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast | Fuel up and regroup with your team. |
| 10:00 a.m. | Work Session | Teams get their spaces set up and begin to work. |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch & Learn | Presentation from D3 Digital Marketing Agency. |
| 2:00 p.m. | Mentor Sessions | One on one meetings with mentors and teams. |
Sunday - Present & Celebrate
Finalize work, pitch to judges, network, and celebrate.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Final Build | Last push to polish your product and pitch. |
| 2:00 p.m. | Tech Check | Run through your presentation on the main stage. |
| 6:00 p.m. | Final Pitches | Present to the judges and the community. |
| 7:50 p.m. | Awards & Celebration | Winners announced, network, and celebrate the weekend. |
Attendance Fees
In-Person Participation/Attendance for all 3 days: $25
*Doors Open at 5:30pm on Friday
Minimum 18 years of age
What's Included
- Working materials
- All meals, snacks, and drinks
- In-person attendance for all three days of the event
- Full access to all mentors and coaches
- Wi-Fi access
- Swag
Demo-Day Only: $15
*Doors Open at 4pm on Sunday for Demo Day
What's Included
- Catered dinner
- Viewing of final pitches and winning team announcements
- Event networking and celebrations
Register Now Minimum 18 years of age | In-person attendance for all 3 days
Demo Day Prize Package
First Place
Gold Medals
- Small Business Package Website valued at $4,850
- Choice of 2 services from the Business Development À La Carte Menu
Second Place
Silver Medals
- Choice of 2 services from the remaining À La Carte Menu
Third Place
Bronze Medals
- The final 2 services on the À La Carte Menu
The People Behind the Weekend
Event Facilitator
Event Organizers
Event Speakers
Event Mentors
Event Judges
Location & Getting There
Guerrieri Academic Commons
1134 S Salisbury Blvd, Salisbury, MD 21801
Parking
Free parking is available for Startup Weekend Salisbury participants in U.S. 13 Parking Lots A, B and C, conveniently located near the Academic Commons. Accessible parking spaces are also available within these lots. Because registration begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and the event continues through the weekend, parking permits are not required for participants arriving after 5:00 p.m. on Friday or during the weekend. If you plan to arrive and park on campus before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, you will need to obtain a free guest virtual parking pass through the SU Parking Portal. Please park only in general parking spaces and avoid any spaces designated for SU Police, SU Service Vehicles or other assigned parking.
Accessibility
Guerrieri Academic Commons has accessibility information provided for attendees, including accessible entrances, restrooms, and elevator access. If SWS guests need accommodations, fill out the guest form, and this department will reach out and coordinate the relevant accommodations.
Our Sponsors
PREMIER SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSOR
ORGANIZED & POWERED BY
GLOBAL PARTNERS
FAQs
Who owns the IP created during the weekend?
You own what you create. Any intellectual property developed during the weekend belongs to you and your team.
What should I bring?
Bring your laptop, charger, and an open mind. Everything else, including meals and working materials, is provided.
Do I need an idea or a team to attend?
No. You do not need an idea, a team, or a technical background to attend. Many participants join a team on Friday night.
Is food included in the event?
Yes. All meals, snacks, and drinks are included for the full three days.
Is registration per person or per group?
Registration is per person. Each attendee needs their own ticket.
Can I attend the second day without attending the first day?
The weekend is designed as a full three-day experience, and teams form on Friday night. We recommend attending all three days.
What should I expect for the Friday evening sixty-second pitch?
Friday night is your chance to pitch any idea you're excited about exploring for the weekend — no slides, no fancy prep required. You'll have 60 seconds to share what the idea is, what problem it solves, and why you (or the team you hope to build) are the ones to build it. Keep it simple: a clear, memorable pitch beats a polished one. Attendees will vote on their favorite ideas afterward, and the top vote-getters become the teams that spend the rest of the weekend building. Anyone can pitch, and you don't need to have a fully formed idea walking in — some of the best pitches start as a rough concept sharpened by audience feedback in the room.