Techstars Startup Weekend:

AI Edition will be held in Durango for the first time, bringing Fort Lewis College students and community members together to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions powered by artificial intelligence. Open to students, creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals of all backgrounds, this three-day, team-based experience invites participants to brainstorm, build, and pitch their ideas with support from seasoned mentors and local experts.

Tickets are $99 for community members and $20 for students. All meals will be provided during the event.

When: Thursday through Saturday, October 9 – 10, 2025

Thursday, 4 – 9 pm: Kickoff, lightning pitches, and team formation
Friday, 9 am – 7 pm: Build, learn, iterate, demos, and awards

Where: ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Center for Innovation

835 Main Ave, Suite 225, Durango, CO

Located in downtown Durango on the second floor of the Main Mall.

Parking at the Center for Innovation - The Center for Innovation is conveniently located less than a block from the Durango Transit Center, which has 131 parking spaces. Parking at the Transit Center is free on evenings (after 5 p.m.), weekends, and holidays, with permit-only or metered options available Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are also six EV charging stations on-site.

Sponsors: Hosted by Techstars and led locally by the AI Institute at Fort Lewis College, this event is presented in partnership with West Slope Startup Week and Howdy Partners (formerly the Greater Colorado Venture Fund).



Who: Whether it’s entrepreneurs looking for AI tools to better engage customers, students eager to build a startup and gain experience, or community members who want to connect and contribute to the process, the event offers a hands-on opportunity to brainstorm, build, and launch ideas with guidance from seasoned mentors and experts.



Why: This weekend is designed to energize innovation in the Four Corners region by bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and professionals to learn, build, and collaborate. Participants will walk away with real-world experience in ideation, team building, and applying AI to practical challenges—skills that translate well beyond the weekend.