Apply the skills and life experiences you already have as we help you learn to think, work, and build like a startup in 54 thrilling hours. Techstars Startup Weekend is an exciting and immersive foray into the world of startups. Over an action-packed three days, you’ll receive world-class innovation training and meet the very best mentors, co-founders and funders who will help you learn and innovate rapidly. This could be your start in building Taranaki's — or New Zealand's — next big success story!

This is the 10th Anniversary Startup Weekend Taranaki and promises to be the biggest and brightest ever! Since 2015 this has been the flagship event of Taranaki’s startup and innovation ecosystem, attracting participants from across the country and contributing significantly to a culture of innovation, autonomy and creativity.

$10,000 prize! Courtesy of long-time sponsor and supporter, iTaranaki, the judges will award $10,000 in services and support to the winning team. See below for terms and conditions.

Timing: Friday evening 5:30-11pm, Saturday 8am-11pm and Sunday 8am to 8.30pm

Fully inclusive meals: delicious meals and snacks are provided throughout the weekend – dietary restrictions can be accommodated (please indicate on the post-signup form).

Childcare: Subsidised childcare is available from 9am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday (July 12-13) at a nearby venue. The number of spaces are limited though, so book the childcare option early!

Out-of-towners: Our sponsor, Novotel, has offered a huge discount on rooms: pay only $50 for two nights' accommodation (Friday and Saturday night). This is a twin share option. If you want a room to yourself, contact us for other Novotel discounts.

Student discount: Enter SWSTUDENT as a discount code if you are a student so that you can get a ticket for 50% off!

We recommend you bring either a laptop or a tablet for the weekend, wifi will be provided. In the interest of sustainability we also ask that you bring a water bottle and reusable coffee cup for hot drinks too.

Everyone who is interested should be able to attend so, if financial issues prevent you from taking part, please reach out to our organisers at info@doso.nz and we'll find ways to support you to come along.

We'd love to help organise carpools or organise accommodation so please email us for assistance.

Terms of Participation Agreement: Our job is to provide you with an incredible networking and learning experience. You'll meet some amazing people that you might start a company with, expert mentors who'll become part of your network, and learn from your peers. The event is a collaborative forum for sharing, learning, building, and having fun. By registering as a participant, you acknowledge that any ideas shared by you or anyone else over the course of the event are contributions to the overall experience and community. If you’re very concerned, you can limit your pitch to the rough outline of your idea without giving away key information.

As a member of your startup community, you agree to be inclusive of any and all people and their ideas. You agree to act professionally, treat everyone with respect, and treat the event facilities with proper care. You agree that you are responsible in the event of any accidents or damages that you cause. You also agree to not hold Techstars Startup Weekend, your local volunteer team, or any of the event supporters liable for any loss, damage, injury, or any other unforeseeable incident.

By participating in the event, you grant Techstars and Doso permission to capture photos/videos of the event and use them for marketing purposes, so we can continue to offer amazing events.

By purchasing a ticket to a Techstars Startup Weekend event, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you have questions please reach out to privacy@techstars.com.

The $10,000 prize may be spent on any products and services the winning team deems relevant to starting up their business, including but not limited to professional advice, digital tools and services, R&D, testing and prototyping. Quotes for the purchase of proposed products and services must be provided by registered entities and submitted for approval to prize sponsor, iTaranaki, prior to committing the spend. The prize is valid for 12 months, expiring on 15 July 2026.

Contact the host of Startup Weekend Taranaki 2025 – 10th Anniversary Edition