Techstars Startup Weekend - Seward September 2026

Join us in Seward, Alaska for a three-day event for aspiring founders to pitch their ideas, assemble a team, and bring a company to life.
About this Event

Why Techstars Startup Weekend - Seward

Come join us at Startup Weekend - Tourism, a 54 hour business plan competition where you will have the opportunity to meet like minded individuals, dream big ideas, prototype businesses, and pitch to Alaska biggest tourism investors. All you have to bring is your enthusiasm and Alaskan Can-Do attitude. If you already run a tourism business, this is an opportunity to rapidly test out new ideas in a safe environment. All ages and skill levels are welcome. No prior business or tourism experience necessary. You will be given the tools and the methodology to create Alaska's next biggest tour company.

This event is hosted in Seward with optional events before and after the weekend. Participant tickets are $175 (student, military, and other discounts are available) and includes all meals, supplies, and the pitch event for participants.

Travel and hotel accommodation discounts and stipends will be available. Please select this "ticket" option to receive more information.

A separate ticket is available for attending only the final pitch event Sunday evening. The experience is invaluable and spectators are welcome to sign up for the pitch event where are also launching the 2026 Entrepreneurship Week and the 2026 Alaska Angel Confetence.

This event is organized in partnership with:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Commonwealth North
• alaska version 3
• And many others!

"Well worth being stuck inside on a sunny weekend! Met some awesome people to work with and come up with some pretty sweet ideas! The initial experience did eventually inspire and motivate me to get outside of my own comfort zone and create my own business." Dan Newman, founder of Alaska Premier Auctions and Appraisals

Since 2012, the start of Alaskan Startups

Techstars Startup Weekends have been happening at least once annually in Anchorage since 2012. It has kick-started many entrepreneurs in our community. We believe that the tourism demand and opportunity are so great that it is time to focus on a promising sector to grow the Alaska economy. We welcome you to explore, create, and create in this space.

Connect with other creators

Startup Weekend - Alaska Tourism is a great place to connect with passionate people driven to build something new. There is no better place to meet new friends, colleagues, mentors, cofounders, and investors.

Start something great

Knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference. Startup Weekend - Alaska Tourism provides participants many opportunities to engage and connect with like-minded individuals — and truly start something amazing.

Learn from the best

Learn what it really takes to innovate, disrupt, and start a company from people who’ve been there. Startup Weekend features deep experiential learning guided by experienced tourism entrepreneurs & experts.

Improve your knowledge

Sometimes you really need more skills and knowledge to go to the next level. Startup Weekend also goes deep on specific topics or skill sets. Just what you need to progress quickly.

Organizing Members




Agenda

🕑: 05:30 PM
Friday Kickoff
🕑: 08:30 AM
Saturday Building a Business Model, Customer Discovery, MVP - Start at 9AM
🕑: 08:30 AM
Sunday Customer Validation, MVP, Plan and Pitch Prep- Doors Open Start at 9AM
🕑: 05:30 PM
Sunday - Main Event - Pitch Presentations and Awards at Williwaw Social