TECHSTARS
STARTUP WEEKEND MOSUL

Why Join SW Mosul?

Workshop & Mentoring

Get help for your business idea from our mentors and experts. Ask anything during the dedicated workshop and mentor hours and they are here to help!

Create Your Business

If you have an idea for a startup or an issue you have solution to, you can pitch it on Friday to convince others to join. Or you can join other’s ideas.

Build and Win

Over the weekend, you will test your idea, build a minimum viable product, train and practice your pitch. Finally present in front of a panel of judges to win!

Social and Connect

Build meaningful connection with the likeminded and we make sure that you have unlimited coffee, 7 meals, snacks and other goodies during the weekend

Agenda

3 Days of Innovation

Day 1 - Thursday

2:30 Registration

3:00 Dinner & Networking

3:30 icebreaking ideation

4:00 Welcome & pitching

4:30 Vote for your favorite pitches

5:00 Choose your team

6:00 Start working on your idea

Day 2 - Friday

09:00 Breakfast

09:30 Workshop

10:30 Work on your idea

1:00 Lunch

2:00 Mentors present themselves

5:45 Start Wrap up

6:00 Dinner

Day 3 - Saturday

09:00 Breakfast

11:00 Pitch practice

12:00 Lunch

2:00 Finalise your pitches

3:00 Pitches

5:30 Winner announcement

6:00 Networking & Goodbye

Startup Weekend Global Partners

Goals & Deliverables

Transform your idea into a compelling 3-5 minutes pitch that convinces judges and potential investors.

Remember: A great pitch with solid validation beats a rushed prototype!

Keys to Success:

• Focus on Validation

  Spend significant time researching and validating your assumptions

• Keep It Simple

  Don't overcommit to complex prototypes

• Evidence Matters

  Back every claim with research or customer feedback

• Optional Bonus

  Simple prototype/demo to support your solution (only if time permits)

From our last Startup Weekend Baghdad in 2024

Frequently asked questions

Is this event for me?

If you're interested in entrepreneurship, the answer is most likely yes. Whether you're a working professional, student, serial entrepreneur, or new to startups, you're welcome as long as you're motivated to build a product or startup and open to new ideas.

Do I have to participate all three days?

Yes, all participants are expected to attend all three days. This maintains the event's momentum and minimizes disruptions.

Do I need a team?

No, you don't need a team beforehand. Teams will be formed during the weekend. Teamwork is a crucial aspect of Startup Weekend.

Do I have to pitch an idea to attend?

No, you can attend without pitching and work on someone else's idea. However, we encourage everyone to pitch their own ideas, even if they're spontaneous.

What types of ideas can I pitch?

Any business ideas are eligible, including for-profit, social businesses, and nonprofits. We recommend focusing on ideas that can produce a deliverable by Sunday, often tech-focused for easier MVP creation.

How do I prepare?

Think about an idea you'd like to pitch, do some research, and practice your 60-second pitch. Consider bringing a friend. You can also familiarize yourself with tools that might be useful during the weekend.

Can I pitch my existing business?

No. Startup Weekend is designed for growing new ideas from the ground up over the weekend.

What resources/assistance are provided over the weekend?

We provide speakers, mentors, and practical talks. Mentors from various fields offer advice. Check the Tools for Participants page for more resources.

How do I protect against people stealing my idea?

While you can't fully protect your idea, the benefits of feedback and collaboration outweigh the risks. Focus on execution and passion, which can't be stolen.

What are we supposed to have accomplished by the end of the weekend?

While there are no specific requirements, you'll be judged on Customer Validation, Execution and Design, and Business Model. Common presentations include wireframes, mobile apps, slide decks, videos, and live product demos.