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.
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.
Costs
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 our alumnus you can participate for free.
| Participant situation | Normal fee | Alumni fee |
| Cost (€) | 40 | Free |
Registration
Places are distributed on a first come-first serve basis. Secure your place by registering via the Application form.
Prizes
The winners will get certificates and monetary prizes!
| 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.
