Agenda

2024 sessions

Gates Open for General Admission

TechStars Powered by SDSU – Pitches

Come hear pitches from Techstars powered by SDSU!

https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/san-diego-state-university-accelerator

Art Mural by Days Full Of (Deanna Day)

Days Full Of is an art and design studio focused on creating vibrant work for brands and organizations that do good. The studio is run by Deanna Day, a San Diego native, artist, designer, and muralist driven by creative exploration and a desire to understand her identity as a first-generation Vietnamese American.

daysfullof.com

San Diego’s RNA Cluster – Powering Public Health and the Economy

San Diego County is the premier location for RNA therapeutics. Stephanie Ramos from TriLink moderates a panel of local experts, and shares a forum for continual education highlighting the positive impact of RNA medicines on public health.

Performance by 3D Marine Aircraft Wing Band

https://www.music.marines.mil/Bands/3rd-Marine-Aircraft-Wing-Band-California/

Industry Leadership: A Chat with Cleantech San Diego’s Jason Anderson and San Diego Community Power’s Karin Burns

Join regional clean energy leaders Jason Anderson and Karin Burns as they share their insight on San Diego’s clean energy industry and how the region is supporting the development and deployment of cleantech innovation. Moderated by Lee Friedman.

Get to Know the DoN’s SBIR/STTR Program

Join us for an insightful session with NAVWAR’s SBIR/STTR Program Manager as he delves into the Department of the Navy’s SBIR/STTR program. You’ll gain valuable insights on how to participate in the Navy’s SBIR/STTR Program and understand what they are looking for in future awardees. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how you can contribute to their mission!

Entrepreneurs with Impact: Creating a Better Tomorrow by Innovating Today

Hear from founders catalyzing social good with their startups either through the products themselves, the clients they serve or the ways in which they are developing new pipelines of talent.

Fireside Chat: Driving Innovation through Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the County

This fireside chat brings together three key leaders from the County of San Diego to discuss how innovation, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) intersect in the County’s initiatives. The conversation will explore the County’s approach to EDI in public services, community engagement, workforce development, and contracting. Attendees will gain insights into how the County ensures equitable opportunities for small businesses, supports diverse communities, and integrates EDI into its innovation strategies.

Life Science VC Chats

Hear from a variety of venture capital representatives and other investors as they talk about the state of the venture market and what advice and support they can give to San Diego’s innovation community. Moderated by Tari Suprapto.

Engaging with NAVWAR and NIWC PAC

Learn about engagement opportunities with the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) and the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC) from a panel of esteemed representatives from both organizations. Discover how you can contribute to their mission, understand their criteria for potential candidates, and explore the benefits of participating in their initiatives.

ACE Pitch Competition Finale

The Brink SBDC’s Accelerate California Entrepreneurship (ACE) Pitch Competition Finale is here! These pre-selected diverse founders will compete for non-dilutive Acceleration Grant funding awards of up to $100,000.

Techstars Powered by SDSU – Pitches

Come hear pitches from Techstars powered by SDSU!

https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/san-diego-state-university-accelerator

Attracting Capital for Cleantech Companies

Hear firsthand from cleantech investors about what they look for in investment opportunities. Panelists will share their perspectives on emerging cleantech innovations and their outlooks on the current investment landscape. Moderated by Zac Dobbin.

VC Chat with Franklin Templeton

Hear from a variety of venture capital representatives and other investors as they talk about the state of the venture market and what advice and support they can give to San Diego’s innovation community.

Biotech Innovators: JLABS Founder to Founder Chats

Hear founder stories from JLABS current residents, all of whom have been part of Connect’s Springboard, Cool Company and Venture Summit programs.

Startup World Cup

We are proud to host Startup World Cup, a global competition that connects top startups, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and tech CEOs. Four finalists will pitch, with one selected to move forward. The winner will go to the Grand Finale in San Francisco to pitch for the $1M prize in front of 400+ VCs.

https://www.startupworldcup.io/usa-regional-san-diego

Can AI Shatter Ceilings? Technology and the Future of Systemic Change

Hear about leaders in tech and community discuss the potential opportunities and challenges that AI offers to instigate systemic change in our social and scientific systems. Moderated by Christie Marcella.

VC Panel

Hear from a variety of venture capital representatives and other investors as they talk about the state of the venture market and what advice and support they can give to San Diego’s innovation community.

CEO Circle: An Unscripted look at Designing Inclusion

Join us for “CEO Circle: An Unscripted Look at Designing Inclusion,” where three DEIB change agents explore the future of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This engaging panel will delve into innovative design thinking for inclusive cultures, the power of Employee Resource Groups, and the role of antiracism and allyship in fostering change. We’ll also tackle the timely debate on equity’s place within DEIB frameworks. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from leaders moving beyond buzzwords to real-world impact. Be part of the conversation that matters.

Defense Innovation: Priorities & Opportunities

Join us to hear from Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) representatives as they discuss current priorities and opportunities in defense innovation. Discover what they are looking for, explore potential funding avenues, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay at the cutting edge of defense innovation!

Energy Startups: Meet the Cleantech Champions Powering our Energy Scene

Interested in emerging energy technologies? Hear from the brightest talent in Cleantech San Diego’s Southern California Energy Innovation Network, developing solutions to help California meet its energy goals. Moderated by Zac Dobbin.

Connect + TL Fund Pitches

Hear from the event host, Connect, as they close out presentations by introducing the first investments in their partnership with TL Foundation, a philanthropic fund to make transformational seed investments in San Diego’s visionary startups.

Connect Announces the First TL Fund Investments into Four Local Companies

Networking at Gallagher Square

Don’t love networking? No worries, we got you! Thanks to a partnership with Startup Beach, you can get matched with someone to meet with to end the night! You’ll need to set up a Startup Beach profile, so you can get matched with someone with similar interests. Choose from one of the 5 groups below, and then find the flag at Gallagher Square and meet up.

 

North County
Life Science
Defense
Tech
Community

Performance by Irving Flores Jazz Quartet