Celebrating Innovation and Leadership at Techstars Startup Weekend Women Dublin

Last Friday evening, I had the great pleasure, as Lord Mayor of Dublin, of opening Techstars Startup Weekend Women Dublin, a powerful and inspiring gathering of innovators, mentors, partners and aspiring founders from across our city and beyond.

From the moment I arrived, there was a real sense of energy in the room. This was not just another event. It was a coming together of people determined to create, to solve problems and to shape the future.

I want to pay particular tribute to Evelyn Nomayo and the entire organising team for delivering such an impactful initiative. Their leadership created a space where ideas were encouraged, ambition was supported and collaboration was at the heart of everything.

As Lord Mayor, my theme this year is Celebrating Dublin, and this event was a perfect example of that in action.

We often speak about Dublin as a global hub for technology and innovation. And that is true. But what makes our city special is not just the presence of major companies or investment. It is the people. It is the willingness to come together, to share knowledge and to back one another.

That spirit was on full display throughout the evening.

Over the course of the weekend, participants had the opportunity to take ideas from concept to early stage startup, working intensively in teams, supported by experienced mentors and guided by a shared sense of purpose. It is in these environments that innovation truly begins, not in isolation, but through collaboration, challenge and creativity.

A central focus of the event was on purpose driven entrepreneurship. The most impactful founders are not simply asking what business they can build. They are asking what problems they can solve and how their work can make a meaningful difference.

That approach is increasingly shaping the future of innovation, whether in areas such as sustainability, education, health or social inclusion.

It was particularly fitting that this event took place in the context of International Women’s Day.

Across Dublin, Ireland and the wider world, women are playing a leading role in entrepreneurship and innovation. They are founding companies, developing technologies and driving change in ways that are transforming our economy and our society.

However, it is also important to recognise that challenges remain. Barriers still exist in access to funding, networks and opportunities. Events like Techstars Startup Weekend Women Dublin are crucial in addressing those challenges by creating space, building confidence and opening doors.

They send a clear message that women belong at the centre of innovation.

This aligns strongly with my vision of Dublin as an active, living and engaged city.

An active city that supports creativity and enterprise.
A living city where innovation improves everyday life.
An engaged city where people are empowered to participate and lead.

To everyone who took part, I encouraged them to be bold in their thinking, to challenge assumptions and to back themselves. Entrepreneurship is not a straight path, but it offers the opportunity to create something meaningful and lasting.

I also want to acknowledge the mentors, speakers, judges and partners who contributed their time and expertise. Supporting emerging entrepreneurs is one of the most valuable investments we can make in our future.

The ideas that begin at events like this have the potential to grow into businesses that create jobs, strengthen communities and address real world challenges.

That is why initiatives like Techstars Startup Weekend Women Dublin matter so much.

They are not just about startups. They are about people. They are about opportunity. And they are about the kind of Dublin we are building together.

A Dublin that celebrates ambition.
A Dublin that champions inclusion.
And a Dublin that looks to the future with confidence.

It was an honour to be part of such an inspiring evening, and I look forward to seeing the ideas and ventures that will emerge in the weeks and months ahead.