UMass Dartmouth’s seventh-annual Techstars Startup Weekend is scheduled to start on Friday, Feb. 25 giving South Coast community members and students locally and around the globe a chance to pitch their best startup ideas.

The 54-hour virtual event will start with 30-second pitches. Small teams will then form around the best ideas and work through Sunday evening to create a prototype and validate the business model before presenting to a panel of judges.

This year, aspiring entrepreneurs are being asked to present ideas that address issues related to poverty, inequality, climate change, or environmental degradation.

The best startups will be awarded prizes, consisting of support from companies.

UMass Dartmouth students, regardless of major, are strongly encouraged to participate in this free virtual event. Anyone interested in the South Coast entrepreneurial community is also welcome to participate.

Visit the UMassD Startup Weekend website to learn more, register, and view the schedule.