Startup Sprint

A 1-day sprint designed to turn ideas from concept to reality. Connect with other passionate entrepreneurs for a day of workshops, startup resources, and access to entrepreneurial mentors to help formulate your idea and explore the potential of creating a globally scalable business.

What to Expect

Start with simply an idea, build a team, and ask lots of questions. Finish with a diverse and supportive network, validated market research, and a refined problem statement & solution that you can turn into a startup. All in just one day!

Meet & Connect

Join a diverse community to connect with skilled teammates and mentors who can support you in the future.

Build your Product

Learn about product development, no-code tools, and using generative AI to build a working prototype.

Learn from Mentors

Meet some of the most successful entrepreneurs our network has to offer.

Is this for you?

The NDRC Startup Sprint is open to anyone with an interest in building a tech product and getting involved in the startup ecosystem.

Do you…

  • Have an idea but don’t know where to start?

  • Want to see your tech idea brought to life in 1 day?

  • Have no idea but want to get involved in a team?

  • Want to spend a day with startups and entrepreneurs?

  • Yearn to meet aspiring entrepreneurs as well as mentors?

  • Want to learn new entrepreneurial skills?

High-Level Schedule

Get immersed in a vibrant setting of knowledge exchange and idea hacking, under the guidance of expert mentors. The day culminates in a demo presentation where teams showcase their pitch to an esteemed panel of judges.

Morning

  • Kick-off

  • Team Formation

  • Customer Discovery Workshop

  • Teamwork Time

Afternoon

  • Lunch

  • Pitch Workshop

  • Teamwork Time

  • Product Development Workshop

  • Mentoring Sessions

  • Pitching and Winners Announced

2025 Dates Coming Soon!

Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, and register your interest in our programmes to be the first to know when applications open.

FAQ

Can I participate without an idea?

Yes, you can. Simply mention on your application that you don’t have an idea.

Can I participate with a team?

Yes! Small teams of up to 4 members are welcome to participate together but must have a tech 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.

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 Startup Sprint to qualify for prizes in any category.

Do I have to be able to code to attend?

Not at all. On the day, you will learn more about no-code tools and how you can build a prototype without code. You don’t need to have any specific skills or knowledge to attend.

Will food be provided?

We will offer food and refreshments throughout the day including pizza to conclude the sprint.

Do I need to pay for this?

No, the Startup Sprint 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.