WOULD-BE entrepreneurs can take part in an innovative business event in Southampton.

The University of Southampton will host the first student-led start-up weekend and hackathon in the entire country.

The event, which will take place from 6pm on March 7 to 9pm on March 9, will feature teams of would-be entrepreneurs who will compete to create their own products.

Over the course of 48 hours they will form teams and pitch ideas to create start-up businesses to a judging panel of experts.

The winning team will get a fully-paid trip to Silicon Valley in California.

While there have been similar events held elsewhere in the country before, this is the first time it has been led by students.

Previous judging panels have featured senior professionals from the likes of Amazon and Entrepreneur First.

The non-profit event, which is open to students and the public, will take place at the university’s Highfield Campus.

It will also feature a number of talks and mentoring sessions from business and technology professionals, as well as presentations on the latest technology.

Tahlie Cooper, from event organisers Startup Weekends, said: “Startup weekends make up some of the best entrepreneurial events in the UK, forming a global network of budding entrepreneurs determined to produce the next biggest start-up.

“We ensure that participants are provided with the best facilities along with an experience to remember.”

Free food and accommodation will be provided throughout the event.

Visit southampton.startupweekend.org for more information.