Startup weekend

What is Startup Weekend?
This program is an exceptional opportunity for innovators to gain knowledge and skills about methodologies, tools, and steps used in the development of technological startup companies. The program is unique because it is created as Startup Weekend in Serbia, which will gather innovators in one place and provide them with an unforgettable experience.

Who are the organizers of Startup Weekend?
Thanks to our amazing partners, Startup Weekend will be an experience you will long remember! This edition of Startup Weekend in Belgrade is organized by Female Net in collaboration with partner organizations from Serbia’s innovation ecosystem: ICT Hub, Digital Serbia Initiative, Garage by Tenderly, USAID Serbia, Pokreni ideju, and PwC.

Objectives of Startup Weekend?
Participants will have the opportunity to gain necessary knowledge and experience about the steps in the process of creating innovative products/services, methodologies, and tools used by successful startup companies. Our goal is to provide them with insight into what the life of a startup entrepreneur looks like and to encourage them to think about developing new technologies that will improve the world around us. In this way, participants will be able to develop their skills, make new connections, and have the opportunity to present their idea to the professional and business community. One of our key objectives is to identify talents whom we would continue to mentor after Startup Weekend and prepare them for future support programs where they can receive grants for the establishment and development of their startups.

Intensive learning, working, and networking program
In two days of intensive learning, working, and networking program, you will have the opportunity to meet creative women with similar interests, mentors, and experts from the startup ecosystem in Serbia. We will bring you closer to the startup world in a way you have not experienced before. The Startup Weekend program is carefully designed to provide participants with a comprehensive experience and enable them to acquire the knowledge and skills they need for successful startup development.

The program consists of:

• Inspirational lectures and workshops on entrepreneurship and startups
• Teamwork and solving real problems in the startup environment
• Mentorship with experts from various fields
• Presentation and evaluation of innovative business ideas and business models

AGENDA
DAY 1 – Idea Validation and Development

8:30 – 9:00 Registration and Networking
Welcome and name tag distribution/ Mini networking and mingling/ Formation of teams from registered individuals

9:00 – 9:30 Opening of Startup Weekend
FACI – Introduction to the program, agenda, mentors, organizers, sponsors/ Defining the concept of “startup”

9:30 – 10:00 Introduction to the Startup Ecosystem
Startup founder shares their startup journey/ Describes the culture and values of the startup ecosystem

10:00 – 11:00 Team Introductions and Icebreakers
Each team presents themselves and their idea in 3 minutes/ Icebreakers

11:00 – 13:00 Workshop: Business Model Canvas
Introduction to the model/ Assisting teams in completing the Business Model Canvas

13:00 – 13:30 Lunch

13:30 – 15:00 Mentor Sessions
Assigning mentors to each team/ Working on the idea and providing feedback

15:00-17:00 Workshop: Idea Validation
Guiding teams through the idea validation process/ Customer interviews

17:00 – 17:20 Break

17:20 – 19:20 Mentor Sessions
Working on the idea and providing feedback

19:20 – 19:50 Dinner

19:50 – 21:00 Team Work – optional
Working on ideas between teams, with the assistance of mentors

DAY 2 – Product Development and Pitch

8:30 – 9:00 Participant Arrival

09:00 – 09:30 Introduction to the Startup Guide
Take an Idea team presents the Startup Guide

09:30 – 11:30 The Development of a Digital Product – 30 Hills Academy

11:30 – 13:00 Mentor Sessions and MVP Work

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 16:00 Workshop: Pitch Preparation
Pitch preparation/ Guidelines for storytelling, design, and presentation/ Working on presentations with the assistance of mentors

16:00 – 16:30 Break

16:30 – 18:30 Final Pitch (Icebreaker before the pitch)
Each team has 5 minutes for pitch and 5 minutes for Q&A from the jury

18:30 – 19:00 Presentation of Early-Stage Startup Support Programs

19:00 – 20:30 Announcement of Winners and Weekend Closing

Dinner and networking

Who is Startup Weekend for?
The program is intended for innovators of all educational backgrounds who are open to new knowledge and experiences and are interested in the world of startups.
Participating in Startup Weekend has many benefits for people in Serbia. This program provides you with the opportunity to:
– Gain new knowledge and skills about the development of technological startup companies
– Develop your creativity and teamwork spirit
– Gain experience working in teams and solving real-time problems
– Get inspiration and motivation to start your own business venture
– Meet other creative individuals and experts from the startup industry
– Receive feedback and advice from experts and other participants
– Present your ideas and projects to the jury
– Receive gifts prepared for all Startup Weekend participants
– Win valuable prizes for the best startup teams

What can you expect at Startup Weekend?
– Attend lectures and workshops on methodologies, tools, and steps used in the development of technological startup companies
– Receive guidance and support from mentors, founders of successful startup companies, and experts from the Serbian startup ecosystem
– Networking, socializing, and fun with other creative people
– The best teams will have the opportunity to continue mentorship support for the development of their innovative ideas, preparation for support programs where they can receive valuable grants for starting a startup company
– Experience an unforgettable journey

The best part?
Participating in Startup Weekend is completely free! Participants are provided with all the necessary materials, mentorship support, inspiring activities, refreshments, catering, gifts, and prizes for the best teams.

Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to apply?
You need to fill out an online form with basic information about yourself. After the application deadline, we will select the best candidates.

Do I need to have a team to participate in Startup Weekend?
You can apply as a team, but it is not necessary to have a team before participating in Startup Weekend.

How are teams formed at Startup Weekend?
Participants can apply as teams or individually, and they will be grouped at Startup Weekend based on skills and interests. Organizers will assist participants in finding people to work with to form high-quality teams.

Is prior experience in startup development necessary?
No, Startup Weekend is open to everyone interested in this field, regardless of whether they have prior experience or not. All you need is the desire to join this event and gain new connections, experiences, knowledge, and enhance your skills.

How do I apply for Startup Weekend?
All you need to do is apply through THIS FORM. Hurry up with your application because the number of spots is limited!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills in the field of innovative technological entrepreneurship, develop your ideas, and get acquainted with the world of startups.

See you there!