Startup Weekend Women is a global three-day startup program taking place across more than 40 cities, 25+ countries, and 6 continents in celebration of International Women’s Day.
The initiative is part of Techstars’ global International Women’s Day program and focuses on supporting women in technology and entrepreneurship.
Context and purpose
Women currently hold approximately 27% of tech roles globally, and only 2.3% of total venture capital deployed has gone to all-female founding teams.
Through this initiative, Techstars aims to mobilize its global community to empower women founders, innovators, and technologists, helping them turn ideas into ventures and build stronger startup ecosystems.
Startup Weekend Women program
From March 6-8, 2026, Techstars community leaders around the world will host Startup Weekend Women events.
The format is a three-day immersive experience where participants can:
- pitch an idea
- form a team
- build and validate a startup concept
- launch a venture within a single weekend
The series focuses on women-identifying innovators and individuals building technology solutions that empower women.
The events are designed to create inclusive spaces for women and allies to test ideas, expand networks, and gain practical startup experience.
Global Pitch Competition
First-place teams from each Startup Weekend Women event will be invited to participate in a virtual Global Pitch Competition in May 2026.
Teams will pitch to a panel of Techstars judges for global recognition and prizes.
The competition includes:
- partner perks such as software credits, coworking space, and marketing support
- cash prizes
- a guaranteed interview for a Techstars global program
- mentorship
Ahead of the competition, participants will also be invited to join a Master Your Pitch Masterclass led by a mentor from the Techstars network.
Participating cities
The 2026 edition includes cities across Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, including:
Abidjan, Abuja, Aden, Antananarivo, Asunción, Bangkok, Belo Horizonte, Brampton, Bulawayo, Chihuahua, Chinhoyi, Columbus (Ohio), Dublin, Foz do Iguacu, Harare, Helsingborg, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Kathmandu Valley, Lagos, Loulé Municipality, Macau, Mascara, Mexico City, Nagercoil, New Orleans, Niort, Padula, Panama City, Perth, Playa del Carmen, Reno, Rio de Janeiro, San Diego, San Luis Potosí, Santo André, São Paulo, Surulere, Tagbilaran, Umuahia and Obollor Afor.
Startup Weekend Women 2026 is positioned as a coordinated global effort to increase participation of women in startup ecosystems by providing structured weekend-based venture building and access to a follow-on global pitch platform.