Join Techstars Online Startup Weekend This September
Social Innovation is the theme. It’s 54 hours of building, with global mentors and a chance to turn your idea into action from anywhere in Ireland or beyond.
Register here to be part of Startup Weekend Social Innovation Dublin Online.
If your business idea is still sitting half-formed in a notebook or knocking around in your head, now’s the time to give it some proper attention. Techstars Startup Weekend Social Innovation is happening online from 26 to 28 September, and it’s open to everyone.
The focus this year is on social innovation. These are ideas that aim to solve real problems, often shaped by people and communities who are usually overlooked. Whether that means tackling climate challenges, inclusion, education, loneliness or anything else linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, this is a weekend built for action.
Organised in partnership with Equisscore, a values-led initiative supporting equity and access in entrepreneurship, the event is part of European Sustainable Development Week, which promotes awareness and local action across the continent.
“There is no better time to finally bring that burning business idea you have, in a safe space event with supportive peers and mentors,” say the organising team. “Especially if launching that business dream of yours is in your 2025 resolution bucket list.”
A Guided Weekend for People with Ideas
The format is familiar: pitch an idea on Friday evening, build a team, work together over the weekend, and present your project on Sunday night. Along the way, you’ll get support from experienced mentors, take part in workshops, and have the chance to test your idea in a supportive setting.
This Startup Weekend is about tech for good. It is practical, hands-on, and welcoming to people from all backgrounds — whether you have a business idea, some experience, or are just curious to take part.
You’ll be working with a team, guided by mentors, and taking part in an international programme that has helped thousands of early-stage founders make progress over the years.
What Makes This Event Different
The theme is social innovation and the Sustainable Development Goals. That means ideas rooted in real-world challenges and solutions shaped by inclusion, fairness and long-term thinking.
– Validate your business idea
– Get advice from experienced mentors
– Learn new skills through workshops and hands-on collaboration
– Build your network with peers from diverse backgrounds
– Win great prizes and access ongoing support
You don’t need a business idea to join. Everyone is welcome, and there’s space for people with different skills and experiences.
Judges, Mentors and Speakers
This year’s judging panel includes Eoghan Powell from WorkIQ, Alison McMurtrie of Equisscore, Dale Fickett from Richmond University in the US, and Lucy Daly from Patch.
Mentoring support comes from Tiana Whitehouse, from the Berlin startup ecosystem, and Dr Anita McKeown, founder of Future Focus TwentyOneC.
Speakers and facilitators include Stephanie Esambe, founder of Pillaxia, and Gita Cherry P., co-founder of PNDAR.
Prizes include passes to SaaStock, mentoring follow-ups from WorkIQ, and access to international networks.
Online and Open to Everyone
The weekend takes place entirely on Zoom, with sessions from Friday evening through Sunday. That means it’s accessible to participants across Ireland, the UK, and beyond.
Global sponsors include Brex, Deel, and Google for Startups.
Whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur, someone exploring a new direction, or simply looking to build something meaningful with a team, this is a space to try something out.
What is Equisscore?
Equisscore is a new initiative focused on improving equity and access within the startup ecosystem. It helps founders identify and navigate barriers that are often ignored, especially in relation to funding, networks and visibility.
By partnering with Startup Weekend, Equisscore is supporting a more inclusive approach to entrepreneurship. The aim is to open the door to people who might not otherwise feel welcome in the tech or startup world.
Leyla Karaha: From Participant to Organiser
This Startup Weekend is being led by Leyla F. Karaha, who first took part in one of these events in 2019.
“I started my social entrepreneurship journey at a Techstars Startup Weekend event back in 2019. It was such a great experience for someone like me with no technical background to know that I can also be in tech. Now I organise Startup Weekend events as my way of giving back. It’s such a rewarding experience.”
Since then, she has co-founded Catalyst Noir, a global initiative founded in Ireland, designed to support and empower aspiring Black or underrepresented women tech founders worldwide. She also works on inclusion-focused startup programmes across Europe.
How to Join
Startup Weekend Social Innovation (Online)
Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September 2025
Zoom sessions: Friday 5–8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am–7pm
Register via the official Startup Weekend Dublin page
About Leyla F. Karaha
Leyla F. Karaha is a business designer, strategist and organiser based in Dublin. Originally from Tanzania, she co-founded Catalyst Noir, a network that supports underestimated and excluded entrepreneurs.
She works across Europe on startup programme design, inclusive innovation and leadership development. Leyla regularly facilitates Techstars Startup Weekends and other initiatives that support purpose-led founders to build sustainable and inclusive businesses
And Billy Linehan
I write for Irish Tech News on innovation, tech-for-good and entrepreneurship, covering events in Ireland and abroad. Alongside journalism, I’m a business mentor and consultant at Celtar Advisers and have advised hundreds of owners of SMEs and startups. I also co-founded and organise StartUp Ballymun, Dublin’s longest-running entrepreneurship series.
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