The Buffalo competition will be judged by a panel of respected industry leaders and entrepreneurs, including Juweria Dahir, Jon Ebel, Jack Greco, and Lauren Washington.
Via a 19 ideas news release
BUFFALO, NY – Startup Wednesday, an initiative of strategic marketing agency 19 Ideas, today announced the launch of its inaugural programs in Buffalo and Rochester, kicking off this spring. Founded by serial entrepreneur, longtime Buffalo startup ecosystem advocate, and 19 Ideas Partner and CTO Dan Gigante, the initiative reimagines the high-intensity energy of traditional weekend hackathons, such as Startup Weekend, into a four-week experience designed to foster increased collaboration, stronger ideas, deeper mentorship, and more sustainable ventures. The program will culminate in pitch competitions with cash prizes awarded in both markets.
“Startup Wednesday reimagines the hustle of traditional weekend hackathons into a format that better fits the realities of modern builders,” said Startup Wednesday Founder and 19 Ideas Partner and CTO Dan Gigante. “By stretching the experience across four weeks, we’re making space for reflection, real relationship building, and meaningful mentorship at the moments it matters most. Our goal isn’t to cram progress into 72 hours; it’s to help participants actually create something they’re proud of, while enjoying the process along the way.”
Startup Wednesday is open to the public with a $25 registration fee and will launch May 6 in Buffalo and June 3 in Rochester, running every Wednesday throughout those cities respective months. With $5,000 in total cash prizes available for both regions, including a $2,500 award for first place, the program is designed as a turnkey, four-week experience that guides participants from idea to launch through a series of interactive sessions.
In Buffalo, the program will be held weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at 701 Ellicott Street (UB CBLS), fostering a collaborative, hands-on environment for founders and builders.
The Buffalo competition will be judged by a panel of respected industry leaders and entrepreneurs, including Juweria Dahir, Jon Ebel, Jack Greco, and Lauren Washington. Participants will also benefit from hands-on mentorship from experienced founders and operators, including Kevin Dawidowicz, David Brenner, Stephanie Argentine, Mike Dawidowicz, and Megan Kelly.
Judges, mentors, and the location for the Rochester program will be announced at a later date.
Startup Wednesday was awarded its $50,000 Springboard NY grant through the 2025 Springboard Prize Competition supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. Springboard NY advances entrepreneurship and innovation across New York State by investing in initiatives that strengthen and grow local startup ecosystems.
About Startup Wednesday
Founded in 2025 by 19 Ideas Partner and CTO Dan Gigante, Startup Wednesday is a four-week program held on Wednesday evenings designed to help creative thinkers turn inspired ideas into real ventures. Developed as an initiative of 19 Ideas, the program provides a structured, supportive environment where participants collaborate, experiment, and build with confidence. By bringing together entrepreneurs, designers, developers, marketers, and mentors, Startup Wednesday helps transform early-stage concepts into tangible progress. For more information, visit startupwednesday.org.
