SWORL Fall 26

Startup Weekend Orlando (SWORL)

Turn an idea into something real — in just one weekend.

Startup Weekend Orlando (SWORL) is a fast-paced, 2½-day experience that brings together entrepreneurs, creatives, developers, students, and innovators from across Central Florida to build something from the ground up.
The weekend kicks off Friday night with open pitches, where anyone can share an idea. Participants vote on their favorites, form teams, and then get to work. Over the next two days, teams will validate their ideas, talk to potential customers, develop business models, build prototypes, and prepare their final pitches — all with guidance from experienced mentors and members of Orlando’s startup community.
On Sunday, teams take the stage to pitch what they’ve built to a panel of judges.

You don’t need a startup, a team, or even an idea to participate. Just bring your skills, curiosity, and willingness to build.
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, designer, developer, marketer, business professional, student, or simply someone who wants to experience entrepreneurship firsthand, SWORL gives you the opportunity to meet new people, test your abilities, and see how much can happen in one weekend.

Pitch. Build. Validate. Connect.

Come with an idea — or join someone else’s — and leave with new skills, new connections, and maybe even the beginning of your next venture.

What to Expect

The event features speakers, each delivering a 15–20 minute talk, followed by an interactive Q&A.
Speakers share their personal and professional journeys through the lens of innovation, touching on topics such as:

Experimentation and iteration
Customer discovery and MVPs
Data-driven pivots and non-intuitive learnings
Storytelling, communication, and culture change
Applying innovation principles in real-world settings

The evening concludes with open networking, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with speakers and members of Orlando’s innovation ecosystem.

Who Should Attend

This event is ideal for:

Founders and entrepreneurs
Students and early-career professionals
Anyone curious about innovation and emerging technology

Whether you’re a serial entrepreneur or a novice, this event is designed to inspire meaningful takeaways and connections.

Event Details

📍 Location: Tech Hub Orlando
🗓 Date: November 13-15
⏰ Time: 6:30-8:30pm Fri, 9am-5pm Sat, 9am-8pm Sunday!

🎟 Ticket: $120, or $75 for students
🎓 Scholarships: Cost should not keep anyone out. If the ticket price is a barrier, email [email protected].