Question 1

What are the Friday pitches and what’s the schedule?

Accepted Answer

Any participant can pitch an idea. Each participant will have 1 min to pitch between 6:30-7:30 PM. No materials are needed. These are off-the-cuff pitches. After the pitches, the audience will vote on the top ideas. Following the voting, participants will form teams around the top 10 ideas.

Question 2

What are the Sunday pitches and what’s the schedule?

Accepted Answer

After working on ideas over the weekend (e.g., customer discovery, building MVPs, market research, etc.), teams will present their ideas to the judges to be crowned as MOSW 2026 winners. Each team will have 5 minutes to present, with 5 minutes of Q&A.

Question 3

Is Startup Weekend only for tech companies?

Accepted Answer

All ideas are welcome, but Startup Weekend is geared towards technology companies. Approximately 90% of all ideas are Software as a Service (SaaS), and given the short time frame to develop your product, we recommend that even non-tech ideas focus on a scalable tech-related deliverable.

Question 4

Can I apply with my existing business?

Accepted Answer

Startup weekend is for relatively new ideas that have either not been worked on or have had limited work. No prior funding, but it's fine if you've worked on the idea. We don't want to disincentivize hustle in advance. If you have a scaling business, that's too late, but check out our Sprint Track!

Question 5

What is included with my ticket?

Accepted Answer

The Startup Weekend ticket includes seven meals, brain break activities, Expert Network access, and the opportunity to pitch your billion-dollar idea.

Question 6

Who is Startup Weekend for?

Accepted Answer

Startup Weekend is for entrepreneurs, builders, engineers, or everyday people looking to dip their toe in entrepreneurship. Have you ever had a shower idea but never took the leap to build it? Now is the opportunity.

Question 7

What is the goal of Startup Weekend?

Accepted Answer

To have fun while launching a business with a team in the hopes of also winning the coveted annual Startup Weekend Championship.

Question 8

Do I have to participate in all three days?

Accepted Answer

Apart from the organizing team, mentors, speakers, event volunteers and judges, everyone who participates in the event is expected to participate in all three days. This is important not only for your own learning experience but also to minimize distractions or disruptions for your team.

Question 9

Do I need a team before hand?

Accepted Answer

No, teams will be formed at the event. This is important to preserve the MOSW experience. The ideal team consists of members from diverse backgrounds and experiences who collaborate to build a great MVP.

Question 10

What ticket type should I purchase to pitch an idea?

Accepted Answer

Please purchase an entrepreneur or a student ticket to pitch an idea. Choose the ticket type that matches your skillset best (e.g., technical, non-technical)

Question 11

What should I bring for the event?

Accepted Answer

- Laptop/Portable Computer - Power cord for Laptop - Notepad and pen - Business cards (or a business card app) - Your phone - feel free to take pictures or videos of the event - Optional: A second monitor, keyboard, etc…. Whatever helps you to be most productive. - Lots of energy!

Question 12

What is the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

72 hours before the event

Question 13

Do I have to have an idea to participate?

Accepted Answer

No, Startup Weekend is for anyone who wants to either pitch an idea or join a team working on an idea.

Question 14

Do all ideas get worked on?

Accepted Answer

No, there is a voting process with all participants and spectators. An example is below: - 75 participants - 30 ideas pitched at the mic in front of the audience - 10 ideas are selected from the highest number of votes - All 150 participants either join a team, leave, or stay as a spectator

Question 15

What are the judging criteria?

Accepted Answer

Please see the full rubric at https://redbudvc.notion.site/mosw-faqs-2026

Question 16

Can I pitch more than one idea?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the number of ideas pitched and the event schedule, you may or may not be able to pitch multiple ideas. Prioritize your ideas: pitch your best idea (and the one you have most prepared for) first. Please note that you will only be able to work on one idea through the weekend.

Question 17

Am I expected to work for 54 hours?

Accepted Answer

No. At some events, certain teams will decide to work all through Friday and/or Saturday night, but this is by no means obligatory or expected.

Question 18

How do I, or my team, address the issue of Intellectual Property or Ownership?

Accepted Answer

Please see the full IP disclosure at https://redbudvc.notion.site/mosw-faqs-2026?source=copy_link

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

While there are no specific requirements in terms of what teams should have accomplished by Sunday, it’s in your best interest to plan your execution around what you’ll be judged for on Sunday.

Question 20

Why is it a competition?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to cultivate a positive and educational atmosphere. However, we believe that some friendly competition can benefit all parties and accurately reflect the realities of startup life.

Missouri Startup Weekend 2026

Launch a startup in one weekend 🎉

Tickets for Missouri Startup Weekend include:

Agenda & FAQ's

Launch a startup in one weekend 🎉

Tickets for Missouri Startup Weekend include:

Agenda & FAQ's

Good to know

Location

EquipmentShare Headquarters

How do you want to get there?

Agenda

Student Launch Mixer

Launch Party (21+)