WRAL TechWire keeps tabs on the latest and greatest meetups, panels, workshops, conferences, application deadlines and all things happening in the North Carolina startup/tech world. “The Headliners” is a multi-part weekly roundup of upcoming events to add to your calendar.
Below is a list of May events in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the greater Triangle area. To find out what’s happening this month in cities outside of the Triangle, check out part two of the “Headliners” column. Another post highlights events in June. Meetups that occur regularly are listed here.
If you’d like your event to be included, feel free to send me an email.
Also, check out a full range of events on TechWire’s interactive calendar, along with our comprehensive resource guide for startups in the Triangle.
Note: The following list is our lineup of Triangle events through the end of May—most have been switched to a virtual format due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
Venture Connect Summit 2020 (Online)
May 4 (online)
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development is bringing its flagship Venture Connect Summit online—tech and life science companies will pitch their products and participate in virtual sessions in multiple installments this month. More TechWire coverage here.
CIO + IT Executive Roundtable
May 5, 7:45-9 a.m. (online)
In this virtual session, IT leaders at NC TECH member companies will discuss relevant topics and best practices in their field.
Raleigh Chamber Coffee with Leaders
May 5, 9-10 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber of Commerce is hosting a talk with Jon Hayes, founder and CEO of RewardStock, on running a successful startup through the challenges of a pandemic.
TriWiSTEM Virtual Covid-19 Discussion
May 5, 2-3 p.m. (online)
Join Triangle Women in STEM for a virtual discussion on the current COVID-19 situation and where we go from here. The session features Christine Hunt, a COVID-19 VA investigator and Duke University adjunct professor of medicine.
Code for Chapel Hill
May 5, 6-8 p.m. (online)
Join the Code for Chapel Hill meetup to network with like-minded individuals and work on civic hacking projects. Meetings are held every two weeks on Tuesdays.
Application Deadline: American Underground Landing Spot 2020
May 5
American Underground is relaunching its Landing Spot program to help recently laid-off workers transition into entrepreneurship. Participants will get a free three-month virtual membership to American Underground, plus access to AU’s summer Startups 101 program. More TechWire coverage here.
CISO + IT Security Executive Roundtable
May 6, 7:45-9 a.m. (online)
This online meeting will convene CISOs, VPs and director-level security leaders from NC TECH member companies.
1 Million Cups RTP
May 6, 9-10 a.m. (online)
1 Million Cups, presented by Kauffman, is a weekly informal pitch event for the startup community. Join for free coffee and entrepreneurial support as local startups deliver their presentations.
Venture Carolina Lunch & Learn: Sidecar Funds
May 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m. (online)
Venture Carolina is hosting a webinar covering sidecar funds, a method that angel investors can use to fund early-stage companies. The discussion will feature managing directors from VentureSouth.
Lunch & Learn: Protecting Your IoT IP with Blockchain
May 6, 1-2 p.m. (online)
Eli Sheets, founder and CEO of local startup IdeaBlock, will lead a lunch and learn on how blockchain can be used to protect IP instantly and permanently.
UNC Map the System Finals
May 6, 1-4 p.m. (online)
This competition brings together five UNC-Chapel Hill student teams to present their innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges.
Raleigh Chamber DEI Rewind Seminar Series
May 7, 9-10 a.m. (online)
Join Raleigh Chamber for a webinar on how to stay true to your company’s DEI values in uncertain times.
Rural Talk: An Advocacy Speaker Series
May 7, 11 a.m. (online)
In this webinar series, leaders from public, private and nonprofit sectors will discuss key issues affecting rural communities in North Carolina. Topics include broadband, entrepreneurship, small business development, housing, water, infrastructure and more.
Larger Than Life Science: Reproductive Revolution
May 7, 1-1:45 p.m. (online)
LaunchBio’s free Larger Than Life Science event series has now moved online. This session will focus on the science and funding behind a groundbreaking startup.
MISSION-R Launch: First Response Entrepreneurs Combat COVID-19
May 7, 1-2 p.m. (online)
Join this virtual session to meet the six teams selected for RIoT’s new MISSION-R program. Hear their ideas on how they’re using technology to address COVID-19 response.
Here To Help: Local Business Virtual Conference Series
May 7, 2-3 p.m. (online)
Capitol Broadcasting Company and WRAL are Here to Help our local businesses. Tune in to get advice from industry experts and hear ideas from other local business owners. More coverage here.
Triangle Tech Net
May 8, 7-10 a.m. @Family Legacy Financial Solutions
This free bi-monthly event offers a space for local tech professionals to build connections and find potential job opportunities.
Duke I&E Conversations
May 8, 12-1 p.m. (online)
Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship is hosting a virtual series of conversations with senior leaders at tech companies discussing their workplace culture. This session features a talk with Uber Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer Scott Schools.
Intellectual Property: Why IP Strategy Matters
May 8, 1-2 p.m. (online)
In this lunch and learn, SotoIP Co-Founder John Sotomayor will share insights on how companies can protect their intellectual property.
GDG Cloud RTP Meetup
May 10, 10-11 a.m. (online)
This weekly meetup brings together developers, IT professionals and tech enthusiasts who are interested in the Google Cloud Platform.
On the Menu: Liberating Structures
May 11, 12-1:20 p.m. (online)
Frontier RTP is hosting a virtual workshop covering how to incrementally introduce changes in the way you meet, plan and communicate. The session will be led by Ahmed Avais, president and coach at Agile 7 Inc.
Raleigh Chamber Business After Hours
May 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber is bringing its Business After Hours program online, splitting members across different breakout rooms to network. (Note: This is a members-only event.)
Venture Connect Summit 2020 (Online)
May 11 (online)
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development is bringing its flagship Venture Connect Summit online—tech and life science companies will pitch their products and participate in virtual sessions in multiple installments this month. More TechWire coverage here.
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
May 12, 5:30-8:30 p.m. @Caktus Group
Code for Durham brings together technologists, designers, developers, data scientists, map makers and activists to collaborate on civic technology projects. Meetings are held every two weeks on Tuesdays. Pizza will be provided.
Open Source 101 At Home
May 12 (online)
Open Source 101 At Home is a full-day virtual conference with expert speakers discussing the latest trends in open-source, open-tech and open-web technology.
1 Million Cups RTP
May 13, 9-10 a.m. (online)
1 Million Cups, presented by Kauffman, is a weekly informal pitch event for the startup community. Join for free coffee and entrepreneurial support as local startups deliver their presentations.
It Takes a Village: Live Demo Pairing IoT Platforms & Asset Tracking Use Cases
May 13, 1 p.m. (online)
In this webinar, Raleigh-based WISER Systems will showcase its real-time location system that utilizes new RRLT technology.
Lunch & Learn: Can I Sell My IoT Globally If It’s Been Tested for the US & EUR?
May 13, 1-2 p.m. (online)
Join this lunch and learn to hear a talk from Theresa Glenna of TUV SUD on the basics of Global Market Access and how to use it for regulatory testing and certifications.
Accelerating Innovation: NCATS Funding for Biotech & Life Science Small Businesses
May 13, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (online)
Join this webinar to learn more about the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) and how to get R&D funding through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs.
Launch Chapel Hill Virtual Annual Report Release & Pitch Event
May 13, 4-5:30 p.m. (online)
Launch Chapel Hill is hosting an event to showcase the nine companies in its spring 2020 accelerator. Join to watch startup pitches and hear about Launch Chapel Hill’s latest annual report.
PAYMENTSfn 2020 On-Demand
May 13
This year, Spreedly is shifting the format of its PAYMENTSfn conference, typically held in Durham. Now, attendees can watch the conference content on-demand for free.
Rural Talk: An Advocacy Speaker Series
May 14, 11 a.m. (online)
In this webinar series, leaders from public, private and nonprofit sectors will discuss key issues affecting rural communities in North Carolina. Topics include broadband, entrepreneurship, small business development, housing, water, infrastructure and more.
Getting to Market Now: Overcoming Challenges During Social Distancing
May 14, 1-2 p.m. (online)
RIoT is hosting a webinar focused on how companies can overcome the logistical challenges involved with social distancing.
NCBiotech Ag Tech Professional Forum
May 14, 4-5:30 p.m. (online)
This event convenes local ag tech entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders for an evening of networking and engagement outside of the traditional workspace environment. The 2020 Ag Tech Professional Forum theme is plant health.
Duke I&E Conversations
May 15, 12-1 p.m. (online)
Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship is hosting a virtual series of conversations with senior leaders at tech companies discussing their workplace culture.
RTCC Webinar + Networking: Innovations in Energy Resilience
May 15, 1-2 p.m. (online)
The Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster is hosting a virtual networking event and panel focused on energy resilience in North Carolina. Regional leaders will discuss preparing for peak energy demand and other challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
GDG Cloud RTP Meetup
May 17, 10-11 a.m. (online)
This weekly meetup brings together developers, IT professionals and tech enthusiasts who are interested in the Google Cloud Platform.
Application Deadline: ProductCampRTP 4×4 Virtual Conference Speakers
May 17
ProductCampRTP is putting out a call for speakers to submit abstracts for its four-part online conference, held every Thursday from June 11 to July 2.
Venture Connect Summit 2020 (Online)
May 18 (online)
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development is bringing its flagship Venture Connect Summit online—tech and life science companies will pitch their products and participate in virtual sessions in multiple installments this month. More TechWire coverage here.
Code for Chapel Hill
May 19, 6-8 p.m. (online)
Join the Code for Chapel Hill meetup to network with like-minded individuals and work on civic hacking projects. Meetings are held every two weeks on Tuesdays.
Virtual Tech Job Fair
May 20, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (online)
NC TECH’s Job Fair series connects local tech talent to the companies and organizations looking to hire in the community. This Spring, the event will be held online, with companies hosting “virtual hiring rooms.”
1 Million Cups RTP
May 20, 9-10 a.m. (online)
1 Million Cups, presented by Kauffman, is a weekly informal pitch event for the startup community. Join for free coffee and entrepreneurial support as local startups deliver their presentations.
Blockchain Technology Explained: How This Business Innovation Will Impact You
May 20, 1-2 p.m. (online)
Join this webinar to learn how to boost your career or organization with skills and knowledge surrounding blockchain technology.
Lunch & Learn: Edge-Controlled & Cloud-Connected
May 20, 1-2 p.m. (online)
In this virtual lunch and learn, John Breitenbach from Real Time Innovations will cover the architectural patterns recommended by the Industrial Internet Consortium’s Industrial Internet Reference Architecture.
Rural Talk: An Advocacy Speaker Series
May 21, 11 a.m. (online)
In this webinar series, leaders from public, private and nonprofit sectors will discuss key issues affecting rural communities in North Carolina. Topics include broadband, entrepreneurship, small business development, housing, water, infrastructure and more.
NC TECH Government Vendor Network
May 21, 3-4:30 p.m. @NC Innovation Center (possibly online – TBD)
NC TECH’s Government Vendor Network is a forum for member companies who are interested in doing business with state government. This month’s event will feature a talk from Tracy Doaks, the new secretary of the NC Department of IT and State CIO.
Triangle Tech Net
May 22, 7-10 a.m. @Family Legacy Financial Solutions
This free bi-monthly event offers a space for local tech professionals to build connections and find potential job opportunities.
GDG Cloud RTP Meetup
May 24, 10-11 a.m. (online)
This weekly meetup brings together developers, IT professionals and tech enthusiasts who are interested in the Google Cloud Platform.
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
May 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m. @Caktus Group
Code for Durham brings together technologists, designers, developers, data scientists, map makers and activists to collaborate on civic technology projects. Meetings are held every two weeks on Tuesdays. Pizza will be provided.
Downtown Techies Happy Hours @Midtown
May 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.
1 Million Cups RTP
May 27, 9-10 a.m. (online)
1 Million Cups, presented by Kauffman, is a weekly informal pitch event for the startup community. Join for free coffee and entrepreneurial support as local startups deliver their presentations.
Online, Interactive, Energy Economic Development Conference
May 28, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (online)
Join E4 Carolinas for a virtual conference covering how utilities, economic developers and energy companies are preparing for post-COVID19 economic recovery and rebuilding process.
Rural Talk: An Advocacy Speaker Series
May 28, 11 a.m. (online)
In this webinar series, leaders from public, private and nonprofit sectors will discuss key issues affecting rural communities in North Carolina. Topics include broadband, entrepreneurship, small business development, housing, water, infrastructure and more.
NIH SBIR/STTR Proposal Development & Commercialization Strategy
May 29, 1-4:30 p.m. (online)
The NC Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting a SBIR/STTR workshop for university faculty who are developing proposals for the program.
GDG Cloud RTP Meetup
May 31, 10-11 a.m. (online)
This weekly meetup brings together developers, IT professionals and tech enthusiasts who are interested in the Google Cloud Platform.
