Startup Weekend - Techstar

Early Entrepreneurship with Techstars

During my university years, I was fortunate to be part of the Computer Science Association and Entrepreneurship Association, both of which fostered a culture of creativity and innovation. In my first year, I participated in a Techstars Startup Weekend, a 54-hour event where students and aspiring founders come together to pitch ideas, form teams, and build prototypes under tight deadlines.

From Participant to Organizer

That first experience sparked my passion for entrepreneurship. In the following years, I moved from participant to organizer, helping run multiple Startup Weekends and bootcamps. This role gave me hands-on experience in event design, team coordination, and even pitching for sponsorships, skills that proved invaluable later in my career.

Mentorship That Made a Difference

The events also connected me with an inspiring network of mentors and coaches. Roxana Verza, for example, joined as a guest mentor and offered guidance that was pivotal at that early stage of my journey. Conversations with business owners, startup coaches, and experienced entrepreneurs helped me see the broader possibilities of combining technology with entrepreneurship.

Why It Matters

These experiences became a cornerstone of my early growth. They taught me how to collaborate across disciplines, lead under pressure, and turn raw ideas into actionable prototypes. Being part of a Techstars-certified program also connected me to a global community of innovators, reinforcing the belief that with the right mindset and network, any idea has the potential to grow into something impactful.