Founder Weekend
Meet other passionate entrepreneurs and experienced mentors. Explore a startup idea and learn first-hand what it takes to move an idea from concept to reality.
Previous edition
April 1
Applications Close
April 6-7
Programme Date
Reasons to Get Involved
Start with just an idea, a team, and lots of questions. Finish with a well-developed startup concept, a diverse and supportive network, and a whole new level of entrepreneurial knowledge.
Meet & Connect
Join a diverse community to connect with skilled teammates and mentors that can support you in the future.
Develop an Idea
Collaborate with great minds around you to challenge your own assumptions and build out your idea. Bring your solution to life by creating your first mockup!
Learn from Mentors
Meet some of the most successful entrepreneurs our global network has to offer, and tap into their deep knowledge and entrepreneurial experience.
1
High-energy, immersive weekend
50+
Inspired entrepreneurs
25+
Mentors, entrepreneurs & guest speakers
3
Minute pitches to a panel of judges
What to Expect
All these elements come together in one event to create a high-impact startup experience.
Meet Other Innovators
Meet entrepreneurial-minded and skilled people including teammates, mentors & investors.
Receive Mentorship
World-class mentorship from Irish entrepreneurs who have built, scaled and exited startups.
Gain New Skills
A weekend full of workshops to learn new tips, tricks, and tools for building your pitch and product.
Get Feedback
Mentors and judges will provide invaluable insights on idea development and viability.
Get Energised
A schedule designed to keep you focused on moving forward while having fun to rapidly accelerate your idea.
Pitch!
Showcase your progress to a panel of all-star judges in a 3-minute pitch.
“Finding that sense of community and my co-founder through events like this was key to my success. I didn’t feel alone or silly for wanting to build a startup anymore.”
Aimee Louise Carton | Founder & CEO
KeepAppy, now acquired by Concentrix
Mentor Network
Our extended regional and global expert networks include some incredible mentors. Below are just some of 140+ companies who have mentored in our startup programmes in the past.
“The Founder Weekend is a launchpad for Ireland's aspiring entrepreneurs, transforming ideas into pitch decks through mentorship, workshops, and networking.”
Gearoid Kearney, Regional Lead | RDI Hub
Is this for you?
Founder Weekend is open to anyone with an interest in startups and entrepreneurship.
Do you…
Have an idea but don’t know where to start?
Have no idea but want to get involved in a team?
Want to meet aspiring entrepreneurs as well as mentors?
Want to learn new entrepreneurial skills?
An Action-Packed In-Person Event @ Dogpatch Labs
Each day has a key focus and specific supports to keep you on track.
Saturday, 6th April (9:30 - 18:30)
Idea Development
Meet your team, the mentors, and get to work! Join workshops and sessions on specific topics to navigate challenges and build out your idea.
Morning
Kick-off
Customer Workshop
Team Work-Time
Afternoon
Lunch
No-code Workshop
Team Work-Time
Mentoring
Wrap-Up and What’s Coming Up
Sunday, 7th April (9:30 - 18:30)
Show the Progress
Keep hacking your product and refine your idea as you go. Learn how to pitch like a pro, wow the judges, and then sit back and enjoy the others.
Morning
Kick-off & Refresher
Pitch Workshops
Team Work-Time
Afternoon
Lunch
Pitch Practice & Feedback
Team Work-Time
Heat Pitches & Judging
Top 8 Final Pitches & Judging
Wrap-Up
Winner Announcement
Apply Now!
Founder Weekends and Startup Sprints are hosted by leading Irish tech hubs across the year.
Founder Weekend @ RDI Hub
9 Feb (6-8:30pm)
10-11 Feb (full day)
Applications closed
Founder Weekend @ Dogpatch Labs
6-7 April (full day)
Applications closed
Startup Sprint @ Republic of Work
18 May (full day)
Founder Weekend @ PorterShed
21-22 Sept (full day)
FAQ
Can I participate without an idea?
Yes, you can. Simply mention on your application that you don’t have an idea. Tell us instead what type of ideas you’re interested in working on, and the skills you bring to a team. We’ll then try to match you to a team and idea.
Can I participate with a team?
Yes! Small teams of up to 4 members are welcome to participate together but must have a startup idea.
Can I work on my own?
Yes! It’s fine to work solo on your idea, but if you prefer you can join a team that may need someone with your skills.
What is the pitch focused on?
You can put your own spin on it, but each team’s pitch should cover 6 core areas: Problem, Solution, Customer, Business Model and Competition. This will be the opportunity to showcase your product mockup.
Can I win prizes?
Yes. Winning teams will receive prizes which help them continue to level up their business and idea. This includes special access to expert mentors and introductions to potential corporate partners.
To be eligible to win a prize, teams must meet the following criteria: have not previously won a prize at one of our events/programmes with the same idea; not be a current or past participant of the NDRC Pre-Accelerator or Accelerator with the same project; have at least one member present throughout Founder Weekend to qualify for prizes in any category.
Do I have to be able to code to attend?
Not at all. Throughout the weekend you will learn more about no-code tools and how you can build a product mockup without code. You don’t need to have any specific skills or knowledge to attend!
Will food be provided?
We will offer some lunch and coffee to keep your brain working! There are also plenty of cafes to choose from around the building, just ask us for some recommendations.
Will each Founder Weekend be different when delivered by different hubs?
Each Founder Weekend delivered by a different regional hub will still include workshops, mentoring, and networking, although the content and schedule may differ slightly between events. The key difference is that more of the mentors involved will be from the host hub’s region.
Do I need to pay for this?
No, the Founder Weekend has no cost to you. However, spots are limited.
Have a question that isn’t answered here?
No problem, reach out to us at programmes@ndrc.ie.