Inside the NDRC Startup Sprint: Building Momentum for the Next Big Idea in Cork
A buzzing room of innovators refining ideas and pitches at the NDRC Startup Sprint.
Picture this: 80 participants, 27 mentors, 6 external judges, and an entire room buzzing with energy at Republic of Work in Cork. This year’s NDRC Startup Sprint was a day of pure innovation, collaboration, and the kind of adrenaline-fueled creativity that only happens when ambitious minds collide.
We kicked things off early at 8:30 AM, with breakfast (because great ideas don’t happen on an empty stomach). As participants settled in, we set the stage for what was to come: a high-octane day of team formation, hands-on workshops, and the ultimate challenge—crafting and delivering a pitch before the clock runs out. Once intros were wrapped up, it was straight into the first workshop. No time to waste!
Workshops transformed ideas into action with customer insights, pitch skills, and no-code tools.
1. Fueling Startup Success: Workshops That Packed a Punch
The energy in the room was electric as teams dove into a series of hands-on workshops designed to turn ideas into action. These weren’t just lectures—they were fast-paced, interactive, and packed with insights from experts who’ve been in the trenches.
Customer Discovery – Led by Eshna Gogia, this session was all about uncovering real problems and refining ideas. Teams tested assumptions, identified ideal customers, and ensured their solutions truly mattered.
Pitching & Communication – A great idea is only as powerful as the story behind it. Teams learned how to structure a pitch, make every word count, and confidently deliver their vision.
No-Code Product Building – This hands-on session proved that anyone can bring an idea to life using no-code tools, allowing teams to build real, functional products.
By the end of the workshops, ideas weren’t just ideas anymore. They were validated, refined, and well on their way to becoming something real.
Eshna Gogia leading the Customer Discovery Workshop
2. Expert Guidance from Across Ireland: Mentors Bring Startup Know-How to Cork
After lunch, teams jumped straight back into refining their pitches, knowing that mentor sessions were next. Picture the room packed with experts, seasoned founders, and local industry leaders from all across Ireland—all there to guide, challenge, and push these early-stage ideas to the next level.
Every conversation was a deep dive, with mentors offering sharp insights, asking the tough questions, and helping teams see angles they hadn’t considered before. Some founders walked away with an entirely new perspective on their market, while others got the clarity they needed to take their next big step.
It wasn’t just about preparing for the pitch—it was about unlocking the potential of each idea beyond the sprint.
Mentoring taking place at the NDRC Startup Sprint
3. The Startup Sprint Finale: Down to the Wire!
As the mentor sessions wrapped up, founders submitted their pitches at 5:30 PM and eagerly awaited the next stage. The room buzzed with excitement as the heat pitches began— with each team showcasing their ideas with energy and passion. After an intense round of presentations, five standout teams were selected for the final pitch.
The judges—Lizzy Hayashida, Ian O'Sullivan, and Eamon Curtin—had the challenging but exciting task of selecting the winners. The day ended with participants reflecting on their journey, from sparking ideas to refining pitches, and recognising how much they had achieved in just a few hours.
Finalist at the NDRC Startup Sprint
From the NDRC team—thank you to everyone who took part, from participants to mentors and judges. Your energy and dedication made this day truly special!
Join Us for the Next Startup Sprint!
Applications are now open for the next Startup Sprint in Limerick on March 29th—apply now to kickstart your journey!
