Techstars Startup Weekend Women Dublin 2026: From Ideas to Action in 54 Hours

Photo credit : Steven Sim

Unstoppable women. We build. We lead. We win, at Techstars Startup Weekend

By Billy Linehan

Techstars Startup Weekend Women Dublin 2026 took place from 20–22 March at Baseline Community in Dublin, bringing together more than 70 participants for an intensive 54-hour startup programme focused on building early-stage ideas. This was my first visit to Baseline Communities, an independent enterprise workspace in Dublin.

The event was opened by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam.

It followed the standard Techstars Startup Weekend format. Participants pitched ideas, formed teams, developed concepts with mentor support, and presented to a judging panel at the end of the weekend.

Early-Stage Ideas Focus on Real Problems

The range of ideas this year was broad but grounded in identifiable problems. Teams were working on concepts spanning electric vehicle support tools, mental health applications, ADHD support platforms, and solutions linked to local and agricultural needs.

Latifat Abisola Olagoke, working on a mental wellness application, described the value of the weekend in moving from idea to execution:

“I was excited for my idea to be selected and to have the chance to really flesh it out and pitch it.”

Dwiparna Pal, a software engineer developing a platform to connect entrepreneurs and investors, highlighted both the intensity and the energy of the format:

“There’s a lot I’m taking away from this, particularly what can be done within a short space of time. The energy here is very high.”

Mentoring and Practical Input

Mentoring plays a central role in the Startup Weekend model. Structured input over a short period allows teams to test assumptions, clarify their value proposition, and improve how they communicate their ideas. In this case, teams were generally open to challenge and willing to iterate quickly.

Participants also heard from experienced contributors across the ecosystem, such as leaders of female entrepreneurship initiatives including Máirín Murray of TechFoundHer, and Denise McQuaid of Awaken Angels.

AI, Judging and Emerging Themes

Volunteer Deirdre McCarthy observed that hackathons now face a new challenge:

“All hackathons now face the AI challenge, whereby participants can produce really impressive sounding business plans and visually appealing pitch decks. The judges challenge was to delve a little deeper to determine whether the projections were realistic and could withstand some well-informed questioning.”

In this case, the judging panel brought experience across sustainability, design, innovation and technology, which was evident in the depth and focus of the questions. The strongest teams used this process well, demonstrating domain knowledge and adding substance beyond what was presented in their initial pitches.

A number of recurring themes emerged across the weekend. Several teams addressed challenges linked to an always-on, resource-constrained environment, including burnout, ADHD support, mental and physical performance, and behavioural patterns such as impulsive spending. Others focused on structural issues such as housing constraints and overtourism.

Alongside these challenges, teams also identified new opportunities, including gender-specific health approaches, support tools for electric vehicle maintenance, and personalised, AI-enabled financial services.

Winning Teams Announced in Dublin

The winning teams reflected a mix of technical and social problem-solving.

First place went to EV Toolkit, developed by Lisa Ruttledge, Victoria Miller, Ciara Close and Claire Cui, a platform designed to support independent mechanics with the tools, data and diagnostics required to repair electric vehicles without relying on main dealerships.

Second place was awarded to Buddy Bee, a peer-support platform aimed at helping adults with ADHD achieve meaningful goals through structured accountability and community support.

Third place went to Spherio, an AI-driven platform offering personalised fitness and nutrition plans tailored to different stages of a woman’s life.

Two teams received honourable mentions. Dopamine Delay focused on addressing impulsive spending behaviours among people with ADHD, while AXXis was also recognised by the judges.

Organisers and Community Support

The event was led by Evelyn Nomayo, founder of Phase Innovate, and a volunteer organising team, supported by a wider network of mentors, speakers and ecosystem partners. Delivery was consistent with previous editions, with a clear structure and strong participant engagement over the course of the weekend.

Nomayo said the focus of the event is on creating the right conditions for early-stage founders to progress ideas:

“When women are given the space, tools and community to innovate, incredible things happen. Techstars Startup Weekend Women Dublin is about unlocking that potential, empowering women to turn ideas into startups and startups into lasting impact.”

There was a strong mix of expertise and experience across participants, alongside a clear sense of innovation and energy throughout the room.

Thanks especially to Miren Maialen McDonald, (volunteering on her third SWWD) and Deirdre McCarthy for their support.

Next Step: Global Pitch Competition

Winning teams from 29 cities, including Dublin, have been invited to take part in the Techstars Startup Weekend Women Virtual Global Pitch Competition, scheduled for 13 May 2026.

Sponsors and Partners

Techstars Startup Weekend Women Dublin is supported by organisations across Ireland’s
innovation ecosystem including: Enterprise Ireland, LEO Dublin City Council, Baseline, TechFoundHer, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Huckletree, Catalyst Noir, Awaken Angels, Agile Executives, Furthr, DiverseIn, APNI, Zile Organics and Phase Innovate.

Read about Techstars StartUp Week Women 2025

Billy Linehan

Billy Linehan writes about innovation, tech for good and entrepreneurship for Irish Tech News. He leads Celtar Advisers, working as a business mentor with SMEs and startup founders, and co-founded StartUp Ballymun, Dublin’s longest-running entrepreneurship series. He was a mentor at Techstars Startup Weekend Women Dublin 2026, mentoring seven teams, and has previously supported the event as both a mentor and a judge. In recent months he has reported from technology and innovation events in Rome, Las Vegas, Orlando and Dublin.

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