The Hatch Lab in Gorey will host its third annual ‘Techstars Startup Weekend’ from 21st to 23rd February 2020, in partnership with Bank of Ireland and Wexford County Council. Participants are invited to join for the weekend when they will have the opportunity to explore and develop new business ideas in a fun and inclusive environment. Over the course of the weekend, attendees pitch ideas, form teams and learn how to start a business, with the support of expert mentors.

This year’s event will focus on Greentech (or Cleantech), which describes products or services that are environmentally-friendly and can apply to any industry sector. That said, participants do not need to be environmental or business experts to attend. All are welcome this is open to ANYONE with any background! From techies and designers to non-techies working across areas such as business or sales; professionals looking to switch or expand career skills, students, lifelong learners, and passionate visionaries. People with established businesses are also welcome to attend and explore ways that they might boost their revenues or develop new products and services.

“Our Startup Weekend is designed to help people with early-stage ideas learn how to develop those ideas into viable business solutions,” said Emer Cooney, Bank of Ireland’s Enterprise & Innovation Community Manager for Leinster, based at the Hatch Lab. “Even if you don’t have an idea yet, you can bring your knowledge and skills, meet people and learn how to get a business off the ground. You might even find yourself on a new journey in a start-up company.”

The cost is just €30 (with early bird options available) and includes food for the whole weekend, with accommodation options available to allow participants to experience a fully immersive Startup Weekend.

The goal of the weekend is to create an environment where passionate people can come together to get things done; to learn, network, bridge the gap between trades, expose potential weaknesses in their business models and see actual results. Some of the experts over the weekend include Colin Keogh, mechanical engineer and designer who featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2016, Tom Popple, of Natural Capital Partners, Cyril Byrne, Software Innovator, Entrepreneur and mentor, Szilvia Szabo, CEO of the Impacter, as well as a number of mentors, coaches, and specialists.

Book early to secure your place. Tickets and more information is available on the event website: .

Alternatively, you can email emer.cooney@boi.com or tina@thehatchlab.ie.