Guest blog written by Andy McManagan, Programme Associate in NDRC Regional Hub, Republic of Work

*Budding entrepreneurs eagerly anticipate what lies ahead*

Back by popular demand, the NDRC Startup Sprint is gearing up for its second edition on Saturday 8th February 8th at Republic of Work in Cork. Last year, the one-day tech event debuted with a buzz of excitement, drawing in creative thinkers and ambitious doers ready to make things happen. It wasn’t just about tossing ideas around; it was about rolling up sleeves and building something real. Teams took the plunge, tackled challenges head-on, and left with more than just concepts—they left with momentum to build. And now, it’s back for round two.

If last year taught us anything, it’s that magic happens when people with big ideas and even bigger ambitions come together to create, collaborate, and—most importantly—pitch like there’s no tomorrow. Imagine a room full of energy: ideas flying, mentors guiding, and teams coming alive as they work through challenges and refine their visions.

This isn’t your average tech event. Think of it as a crash course in entrepreneurship, with a hearty dose of adrenaline, laughter, and maybe a few caffeine-induced epiphanies along the way. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals, ready to collaborate, learn, and turn the spark of an idea into something tangible. Whether you’re arriving armed with a grand plan or bringing a unique skill set to the table, at the NDRC Startup Sprint you’ll leave with something priceless: the confidence to take your idea to the next level. And who knows? This might just be the first step in your journey to building Ireland’s next tech unicorn.

What a Day it Was! A Look Back on Last Year’s Sprint

*Mentoring session with mentor Glen Goggin, and NDRC Startup Sprint participants.*

Picture this: over 80 entrepreneurs and thinkers stepping into Cork’s Republic of Work, ready to dive into the wild world of startups. They were met by 35 mentors—industry experts and startup veterans—who were there to coach, cheer, and occasionally challenge them. By the end of the day, the room buzzed with the excitement of 40+ pitches, each one brimming with potential.

But numbers only tell half the story. Let’s talk about Statrdraft.

Statrdraft came to the sprint last year with a rough idea and a whole lot of questions. By the end of the day, co-founders Jon Harrison and Jimi Kavanagh had more than answers—the startup team had a roadmap. Working closely with mentors and peers, they gained clarity, confidence, and a fresh perspective on their concept. The transformation was incredible to witness.

*Co-founder Jon Harrison pitching his startup idea*

Fast forward two months, and Statrdraft was standing on stage at the NDRC Pre-Accelerator Showcase (a six-week virtual programme to validate startup ideas), pitching to a room full of investors and industry leaders. Their polished pitch was miles ahead of where they started, and their newfound confidence was palpable. That’s the kind of journey the Startup Sprint can set in motion.

So, What’s in Store This Year?

We’re pulling out all the stops for this year’s one-day event. Expect hands-on workshops, engaging brainstorming sessions, and plenty of opportunities to refine your ideas with the help of our incredible mentors.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Workshops to Spark Inspiration: Learn the ins and outs of customer discovery, product development, and crafting a killer pitch.
Networking Like a Pro: Rub shoulders with experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, and other participants—you never know who you’ll meet.
Pitch Perfect: Wrap up the day by presenting your idea to a panel of judges and your peers. Prizes await, but the real reward? Walking away with a sharper idea and the confidence to pursue it.

Who Should Join the Fun?

If you’ve been sitting on an idea and don’t know where to start, the Startup Sprint is for you. This event won’t build you a business, but it will help you lay the foundations for strong development and equip you with the knowledge to take that idea further. It’s all about giving you the confidence to assess whether your idea is viable as a successful business.

*NDRC Startup Sprint participants brainstorming ahead of pitch deck creation.*

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to have an idea to attend. Over my time at Republic of Work, I’ve met incredibly talented individuals eager to join a startup, and the Startup Sprint is the perfect opportunity to explore applying your skills to someone else’s vision. Whether you’re a tech whiz, a business guru, or bring another unique skill set to the table, this event welcomes you with open arms. Come with an idea, a skill, or just curiosity—and leave with experience, connections, and inspiration.

Finding a co-founder is one of the most challenging pieces of advice I’m asked to give—for the simple reason that there is no simple solution. That is, until the NDRC Startup Sprint came along! The format of this event is specifically designed to help you connect with potential co-founders at the earliest stages, giving you a unique chance to find your perfect match.

Do I have to be on a team?

No, you don’t need to be on a team to join in. Solo founders are welcome to participate individually. While we do encourage collaboration and team formation, we respect individual preferences. Whether you choose to work solo or to collaborate, the Startup Sprint is designed to support your idea’s growth.

*Sam O’Connell and Co-Founder Reece Hogan pitching.*

"The NDRC Startup Sprint gave me a clear path to turning my idea into action. Connecting with other participants and mentors helped me understand the early challenges of starting up and how to tackle them with confidence."

~ Sam O’Connell, Participant at NDRC Startup Sprint in RoW 2024

Ready to Sprint?

Mark your calendar and clear your schedule. Saturday 8th February is your day to dream big and act even bigger. Head to ndrc.ie/startup-sprint to find out more.

Who knows? You might just be the next Statrdraft, standing on stage in a few months, pitching your idea to a room full of investors. Let’s make it happen.

Already interested? Register for the upcoming NDRC Startup Sprint here.