WRAL TechWire keeps tabs on the latest and greatest meetups, panels, workshops, conferences and all things happening in the North Carolina startup world.
“The Headliners” is a multi-part weekly roundup of upcoming events to add to your calendar. To find out what’s happening in cities outside of the Triangle, check out part two of the “Headliners” column.
Another post highlights events in March. Meetups that occur on a regular basis are listed here.
Check out a full range of events on TechWire’s interactive calendar for more. If you’d like your event to be added to the calendar and weekly roundup, feel free to send me an email.
Here’s our lineup of Triangle events in February. The roundup also includes application deadlines for accelerators, competitions and other programs.
UNC Carolina Challenge Makeathon
February 10-16 @UNC
At the Carolina Challenge Makeathon, participants will attend several workshops and mentor meetings throughout the week of February 10-16, all culminating in a final pitch competition with $10,000 in prizes up for grabs. See schedule here for more details.
Emerging Issues Forum: ReCONNECT Rural and Urban
February 11 @Raleigh Marriott City Center
The second Emerging Issues Forum in the ReCONNECT NC series will examine the links between rural, suburban and urban economies, and ways to use these connections for shared prosperity. (More coverage here.)
NC State Entrepreneurship Start Here Mondays
February 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. @NCSU Innovation Hall
DC, the manager of the eGarage startup space, will be open on Mondays to meet with students and answer any questions they have about entrepreneurship and launching a venture at NC State.
webVR Educational Experiences
February 11, 6-8 p.m. @D.H. Hill Library
At RTP VR’s next meetup, the NC State VRPlants team will discuss developing webVR education experiences for the American Society of Plant Biologists. Demonstrations of NC State students’ VR creations will follow.
BioNetwork Course: Validation of Automated Equipment & Process Control Systems
February 11-12 @BioNetwork Capstone Center
This 16-hour course covers the guidelines and processes involved with validation of automated equipment and process control systems in biomanufacturing or pharmaceutical facilities.
Entrinsicon 2019
February 11-13 @Raleigh Marriott, Crabtree Valley
This event provides cost-effective and in-depth Informer and Enrole training for developers. This is an opportunity for you to remain up-to-date with the latest upgrades coming from Entrinsik.
Industrial Internet Consortium Member Meeting
February 11-14, Raleigh
All local/regional Industrial Internet Consortium members are invited to join and collaborate at this quarter’s meeting in Raleigh. The event also includes a pitch night with RIoT.
Continuing Legal Education: State of Renewable Energy Law in NC
February 12, 8 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. @Raleigh Convention Center
This informative day-long program unpacks the legal considerations in renewable energy for attorneys and business professionals. Attendees will receive six general CLE credits.
IE Bagel Breakfast Social: Clean Tech + Innovation
February 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m. @UNC Institute for the Environment
UNC’s Institute for the Environment hosts a monthly breakfast inviting a guest speaker to discuss their latest research and projects. The next session features a talk with Greg Gangi and Kiersten Williams of UNC’s clean tech and innovation program.
Merge Briefing Seminar (Durham)
February 12, 10-11:30 a.m. @Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
This informative seminar will cover M&A trends and valuations, and how business owners can take advantage.
Startup Networking + Pitching + Coffee
February 12, 12-1:30 p.m.
This weekly event brings together local founders and startup teams for introductions and networking. At the event, they can also watch or participate in an online pitch session, joining startups in the StartupBlink network around the world.
Raleigh Chamber Young Professionals Network Social
February 12, 5:30-7 p.m. @Diamonds Direct Crabtree
The next Raleigh Chamber Young Professionals Network meeting will be held at Diamonds Direct Crabtree. Join for an after-work social.
IIC Presents: RIoT Pitch Night
February 12, 6-8:30 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
RIoT is hosting members from the Industrial Internet Consortium (in town for the IIC Quarterly Meeting) for a pitch event featuring Triangle startups. The event also includes a networking reception and a tour of RIoT Labs.
Power America Annual Conference
February 12-14 @McKimmon Conference & Training Center
At this conference, professionals in the semiconductor power electronics industry will join to hear informative technical talks and network with leaders from industry, academia and government.
Duke Sustainable Business & Social Impact (SBSI) Conference
February 13 @Duke Fuqua School of Business
Duke’s 14th annual SBSI Conference is a place where private, public and nonprofit sectors can join and discuss today’s social and environmental issues, and what their respective organizations are doing to tackle them.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber 2019 Economic Outlook Forum
February 13, 8:30-10 a.m. @Silverspot Cinema (University Place)
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber will reveal the results of its annual Economic Conditions Survey at this event, free for chamber members.
1 Million Cups RTP
February 13, 9-10 a.m. @The Frontier
Research Triangle Park, in partnership with Kauffman Labs, hosts regular informal pitch events for the startup community at The Frontier. Join for free coffee and entrepreneurial community support as local startups deliver their presentations.
Merge Briefing Seminar (Cary)
February 13, 9-11 a.m. @The Umstead Hotel
This informative seminar will cover M&A trends and valuations, and how business owners can take advantage.
Machine Learning Bootcamp for Software Developers
February 13, 1-4:30 p.m. @The Frontier
This event is an informative introductory course to machine learning product development, led by Infinia ML experts. Enjoy refreshments from Lonerider Brewing, plus job market insights from HireNetworks.
Financial Modeling for Early Stage Companies
February 13, 5:30-7 p.m. @Carolina Coworking
Join Bill Elmore from Triangle Clinical Research International for a workshop on financial modelling for budgeting and revenue.
Pints & Pitches Chapel Hill
February 13, 5:30-7 p.m. @Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
Join Chapel Hill Economic Development for appetizers and networking with local entrepreneurs, startup teams, freelancers and professionals. Attendees can also pitch their business ideas.
TechGirlz Workshop: Make an Animated Bracelet with Micro:bit
February 13, 5:30-8 p.m. @First Flight Venture Center
In this TechGirlz workshop, students will learn how to code their own micro:bit device. They’ll also get to make an animated bracelet along with the project.
CompTIA AITP RTP Meeting: CTO Forum
February 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m. @NC State University Club
RTP-AITP chapter presents its annual executive spotlight meeting, featuring a panel of Triangle-based CTOs discussing topics such as dealing with growth, economic impact on the technology field and IT trends. A Q&A will follow the panel.
RIoT 32 with IIC: Building Intelligent Infrastructures
February 15, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. @SAS Executive Briefing Center
Join RIoT and the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) for a free half-day workshop featuring insights from industry experts, leaders and organizations who are building and deploying IoT solutions.
HQ Raleigh Community Lunch: Attracting Talent
February 15, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh Warehouse
This month’s HQ Community lunch is all about talent acquisition, featuring presentations from AF Recruiting, Medpharm and Pendo.
Triangle Biotech Tuesday
February 15, 5:15-7:30 p.m. @ RTP
Triangle Biotech Tuesday connects scientific professionals throughout the Research Triangle area.
Black Wall Street Presents: Me, Myself & Us
February 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m. @WeWork, Durham
Join Black Wall Street and guest speakers in discussing the nuanced relationship between black culture, economics and business, and what it means for the local community. This event features a fireside chat with Maseo from De La Soul and a panel with Farad Ali, Joshua Gunn and Karen Levert.
TEDxUNC
February 16 @CURRENT ArtSpace + Studio
Speakers from around UNC-Chapel Hill, the local community and beyond will present talks exploring how current lifestyles are shaping future people, beliefs and systems.
Pearl Hacks
February 16-17 @UNC Chapel Hill
Pearl Hacks, a two-day hackathon held every year at UNC Chapel Hill, is an opportunity for female and non-binary college students to hone their tech skills in building new projects alongside fellow peers and mentors.
NC State Entrepreneurship Start Here Mondays
February 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. @NCSU Innovation Hall
DC, the manager of the eGarage startup space, will be open on Mondays to meet with students and answer any questions they have about entrepreneurship and launching a venture at NC State.
Triangle Global Health Consortium Mentor Monday Webinar
February 18, 4-4:45 p.m.
This monthly webinar series features a global health professional who will share insights and advice for advancing your career.
Black Business Momentum: Basics of Bookkeeping
February 18, 6-8 p.m. @Wake Tech Community College, Eastern Wake Education Center
In this free seminar, Roper Bookkeeping President and Founder Jess McLamb will show participants how to establish and maintain a recordkeeping system for their business.
Application Deadline: City of Raleigh Building Up-Fit Grant
February 18
The City of Raleigh’s Building Up-Fit Grant helps fund improvements, renovations and/or additions to the interior properties of local businesses. Awards span $5,000 to $25,000.
Application Deadline: IdeaFest Pitch Competition
February 18
The Launch Place’s 6th Annual IdeaFest Business Pitch Competition on March 21 will host 20 startups who will compete for a total of $10,000 in prizes.
Raleigh Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon
February 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. @Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley
The next Raleigh Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon features talks from Infosys Associate Vice President and Delivery Head Deverre Lierman and Lenovo US Vice President and COO Marshae Mansfield.
Startup Networking + Pitching + Coffee
February 19, 12-1:30 p.m.
This weekly event brings together local founders and startup teams for introductions and networking. At the event, they can also watch or participate in an online pitch session, joining startups in the StartupBlink network around the world.
First Flight ‘Itineraries’
February 19, 12-2 p.m. @First Flight Venture Center
First Flight Venture Center’s next “Itineraries” event will serve as the 3rd quarterly meeting of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Division of Research, Innovation and Research (DRIVe).
Syneos Health Global HQ Celebration
February 19, 5:30-8 p.m. @Syneos Health
Join Syneos Health leadership, UK Government Office and the Triangle BABCNC to celebrate the opening of Syneos’ global HQ in Morrisville.
ImBlackInTech Monthly Mixer Series
February 19, 6-7:30 p.m. @American Underground
ImBlackInTech’s monthly mixer event convenes the local entrepreneurial community in support of the growth of founders and professionals of color in the Triangle’s tech startup ecosystem. More coverage here.
6th Annual Duke StartupConnect Networking Fair
February 19, 6-9 p.m. @Gross Hall Atrium, Duke University
Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship is hosting students for an informal networking event with local startup employer representatives.
Connections Summit: Integrating Cities, Customers & Technology
February 20-22 @ Marriott City Center, Raleigh
This event, presented by ElectriCities of North Carolina, brings together utility and municipal professionals who are interested in exploring the technological solutions that can improve customer and community experiences.
Triangle Talent: The Workforce of Tomorrow
February 20, 8-10 a.m. @Raleigh Convention Center
Given the increase in demand for tech skills across all industry sectors, the Raleigh Chamber is hosting an event focused on accelerating the future of talent in the Triangle, featuring discussions on IT jobs, local workforce initiatives and skills development.
Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Certification Day
February 20, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. @Wake Tech Western Wake Campus
This half-day workshop will teach participants all about HUB certification and how to complete the process of meeting qualifications, using state databases, registering for the HUB program and applying these resources to the growth of your company.
Innovate Carolina Dreamers-Who-Do Luncheon
February 20, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @1789 Venture Lab
Innovate Carolina presents a lunch with Jonathan Robertson, the donor who was responsible for launching the Dreamers-Who-Do program.
Ag Tech Professional Forum
February 20, 4-6:30 p.m. @NC Biotech Center
This event convenes local ag tech entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders for an evening of networking and engagement outside of the traditional workspace environment.
Digital Health Happy Hour
February 20, 5-7 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
DHIT’s free networking event takes place at HQ Raleigh this month. Join to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders over craft beers.
North Carolina Investment Forum
February 21 @Kenan Center
The 2nd annual North Carolina Investment Forum will convene an invitation-only group of private capital investors who will share information on strategies, markets and life-cycle investment policies, and more.
Small Business Hot Topics
February 21, 8-10 a.m. @Raleigh Chamber
This Raleigh Chamber program will feature two presentations about disaster preparedness and recovery, delivered by reps from the U.S. Small Business Administration and Charles Cline of Arch Capital Services Inc. Tickets are free for employees of Raleigh Chamber-member firms.
Triangle TechBreakfast
February 21, 8-10 a.m. @RTP Headquarters
Developers, designers, startups and tech enthusiasts are invited to join this monthly meetup for free networking over breakfast, plus a series of showcase presentations.
Workshop: Building Lean UX Research Skills
February 21, 8:30-11 a.m. @Erwin Square Room 837
Experts from Prolific Interactive will lead a workshop on user experience research and applying it to app design and development.
RIoT Lunch & Learn: Concept to Delivery
February 21, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
At this RIoT meetup, Tim Sweet of DNA Group will lead a lunch & learn discussing the process of moving a concept through the design, prototype, validation and launch phases before mass production
Cary Chamber Business of Women
February 21, 12-1:15 p.m. @Prestonwood Country Club
This month’s Business of Women luncheon features a talk with Cathy Moore, superintendent of Wake County Schools.
Innovate Carolina Network Forum: Innovation Thrives from Diversity
February 21, 12-1:30 p.m. @Wilson Library
This month’s Innovate Carolina Network Forum features a panel of experts who are working to advance diversity in the innovation space.
Influencer Marketing Seminar: A (Free) Workshop with Dear Mishu’s Dad
February 21, 2:30-4 p.m. @The Frontier
This free-of-charge workshop covers the process of finding, hiring and working with social media micro-influencers to help with your brand’s marketing strategy.
RTP180: Outer Space
February 21, 5-7 p.m. @The Frontier
Next up the monthly RTP180 series is a panel on space exploration and innovation. Speakers include Michael Neece of Morehead Planetarium, Dr. Rachel Smith of North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Dr. Mohammad Ahmed of North Carolina Central University, Dr. Amy Sayle of North Carolina Science Festival and Daniel Scolnic of Duke University.
Raleigh Chamber Partners Dinner
February 21, 5-8 p.m. @StateView Hotel
Raleigh Chamber’s next Partners Dinner features networking, community discussion and a talk from Vivian Howard, head chef and co-owner of Kinston-based Chef and the Farmer.
Bunker Brews RDU: How to Start a Venture That Changes the World
February 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Loading Dock Raleigh
At Bunker Labs RDU’s next meetup, attendees will get to hear the entrepreneurial story of Army veteran Mike Erwin, CEO of the Character & Leadership Center and co-founder/president of The Positivity Project. He’ll share his experience, lessons learned and some details on his current projects.
Gaming Industry: Press Start to Begin
February 21, 6-7:30 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
Join Tech Talent South to learn all about the main arms of game development—programming, art and design.
Triangle Tech Net
February 22, 7:30-10 a.m. @Family Legacy Financial Solutions
This free bimonthly event offers a space for local tech professionals to build connections and find potential job opportunities.
CED Tech Conference
February 25-26 @Raleigh Convention Center
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development’s flagship annual conference returns for a 34th year with 25+ company presentations, a demo showcase, investor reverse pitches, several investment funds in attendance, and much more in store.
NC State Entrepreneurship Start Here Mondays
February 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. @NCSU Innovation Hall
DC, the manager of the eGarage startup space, will be open on Mondays to meet with students and answer any questions they have about entrepreneurship and launching a venture at NC State.
Plant Molecular Biology Consortium Seminar
February 25, 4-6 p.m. @NC Biotech Center
February’s Plant Molecular Biology Consortium Seminar features a talk from Dr. Sheng Yang He of Michigan State’s Plant Research Laboratory. Refreshments will be served after the seminar.
Job Seeking in Tech Event
February 25, 6-8:30 p.m. @Smashing Boxes
At this free event, recruiters and hiring managers from SAS, Redhat and Lenovo will give participants helpful tips to succeed in their job search.
Application Deadline: Duke Incubation Fund
February 25
The Duke Incubation Fund provides several grants of up to $20,000 for faculty, staff and other researchers with promising early-stage products.
CED Life Science Conference 2019
February 26-27 @Raleigh Convention Center
Mark your calendar for the Council for Entrepreneurial Development’s 28th annual Life Science Conference, presented in partnership with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and North Carolina Biosciences Organization. Prospective attendees should expect two days of insightful presentations, panels and discussions from top leaders and companies in North Carolina’s life sciences scene.
Raleigh Chamber Networking 101
February 26, 8-9 a.m. @Raleigh Chamber
Learn how to communicate your business’ value, how to represent your brand in person and online, and gain insight on the opportunities of social media at Raleigh Chamber’s next “Networking 101” event. The featured speaker is Heidi Scott Giusto, owner of Career Path Writing Solutions.
Startup Networking + Pitching + Coffee
February 26, 12-1:30 p.m.
This weekly event brings together local founders and startup teams for introductions and networking. At the event, they can also watch or participate in an online pitch session, joining startups in the StartupBlink network around the world.
Startup Summit Presents: Learn & Network Night Featuring Cloud Factory
February 26, 6-8:30 p.m. @WeWork One City Center
Startup Summit’s next event features Durham-based Cloud Factory. Come for food, networking, drinks from BruePrint Brewery, live music from Kerry Long and a raffle prize.
Midtown Techies: Meet Your Neighbors in Tech
February 26, 7-9 p.m. @Fox and Hound
Bring your ideas and opinions to the next Midtown Techies meetup. Events are held on the last Tuesday of every month.
Cary Chamber Eye Opener Breakfast
February 27, 8-9 a.m. @Prestonwood Country Club
Join Cary Chamber to hear insights on value-based healthcare from Mark Werner, VP of provider networks and transformation for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
FBI Cybercrime Talk
February 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. @North Ridge Country Club, Raleigh
Network Services, Inc. is hosting an invite-only event featuring an informative talk on cybersecurity and risk mitigation from Jessica Nye, supervisory special agent for the FBI Cyber Crime Team.
The Future of AgTech & Ag BioTech, RTP
February 27, 2-5 p.m. @Raleigh Convention Center
Following the CED Life Sciences Conference, leaders and stakeholders in the Triangle’s AgTech sector will join for a conversation on the future of the region. Investors, corporate representatives and entrepreneurs will participate in the discussion.
TechGirlz Workshop: Animation & Graphics with Python
February 27, 5-8 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
In this workshop, students will learn how to create computer graphics and animated objects using Python in Calico.
Women In Bio-RTP: How to Proactively Manage Your Career
February 27, 6-8 p.m. @NCCU, BRITE Building
This free event hosted by WIB-RTP features best-practices and techniques presented from Barrington James Senior Recruitment Consultant Rachel Wile and Heidi Giusto of Career Path Writing Solutions. An interactive resume-swap activity will follow their talks.
NC Chamber Government Affairs Reception
February 27 @Merrimon-Wynne House, Raleigh
North Carolina Chamber brings together business leaders, local chambers of commerce and policy makers to discuss current workforce development initiatives and plans for the future.
2019 UNC Clean Tech Summit
February 28 – March 1 @UNC Friday Center
UNC’s sixth annual Clean Tech Summit will highlight the latest innovations, trends and challenges in the industry and North Carolina’s role in helping create a green global economy.
RIoT Lunch & Learn: An Introduction to Jobs-To-Be-Done
February 28, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
Join Emily Bhana, managing director of thoughtbot, as she shares how thoughtbot uses Job-To-Be-Done (JTBD) customer interviews to lead to better product design sprints and MVP prototypes for clients.
ShredX Durham 2019
February 28, 6:30-9:30 p.m. @American Underground (@Main)
Aiming to make pitch competitions more engaging and hilarious, ShredX invites teams to share their worst business ideas and present them poorly. Judges are looking for the lowest quality pitches you can come up with. This event is free. Free beer and food provided.
