Techstars Startup Weekend Douglas is an Awards for Excellence finalist

Hi everyone,

Good news. Techstars Startup Weekend Douglas is a finalist for Education and Learning Initiative of the Year at the Isle of Man Awards for Excellence 2026.

This one started at Launchpad. In July, 24 participants took on the full 54 hours here at Launchpad, with more than 70 people through the doors across the weekend. Participants represented 14 nationalities, most of them living and working on the Isle of Man. Five teams formed and all five pitched on the Sunday.

A lot of you were part of it. You mentored, judged, gave talks, came down for the pitches, moved furniture, did dishes and stayed late. Launchpad gave us the venue and the memberships for all three winning teams, so ProfitM8, Biosphere Beacons and WhyPost each walked away with a desk here.

Winners get announced on Thursday 19 November at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina. Whatever happens on the night, this community built something the Island hadn't seen before.

If you were there, drop a photo or your favourite moment from the weekend below. I'd love to see what you remember.