Weekend Startup

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3 Days to Launch!

Weekend Startup (formerly Startup Fast Pass) is a fast-paced introduction to the basic principles of how to transform a business idea into an actual startup in just one weekend. The program has been carefully designed to be highly experiential providing participants a real feel for the fast-paced experience of launching a startup. At the beginning of the weekend, students form teams around an idea. Over the course of the weekend each team will develop a business model, market and customer analysis, and final presentation. Throughout the weekend, a student-led team and experienced mentors will help participants navigate the process of launching a business under extreme constraints. By Sunday afternoon each team will present their startup to a Pro Panel of successful entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals.

This semester’s Weekend Startup is proudly planned and presented by student leaders of the McFerrin Experience Team!

Fall 2025

  • Applications Open: Friday, Aug. 29
  • Applications Close: Extended until 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18
  • Pre-Weekend Meeting: Thursday, Oct. 23
  • Weekend Startup: Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 26

Applications for fall 2025 are now closed.

Who Can Participate?

Only currently enrolled students at Texas A&M University may participate in Weekend Startup. To be considered for Weekend Startup, students must submit an online application and be selected as a participant. Students must apply as individuals and can apply with or without a business idea. Applicants are not evaluated based on their business ideas or lack thereof. Several days prior to the weekend event, selected students participate in a 2-hour “pre-weekend meeting” which gives them a chance to meet each other and prepare them for what to expect during the weekend.

  • Any currently enrolled Texas A&M University student
  • All majors are invited and encouraged to apply
  • Students of all classifications, including graduate and professional students

Mentors are an integral part of the Weekend Startup (formerly Startup Fast Pass) experience. As a mentor you will help teams think through vital aspects of their venture such as target customer, branding, market viability, product viability and more. Most importantly you’ll serve as a sounding board for ideas and will use your knowledge and experience to help students avoid common pitfalls when launching a business.

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