Startup Weekend proudly presents its second-ever pilot event focused on fostering innovation & entrepreneurship in the public sector.

In partnership with Code for America, we invite you to join us on June 15-17, 2012, at Microsoft's Chevy Chase office to solve real-life problems faced by federal and local government agencies, citizens, and businesses or to breathe a new life into existing outdated solutions.

Some of the directions, in which you may be interested to work, include:

• making government operations more efficient
• simplifying government collaboration
• reducing barriers to access government resources
• facilitating & improving policy-making
• supporting & enhancing civic engagement

The final presentations on Sunday will be judged on validation with real-life users, practicality of the prototype, and business model (for revenue-supported products & services) or impact (for grant-supported products and services). We strongly advise considering these criteria when deciding which ideas to pitch and which ones to build during the event.

What is Startup Weekend?

Startup Weekends are weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable.  On average, half of Startup Weekend's attendees have technical backgrounds, the other half have business backgrounds.

Beginning with open mic pitches on Friday, attendees bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Over Saturday and Sunday teams focus on customer development, validating their ideas, practicing LEAN Startup Methodologies and building a minimal viable product. On Sunday evening teams demo their prototypes and receive valuable feedback from a panel of experts.

Why do tickets cost so much?

We provide you with meals, snacks, and drinks for 2.5 days.

Why attend Startup Weekend GOV?

Channel your passion: This is one of the first ever Gov2.0 Startup Weekends. Join other innovators and subject matter experts in making history and improving government. Impact issues you care about! 

Education: Startup Weekends are all about learning through the act of creating.  Don’t just listen to theory, build your own strategy and test it as you go.

Build your network: This isn't just a happy-hour. Startup Weekend attracts your community's best makers and do-ers. By spending a weekend working to build scalable companies that solve real-world problems, you will build long-lasting relationships and possibly walk away with a job, a new colleague, or even an investor.

Co-Founder Dating: We all know it's not just about the idea – it's about the team. Startup Weekend is hands down the best way to to find someone you can actually launch a startup with.

Learn a new skill: Startup Weekends are all about learning through the act of creating. Don't just listen to theory, build your own strategy and test it as you go! Step outside of your comfort zone! With a whole weekend dedicated to letting your creative juices flow, Startup Weekends is the prefect opportunity to work on a new platform, learn a new programming language, or just try something different.

Actually launch a business: Over 36% of Startup Weekend startups are still going strong after 3 months.  Roughly 80% of participants plan on continuing working with their team or startup after the weekend.

Get face time with thought leaders: Area government, tech and startup leaders participate in Startup Weekends as mentors and judges. Get some one-on-one time with the movers and shakers in your community.

Join a global community: Join over 30,000 Startup Weekend alumni, all on a mission to change the world

Refund Policy

No refunds will be granted within 7 days of the event if food and drink have already been ordered. However, you can transfer your ticket to someone else or have a credit toward the next event.

We look forward to seeing what you create! 

Startup Weekend DC Team

Event details can be found at http://dcgov.startupweekend.org