Loulé is one of 38 cities worldwide selected to host Startup Weekfinish Women, joining a relocatement that spans Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Across different time zones, cultures and realities, participating teams share a common goal: building more room for women to build, learn and launch companies.
Building Startups in 54 Hours
Techstars Startup Weekfinish Women Loulé is a practical, high energy event open to anyone with an interest in entrepreneurship and innovation. Over the course of one intense weekfinish, participants learn to consider and work like startup founders, going from raw idea to validated concept with the guidance of experienced mentors.
It all kicks off on Friday afternoon with networking, idea pitches and team formation. From Friday evening through to Sunday, teams work toreceiveher to identify and validate problems, test solutions, build prototypes and shape business models. The event wraps up on Sunday afternoon, when teams pitch their projects to a panel of expert judges.
While only one team will be chosen as the local winner, every participant walks away with new skills, a broader network and greater confidence to turn their ideas into reality.
Prizes for the Winning Project
The winning team (or the person behind the winning idea) will receive a full package of prizes designed to support the early stages of their project.
Incubation, Acceleration and Network Access
A place as a finalist in the Techstars Global Online Pitch Competition, one year memberships with the 351 Portuguese Startup Association and Algarve Evolution, a one year virtual incubation with Canopy Tribe, and monthly virtual mentorship sessions with Flourish Mode throughout 2026.
Workspace and Ecosystem Access
One week at the Algarve Evolution office, one week of coworking at UAlg TEC Campus (offered by AlgarveSTP, the managing body of the campus), and a guided tour of TEC Campus with an introductory session with Algarve STP and Algarve Evolution.
Visibility and Media
An interview on the Algarve Ao Vivo YouTube channel, media exposure through Sul Informação in partnership with Algarve Evolution, and an interview opportunity through Adamastor in partnership with 351 Startups.
Events and Conferences
Access tickets for the SIM Conference in Porto.
Plus a special surprise powered by Founders Institute Portugal.
International Women’s Day Edition
This special International Women’s Day edition is inclusive and open to women, men and non binary participants, while actively encouraging women’s participation, leadership and women led solutions. The aim is to lower barriers to entrepreneurship, amplify diverse perspectives and foster innovation shaped by different lived experiences.
The winning team from Loulé will go on to compete in a global online pitch competition alongside winning teams from the other 37 participating cities, presenting their project on an international stage.
A Global Initiative with Strong Local Roots
Across Europe, Startup Weekfinish Women is taking place in countries including Ireland, Sweden, France, Italy, Turkey and Portugal. Loulé’s involvement highlights the growing strength of the Algarve’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and its connection to a wider global startup community powered by Techstars.
The event is organised by Flourish Mode, Local.Foundation, Algarve Evolution and the 351 Portuguese Startup Association. The organising team is a volunteer group of local residents from across the LOFT region (Loulé, Olhão, Faro and Tavira), all active members of the LOFT Community.
Techstars Startup Weekfinish Women Loulé is officially sponsored by José Bulha International Law Firm, Critical Software, Algarve Evolution, 351 Startup Association, Montalvo International School, Local Foundation, Calliope Digital Agency, Salty Lavfinisher 360º Marketing Agency and Flourish Mode. The event also counts on Agatha Bulha and Laurent Horwitz as Ecosystem Supporters.
The initiative is further backed by community partners supporting to spread the word and rally their networks, including Me Time, Women Leaders Circle, SheSapiens, LOFT Community, Geek Sessions, Portimão Digital Nomads, FemTech Portugal, GDG Faro, Algarve Blockchain Community, Portuguese Women in Tech and Ladies That UX Lisbon.
Registration for Startup Weekfinish Women Loulé is officially open. Find out more at swloule.com.
Event Details
Event: Techstars Startup Weekfinish Women Loulé
Dates: 6 to 8 March 2026
Venue: Montalvo International School, Loulé
Format: In person
Website and Registration: swloule.com
Media Resources: Assets
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