• What is the University Edition?

The University Edition is a platform for us to encourage university students all over China to try and validate their very own business ideas and bring projects out of the classroom.

• Can I join if I'm not a university student?

We welcome all participants who identify with the theme Reimagine Learning.

• Are the food and accomodation taken care of?

We will be catering 7 meals throughout the weekend, but you need to take care of your own accomodation.

• What is the language spoken during your event?

A mixture of both English and Chinese. It will often be mainly in Chinese but with some interpretation in English. Language has never been a strong barrier.

• Who are the other participants?

Similar to you, they are people who are interested to become entrepreneurs or is passionate about education. Business people, tech geeks, designers and creatives. Some technical, some not! We encourage inclusivity.

• Do participants have to come with an existing business idea?

You can come with an idea or a very early stage business (only some market research done). For various reasons, it is better to come with something new!

• We already have a team and a project, can we still join?

Nope, you come as an individual and not as a team. Take this opportunity to test a new idea and meet with new people!

• Do projects still continue after Startup Weekend?

Projects can move forward if you and your team believe in your idea. For example, Aftership in HK is a good example of a SW alumni raising millions! Nevertheless, this is a great opportunity for you to meet your future co-founders and learn a ton!

• What type of ideas do I need to pitch?

Anything related to a new way of learning. Be it in terms of academics, cooking or sports, innovative ideas could be explored to transform the current, traditional learning methodology.  

• What are examples of ideas?

For the university edition, you could explore ideas like virtual reality for cooking and a social network for new language learners. Let your imagination run wild!

• What exactly can we expect to make?

We recommend teams to build actual mockups. You will most definitely have a presentation deck to pitch and a realistic business model to show how your idea progresses forward.

• Do I need to stay the entire weekend?

Yes! Otherwise, it would be unfair to your team. If you have personal emergencies, please contact the organising team.

• I'm working for my own startup or a company, does it make sense to come?

Yes, we don't expect participants to resign on Monday! Come and learn new things, make new friends, connect with coaches and judges, test a new idea, build something cool!

• I don't want to stay for the entire weekend. Can I just come and look?

You can come down to watch the final pitches on Sunday. Get your tickets as Sunday Observers now!

• I have purchased tickets but I couldn't make it now. Can I request for a refund?

Yes you may. However, refund of tickets will not be accepted 7 days prior to the event. The reason being that food and materials have been purchased.

More questions? Send an email to: sh.uni@startupweekend.org