Startup Madeira, in collaboration with the 351 Portuguese Startup Association, will host the first Techstars Startup Weekend Madeira from October 23 to 25, 2026. The event, recognized as one of the largest community-based entrepreneurship programs globally, carries the techstarts seal and has already held over 7000 editions in more than 150 countries.
Over three intensive days, participants will have the opportunity to transform business ideas into projects with market potential. The program covers developing business models, creating prototypes, validating the market, acquiring initial customers, and delivering a final pitch, all within a collaborative and mutually supportive environment.
The weekend kicks off on the afternoon of Friday, October 23, with inspiring presentations and team formation. Intensive collaborative work will continue until Sunday, culminating in the presentation of ideas to an invited jury. Teams will be formed by participants from diverse backgrounds to enrich the creative process.
Participants will receive guidance from the teams at Startup Madeira, the 351 Portuguese Startup Association, and local mentors and entrepreneurs. The winning idea will be awarded 6 months of Virtual Office service from Startup Madeira and 5 hours of specialized mentoring.
Registration is free but limited to available spots, requiring full availability for all three days of the event. The deadline to secure a place is October 14.
This event is promoted by the Regional Government of Madeira, through Startup Madeira, and co-financed by the European Union under the Regional Program Madeira 2021–2027 (Madeira 2030), specifically through the project start2030 – Madeira Empreende e Inova.
