Mon, Oct 19 – Fri, Oct 23Washington DC
DC Startup & Tech Week 2026
Program
2 days
Next up
Founder as Creator: Building Trust Before You Build Scale
2:05 AM – 2:35 PM · Convene Hamilton Square
The most successful founders today aren't just building products—they're building audiences. As traditional marketing becomes more expensive and AI makes products easier to replicate, founder visibility, credibility, and trust have become competitive advantages. This session explores why every entrepreneur should think like a creator. Learn how founders are using LinkedIn, podcasts, newsletters, video, and AI-powered content to establish authority, attract customers, recruit talent, raise capital, and build communities that fuel long-term business growth. Hear from leaders who have turned thought leadership into measurable business outcomes—and discover how to build influence for your brand and beyond.
Up next
AI, Copyright & Creator IP: The Future of Ownership
Convene Hamilton Square
AI in Startup Due Diligence: A practical framework for turning a weak diligence package into a fundraising advantage Octavian Ionici
Convene Hamilton Square
Becoming Capital-Ready
Convene (Room Forum)
More "I" in Our AI: What’s Missing In AI Adoption
Convene DC - South Hub
Later 16
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Opening: From Lab to Launch — Setting the Stage
Convene Hamilton Square · Life Science
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Why Most AI Startups Won’t Survive—and How to Build One That Does
Convene DC - South Hub · AI in Business
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Stop Flying the Plane and Get Your A** in the Control Tower
Convene (Room Forum) · Early Stage
1:20 PM – 2:00 PM
From Idea to Care Delivery: Building a HealthTech Startup in a Complex Healthcare System
Convene Hamilton Square · Life Science
1:35 PM – 2:00 PM
The New Path to Purchase: How Social Commerce Is Reshaping Consumer Buying
Convene Hamilton Square · Creator Economy
2:05 PM – 3:35 PM
Beyond the Instructions: A Practical Guide to Navigating NIH SBIR/STTR
Convene Hamilton Square · Life Science
2:05 PM – 2:50 PM
Board Management 101 for Startups
MLK Conference Center · Early Stage
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Build Your AI Chief of Staff: A Hands-On Lab for Founders
Convene DC- South Hub · AI in Business
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
From Term Sheet to True Wealth: What Founders Need to Get Right Before and After Liquidity
Early Stage
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Starting Up & Shutting Down: A Conversation About Failure
Early Stage
3:35 PM – 4:15 PM
Fund Without Giving Away the Farm: Non-Dilutive Capital Unlocked
Convene Hamilton Square · Growth
3:40 PM – 4:25 PM
Dual-Use Discovery: Finding the Defense Application in What You're Already Building
Convene Hamilton Square · Life Science
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Vibecoding UX: How to Build AI-Powered Products That People Can Actually Use
Convene DC - South Hub · AI in Business
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Let Go to Grow: Building a Sales Team That Doesn't Need You
Convene Hamilton Square · Growth
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Dual Use Startup Showcase
Convene Hamilton Square · Life Science
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM