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…