The next edition of VentureLab Weekend will take place on the weekend of March 22–24, 2024, with a focus on innovation. Across three intensive days, aspiring entrepreneurs will form teams, sound and test their ideas with expert mentors and each other, develop business models, and take part in a pitch competition to an experienced jury.
Applications for the March weekend are now closed: the November weekend will focus on health innovations, so be sure to follow us on social media so you don’t miss the sign-up announcement.
The Weekend
The VentureLab Weekend is all about providing you with the knowledge and tools to build your entrepreneurial competencies and skills — during the 3-day event, you will learn how to validate your business idea and work on turning your idea into a working business concept.
On night one, participants pitch ideas and form the teams that will build the business plan and pitch across the weekend — you don’t need your own idea to join the event, just the drive to make one work! We support you with workshops and coaching from a group of experienced coaches, and you will have the opportunity to go out and get real-world feedback on your idea. On the last night is the big pitch competition, where you demonstrate all you have learnt over the weekend and pitch your idea to a panel of expert entrepreneurs, business developers, and potential investors. There are prizes for first, second, and third place, but everyone who takes part leaves feeling like a winner.
Cost
The participation fee for the entire weekend is €40. Costs for the location, workshops, coaches, and prizes are covered by the RUG. If you are a VentureLab North alumnus you can participate for free.
Participant situation | Normal fee | Alumni fee |
Cost (€) | 40 | Free |
Registration
When registration opens, you will have a limited period of time to apply for the Weekend. Places are limited, so be sure to sign up early!
Prizes
The winning teams of VentureLab Weekend will take home prizes up to €500.
Startup team | Prize (€) |
1st place | 500 |
2nd place | 250 |
3rd place | 100 |
In addition to the prize money, the first place team will also win free admission to the VentureLab North Business Development Program.