Techstars Startup Weekend Women Toronto
(postponed to Fall 2026)
Have you ever had a business idea but didn’t know where to start?
Or perhaps you have the skills—in coding, marketing, design, or strategy—but you’re looking for the right mission to apply them to?
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Techstars Startup Weekend Toronto is hosting an exclusive experience designed to pitch your business, find a team, and build an idea in just 54 hours.
You don't need an idea to join. We are looking for the "builders" as much as the "dreamers." Whether you are a developer, a marketing pro, a product manager, or a creative, your expertise is the fuel that turns a concept into a company. Plus, the winning team of this event will be have the opportunity to enter into a global, virtual pitch competition hosted by Techstars alongside winners from other Startup Weekend Women events happening at the same time, all around the world. Learn more.
What to expect:
Friday: Pitch your idea or join a team that inspires you.
Saturday: Build, prototype, and learn from top-tier mentors.
Sunday: Refine your pitch and present to a panel of expert judges.
Whether your idea becomes a business or remains a valuable learning experience, you’ll walk away with a network of Toronto's most ambitious women. You don’t need to be a "techie" to succeed—you just need the drive to try.
Want to sponsor this event, or be a partner? email: fion@fairly.ai
Save your spot: This event has been postponed to Fall 2026 (actual date TBD); if you are interested in being informed of the new date, register here!
Sponsors
Global Sponsors
Google for Startups
Brex
HSBC Innovation Banking
Mercury
deel
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you’ll need to fill out our registration form to gain access to the event. Please fill in the registration form with some basic information to get started.
If you are interested in entrepreneurship, the answer is most likely yes! Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the startup scene, you’ll fit right in as long as you are motivated to build a product or startup and are open to new ideas. Techstars Startup Weekend is a collaborative and inclusive space for sharing, learning, building, and having fun. This is an inclusive event.
Yes, participants are expected to attend all three days to ensure a complete experience and minimize disruptions for their team. Some events offer a "Sunday Presentation Only" ticket for those who want to view final presentations. Check your local event website for availability.
No, participants join and form teams at the event. Teams should have diverse skill sets to develop a strong minimum viable product (MVP) by Sunday.
No, but pitching is encouraged! You can pitch a brand-new idea or one you've just thought of at the event. However, pre-developed ideas with extensive planning are discouraged.
Business Model: Feasibility, scalability, and revenue generation.
Customer Validation: Market research and user interviews.
Execution & Design: MVP development and usability.
Please note: while it is not mandatory to have female/female-identifying members on your team for this event, only teams made up of 50% women will be able to move on to the Global Pitch Competition component of the Techstars x International Women's Day initiative.
Laptop and charger, an idea, and lots of energy!
Research the problem you want to solve.
Practice your 60-second pitch.
Get familiar with tools like Lean Canvas or BMC to help you plan.
Get enough rest before the event.
Friday: Networking, dinner, icebreaker, speaker, and 60-second pitches. Participants vote, form teams, and begin work.
Saturday: Teamwork, mentor sessions, and short workshops.
Sunday: Final preparations, pitch practice, and presentations to judges.
Depending on time constraints, you may pitch more than one idea. Prioritize your best idea first.
No, Startup Weekend is for building new businesses from scratch. Existing businesses will be disqualified. You will gain valuable skills and a good network, so even if you do already have a business, come build a new one for the weekend!
You are encouraged to join another team or, with organizer approval, work on your own idea with enough team members.
No, but some teams choose to work late into the night. The focus is on productivity, not exhaustion.
Techstars does not claim ownership over ideas. However, Startup Weekend is a learning experience, and participants should be mindful of sharing proprietary ideas. Legal agreements are not permitted at the event.
Customer Validation: Have you validated your idea with real users?
Execution & Design: Have you built a functional MVP?
Business Model: Do you have a future plan?
Email brittany.kasco@techstars.com for any other questions, concerns, or if you'd like to volunteer to help with the event!
Organizing Team
Facilitator
Lynne Stewart
Founder of Right Brain Wealth™, Lynne Stewart blends an MBA in Strategy and Finance with deep expertise in wealth management to help founders navigate complexity and scale with clarity. She specializes in building the strategic frameworks and behavioural insights necessary to bridge the gap between ambitious goals and sustainable, values-aligned execution. With a background in coaching and practice leadership, she is dedicated to helping teams reduce overwhelm and build a clear roadmap for long-term success.
How to get there
OneEleven
325 Front St W 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 3S9