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.
Following is a list of January 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 coming up in February. 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 January—most have been switched to a virtual format due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
NCBiotech Animal Health & Nutrition Virtual Forum
January 11, 4-5:30 p.m. (online)
NCBiotech’s next Animal Health & Nutrition Forum will cover how scientists are developing new molecular assays for disease diagnostic and prognostic applications in veterinary medicine.
Raleigh Chamber Business After Hours
January 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (online)
At Raleigh Chamber of Commerce’s next Business After Hours, members will be divided randomly into virtual breakout rooms to network and share ideas. (This is a members-only event.)
How to Create a Learning to Code Gameplan for 2021
January 11, 6:30-8 p.m. (online)
Local code school Project Shift is hosting a virtual discussion with developers who went from beginners to full-time software engineers without a degree.
Application Deadline: Duke Student Founder Program (Spring 2021)
January 10
Open to all Duke students, this program provides experiential education, mentoring, a peer network, resources and small prototyping grants to individuals who are interested in creating a product or service, testing a pilot, and someday launching their own startup.
Launch 2021
January 12, 9-11:30 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber’s Launch 2021 program will forecast upcoming trends in the economy, commercial real estate, economic development, hiring and talent.
Cary Chamber 101
January 12, 12-1 p.m. (online)
Join this virtual event to learn about the Cary Chamber of Commerce’s membership offerings, events and other resources.
Idea to Market: Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship Workshops
January 12, 12-2 p.m. (online)
Duke University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative and First Flight Venture Center are hosting three seminars this month covering early-stage ideation, opportunity identification, and go-to-market strategies.
Triangle Biotech Tuesday
January 12, 5:15-7:30 p.m.
Triangle Biotech Tuesday is a monthly meetup that connects scientific professionals across the RTP/greater Triangle area. Join for food, drinks and networking with professionals from different industries. The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month.
1 Million Cups RTP
January 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.
COVID-19: PPP-2 Small Business Webinar
January 13, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (online)
The City of Raleigh is hosting a webinar to inform local businesses about the new federal COVID-19 relief package, new resources available, qualification requirements, how PPP loan forgiveness works, and how to apply. The session will be led by Patrick Rodriguez, a senior area manager from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
National AgTech Forum
January 13, 4-5:30 p.m. (online)
The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, together with AgLaunch and AgStart, is hosting a series of monthly events with experts sharing their perspectives on key agtech industry topics. This month’s event will feature two robotics startup founders discussing robotics in agricultural applications.
SAS Hackathon Kickoff
January 13 (online)
Cary-based SAS is hosting a global hackathon involving developers, students, startups, and SAS customers and partners. The virtual kickoff will be held on Jan. 13.
Cyber Security Network: Where Are Your Risk Factors in Today’s Environment?
January 14, 9 a.m. (online)
NC TECH is hosting a virtual panel discussion with tech and cybersecurity leaders sharing how companies and organizations can safeguard their networks and data, while also managing remote devices.
Raleigh Chamber Newly Elected Officials Series
January 14, 9-10 a.m. (online)
The Raleigh Chamber of Commerce is hosting an interactive two-part virtual series featuring newly elected state and local officials. Part two will be held on Jan. 28.
Durham Chamber C-Suite Conversations: Featuring Jim Sills
January 14, 9-10 a.m. (online)
This virtual event will feature a discussion with Durham Chamber President and CEO Geoff Durham and Mechanics and Farmers Bank President and CEO Jim Sills.
Sports Alliance: Update on Sports in Cary
January 14, 12-1 p.m. (online)
Cary Chamber is hosting a webinar featuring an update on upcoming sports developments happening in Cary in 2021.
Raleigh Founded’s 2020 Year in Review
January 14, 12-1:30 p.m. (online)
In this virtual event, Raleigh Founded will celebrate the resiliency and innovation shown in the community over the past year.
AITP-RTP: The Real Story of Digital Transformation of an OEM
January 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (online)
AITP-RTP’s next virtual meetup will feature a talk from Paul McKeithan, who will share the story of an OEM caught between its own digital transformation and serving its customers through their transformation.
Ellevating Together Series: Setting & Reaching Your Goals for 2021
January 14, 6-7 p.m. (online)
The Triangle chapter of Ellevate is hosting a webinar on how to adopt efficient habits to reach your goals in 2021.
Crash Course: Learn Javascript From a Code School Graduate
January 14, 6:30 p.m. (online)
Local code school Momentum is hosting a free virtual workshop on JavaScript, the most common programming language.
Triangle Tech Net
January 15, 11:30 a.m. (online)
This free bi-monthly event offers a space for local tech professionals to build connections and find potential job opportunities.
Myths About Hiring Tech Talent
January 15, 12-1 p.m. (online)
Tech Talent South Raleigh is hosting a panel of industry experts to discuss myths about hiring a tech workforce.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA Internship For Under-Represented Student Entrepreneurs
January 15
The NC IDEA Foundation is offering a paid summer internship program for under-represented students, with the goal of helping to create a more diverse group of future entrepreneurs. Interested applicants have until Jan. 15 to submit a resume and cover letter.
Talent Network: Not All Digital Transformations Are Created Equal
January 19, 9 a.m. (online)
NC TECH’s next Talent Network event will cover digital transformation strategies for businesses in 2020 and 2021.
NC TECH Virtual Workshop: Advancing Your Cybersecurity
January 19, 12-1 p.m. (online)
NC TECH is hosting an interactive discussion on how businesses and organizations can leverage the 208-M State Contract to advance their cloud, endpoint and XDR security.
Spacewalk 2021
January 19, 12-1:30 p.m. (online)
All Things Open’s second annual Spacewalk event returns in 2021 to feature a preview of ATO’s upcoming calendar, new initiatives and projects.
Idea to Market: Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship Workshops
January 19, 12-2 p.m. (online)
Duke University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative and First Flight Venture Center are hosting three seminars this month covering early-stage ideation, opportunity identification, and go-to-market strategies.
NC TECH Government Vendor Network
January 19, 3-4 p.m. (online)
NC TECH’s Government Vendor Network is a forum for member companies that are interested in doing business with state government.
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
January 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m. (online)
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.
Application Deadline: 2021 UNC Health Innovation Pilot Awards
January 19
UNC’s Center for Health Innovation provides pilot funding to UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine employees for innovations across a range of health care applications. As many as four awards of up to $50,000 each will be announced in March 2021.
Submission Deadline: RTI University Scholars Program
January 19
RTI International’s University Scholars Program will provide financial support for tenured or research-track academic faculty members focused on racial equity and policy. The program is open to faculty from Duke University and the University of North Carolina’s 16 university campuses. Expression of interest submissions are due on Jan. 19.
1 Million Cups RTP
January 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.
Ellevate Webinar: Reclaim Ease with Money
January 20, 6-7 p.m. (online)
The Triangle chapter of Ellevate is hosting a webinar featuring best practices for creating and managing an effective business budget.
Raleigh Chamber Young Professionals Network Conference
January 20-21 (online)
Raleigh Chamber’s Young Professionals Network is hosting a two-day virtual conference featuring prominent speakers discussing how they’re activating change.
A Global Perspective on Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building
January 21, 11 a.m. (online)
In this virtual event, Forward Cities CEO Fay Horwitt and Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Senior Regional East Africa Chapter Manager Maryanne Ochola will discuss approaches to building healthy entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Grow With Google Series
January 21, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (online)
The Cary Chamber of Commerce, Wake Tech Small Business Center and the Town of Cary are hosting a webinar covering online marketing strategies to help local businesses and nonprofits increase their revenue both during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
NC Clean Energy Technology Center Seminar Series
January 21, 12:30-1:30 p.m. (online)
The NC Clean Energy Technology Center is hosting a webinar focused on bus electrification and new advances in electric transit and school buses.
RTP180: Cleantech
January 21, 6-7 p.m. (online)
This month’s RTP180 event will focus on cleantech, featuring short talks from Andy Honeycutt of MeterSYS, Kasey Gridley of Duke Energy, Mark Martyak of PowerSecure, Jeff Kirschner of Litterati and Sushant Shetgeri of Hoffman Building Technologies.
NC IDEA Spring 2021 Grants Information Session
January 22, 3-4:30 p.m. (online)
Join NC IDEA for a virtual information session about the upcoming round of SEED and MICRO grants. Applications for the spring 2021 grants cycle open on February 1 and are due on March 1.
Barber & Cosmetology Business Summit
January 25 (online)
This free virtual summit aims to inform barbers, natural hair practitioners and cosmetologists of the information, best practices and resources they can use to create a sustainable business in their profession.
Urban Land Institute Triangle: Fireside Chat with Mark Vitner
January 26, 8:30-10 a.m. (online)
In this virtual event, Urban Land Institute Triangle will host a fireside chat with Wells Fargo Managing Director and Senior Economist Mark Vitner, who will discuss 2021 trends in capital markets, banking, investor sentiment, and more.
Raleigh Chamber Coffee with Sharat Nagaraj
January 26, 9-10 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber is hosting a virtual event with Sharat Nagaraj, the president and CEO of Raleigh-based telecommunications company Celito Communications.
NC TECH Department of Defense Cybersecurity Regulations Workshop
January 26, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (online)
In this NC TECH webinar, IT and cybersecurity leaders will learn about how to comply with new cybersecurity regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Idea to Market: Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship Workshops
January 26, 12-2 p.m. (online)
Duke University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative and First Flight Venture Center are hosting three seminars this month covering early-stage ideation, opportunity identification, and go-to-market strategies.
Competitive Edge: How Edge Computing Takes Business to the Next Level
January 26, 4-6 p.m. (online)
RIoT is hosting a virtual event discussing how businesses can take advantage of edge computing technology.
Downtown Techies Happy Hours @Midtown
January 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.
Duke MEDx Entrepreneurship Workshop Series
January 26, 7-10 p.m. (online)
Duke MEDx’s free Entrepreneurship Workshop Series features interactive talks from local experts. Events will be held on select Tuesdays and Thursdays via Zoom.
Cary Chamber Breakfast with the Mayor
January 27, 7:30-9 a.m. @Prestonwood Country Club & online
Cary Chamber is hosting a breakfast event with Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, who will recap the last year’s happenings and preview what’s to come in 2021.
2021 Outlook for Tech
January 27, 8:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (online)
NC TECH’s 2021 Outlook for Tech event will center around the theme: “So…What’s Next?” The program will include executive briefing presentations, the release of the NC STIR 2021 report, tech talks, CIO panel discussions and a preview of NC TECH’s next year or programming.
NC4ME & Durham NCWorks Virtual Hiring Event
January 27, 9:45 a.m. – 3 p.m. (online)
NC4ME and NCWorks of Durham are hosting a virtual hiring event to convene recruiters and hiring managers with veterans, transitioning service members, guard/reserves and military spouses.
1 Million Cups RTP
January 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.
Fireside Chat with Eric Happel
January 27, 12-1 p.m. (online)
Launch Chapel Hill and UNC’s Entrepreneurship Center are hosting a fireside chat with Nike retail strategy leader Eric Happel, who will share why he left Nike for a startup, his experience building a startup, and his later return to Nike with newfound experience.
NC Rural Center REDI 30 Year Celebration
January 27, 4-5 p.m. (online)
In this virtual event, the North Carolina Rural Center will celebrate the impact of its Rural Economic Development Institute leadership initiative.
Raleigh Chamber Newly Elected Officials Series
January 28, 9-10 a.m. (online)
The Raleigh Chamber of Commerce is hosting an interactive two-part virtual series featuring newly elected state and local officials.
Public Health Genomics in Action
January 28, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (online)
In this virtual event, Sara Imhof of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center will discuss the NC Precision Health Collaborative, a public-private initiative to advance precision health through innovation and partnership.
On the Menu: Transitioning to a Career in IT
January 28, 12-1 p.m. (online)
RTP’s On the Menu series returns virtually this month to cover the necessary steps to transition to a new career in IT.
BioGrow: Training & Education Across North Carolina
January 28, 12:30-5 p.m. (online)
This virtual event will feature panels of students, hiring managers and training institutions discussing careers in biopharma manufacturing.
Virtual NC HUB & NC DBE Certification Info Session
January 28, 2:30-4 p.m. (online)
The City of Raleigh is hosting monthly virtual workshops on the benefits of the HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certification programs.
Raleigh Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon
January 29, 10-11:30 a.m. (online)
In this virtual event, local women leaders will deliver short talks about the state of women in leadership.
Triangle Tech Net
January 29, 11:30 a.m. (online)
This free bi-monthly event offers a space for local tech professionals to build connections and find potential job opportunities.
TriWiSTEM Virtual 2021 Kickoff Event
January 29, 12-1 p.m. (online)
TriWiSTEM is hosting a virtual 2021 kickoff to highlight the group’s work and discuss one woman’s STEM journey.
Application Deadline: Pitch – A Competition for Black Student-Founders
January 29
Duke University and North Carolina Central University invite student entrepreneurs and recent alumni to showcase their businesses at pitch: A competition for Black student-founders. Participating entrepreneurs will present their startups and receive expert feedback from investors. Prize money will be awarded.
Application Deadline: 2021 FAST Cohort
January 31
In First Flight Venture Center’s FAST program, 35 life science companies will be chosen to participate in a grant readiness evaluation boot camp in April and receive coaching from Eva Garland Consulting as they develop a competitive SBIR/STTR Phase 1 application.
Application Deadline: Map the System Competition
January 31
Map the System is a pitch competition for social innovations focused on solving complex problems. Teams from UNC will compete for a cash prize of $500, funded by Innovate Carolina’s Dreamers-Who-Do Fund. Finalists will then take part in the global Map the System Challenge.
