Startup Weekends are weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable.

Startup Weekend is an intense 54 hour event which focuses on building a web or mobile application which could form the basis of a credible business over the course of a weekend. The weekend brings together people with different skillsets - primarily software developers, graphics designers and business people - to build applications and develop a commercial case around them.

We’re proud to announce that the next Cairo’s Startup Weekend will take place at TIEC(Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center) in Smart Village at the period of (19-21) January 2012.

As part of TIEC’s responsibility towards empowering entrepreneurs and inspiring innovation in Egypt bringing the best to the industry and our beloved country, they’re motivated to be one of our Main Sponsors of the event.

Startup Weekends are weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable. On average, half of Startup Weekend’s attendees have technical backgrounds, the other half have business backgrounds.

Beginning with open mic pitches on Friday, attendees are encouraged to bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Over Saturday and Sunday teams design and develop business plans while constantly streamlining their startup vision. On Sunday evening teams demo their prototypes, listen to judges’ feedback and in some cities, win prizes.

Startup Weekends are specifically designed for entrepreneurs interested in receiving feedback on an idea, looking for a co-founder, or who want to learn a new skill. We also welcome anyone looking to test the entrepreneurial waters. Startup Weekends are risk-free environments where everyone is expected to roll up their sleeves and dive into the exhilarating world of startups.

Thursday:

6:30pm – Registration starts
7:00pm – Dinner & Networking
7:20pm – Welcome & Speakers
7:30pm – Pitches Start
9:00pm – Attendees vote for the top ideas
9:15pm – Teams start forming and discussing ideas
10:00pm – Start to formalize teams and take an inventory of skills. Be honest, and direct about what resources and skills are needed for the weekend. You may stay and work as late as the venue will allow.

Friday

9:00am – Arrive, simple breakfast & coffee
9:30am – Teams formed and setting up workspace for the weekend
12:00pm – Lunch
1:00pm – Call for needs & skills
2:00pm – Mentors help teams one-on-one. They are here to help!
6:30pm – Dinner
7:30pm – Mid weekend check-in, status reports, call for help
10:00pm – Finished for the day. You may stay and work as late as the venue will allow.

Saturday

9:00am – Arrive, simple breakfast & coffee
10:00am – Call for help (this is self motivated, so don’t be shy)
12:00pm – Lunch
12:30pm – Mentors arrive… ASK QUESTIONS
3:00pm – Gut check. Start prepping for presentations
4:00pm – Dinner
5:00pm – FINAL PRESENTATIONS
7:30pm – Judging & awards
8:30pm – Wrapup
9:00pm – Go home!