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 March 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 April. Meetups that occur regularly are listed here.
If you’d like your event to be included, feel free to send me an email.
Check out a full range of events on TechWire’s interactive calendar for more, along with our comprehensive resource guide for startups in the Triangle.
Here’s our lineup of Triangle events through the end of March:
Women in Data Science Raleigh
March 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. @Insight
The Women In Tech Allies meetup is hosting a livestream of this year’s Global Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference. Join to network and watch talks from the event.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA SEED Grant
March 2
NC IDEA is seeking applicants for its upcoming spring 2020 SEED grant program, which offers a select group of early-stage startups $50,000 in funding for validating target markets, growing and scaling before they seek future investments. Recipients will also receive mentorship from NC IDEA and access to its network.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA MICRO Grant
March 2
NC IDEA is seeking applicants for its upcoming spring 2020 MICRO grant program, which offers funding of up to $10,000 for early-stage companies seeking to validate and further develop their ideas. Recipients will also receive mentorship from NC IDEA and access to its network.
PharmSci 2020
March 3, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @The Rizzo Center
This conference will feature keynotes, presentations and discussions on how open science is impacting medical research and drug discovery. More TechWire coverage here.
On the Menu Workshop: Agile for Entrepreneurs
March 3, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. @The Frontier
For its next On the Menu workshop, Frontier RTP will cover Agile approaches to growing a startup, led by Jim Morgan of Full Stack Scrum. Lunch will be provided.
BioGrow: Training & Education Across North Carolina
March 3, 12:30-5 p.m. @NCBiotech
Join this event to learn more about the latest biopharma education and training opportunities across North Carolina. More TechWire coverage here.
Design Thinking in Public Health Panel Discussion
March 3, 3:30-5:30 p.m. @UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
Join for a panel discussion with industry professionals as they discuss their experience using design thinking in a public health context.
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
March 3, 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.
Startup Summit: Parallels of Life & Startups
March 3, 6-8 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
Startup Summit’s next event features a talk from Shaun Allen, sales leader at Citrix, who will discuss the intersection of life skills and skills required in working for a startup.
1 Million Cups RTP
March 4, 9-10 a.m. @American Underground (@Blackwell)
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.
Webinar: VR/AR for Life Science Professionals
March 4, 11 a.m.
In this webinar, Lucid Dream Director of Business Development Christophe Lafargue will discuss how life science industry leaders are using VR and AR technologies for medical and scientific storytelling, patient and provider education, and simulation-based training.
Lunch & Learn: How to Get Funding for Your Startup
March 4, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
At this lunch and learn, The Launch Place President & CEO Eva Doss will share insights on how startups can get funded, including the best way to approach an investor, developing a pitch deck and being well-positioned for due-diligence.
RIoT Accelerator Program Info Session: How Startups Should Engage Investors
March 4, 6-7 p.m. @Springboard Innovation Hub
Join this info session to learn about the RIoT Accelerator Program, explore NC State’s entrepreneurial space, mingle with other tech entrepreneurs and hear from Cofounders Capital Partner Tim McLoughlin about what investors look for in choosing a startup to support. (RIoT will be hosting more RAP info sessions throughout the month of March. See the full list here.)
Think Like a Digital Designer: Unplugged
March 4, 6-8 p.m. @Optum
In this workshop, students will learn how researchers, designers and developers use design thinking to create digital experiences like the ones in their favorite apps.
Cary Chamber Sports Alliance Meeting
March 5, 12-1 p.m. @Cary Chamber
Join Cary Chamber of Commerce to hear an insightful talk from Tailgate Guys Eastern Region Vice President Eli Wilkerson.
Larger Than Life Science
March 5, 4-7 p.m. @The Chesterfield
Meet fellow entrepreneurs, get tips on growing your company and network with members of the life science community at Larger Than Life Science, a free event presented by LaunchBio.
Founder’s Workshop: Vision & Growth by Fourscore Business Law
March 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @The Frontier
Fourscore Business Law is hosting a workshop where entrepreneurs can learn how to create core values for their business, prioritize team strengths and deal with the challenges of equity allocations and compensation. Speakers include Allen Cobb of 7Q7P, Lauren McGhee of Human Capital Solutions and members of the Fourscore team. 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC.
Leveraging LinkedIn As a Professional & Small Business Owner
March 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, Shaw University
Join Shaw University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center for a workshop on using LinkedIn to boost visibility for your brand. The session will be led by Michelle Weathersby, CEO and executive leadership/career coach and consultant of LENS Consulting Firm.
Alternative Investments Conference
March 5 @The Carolina Inn
UNC’s annual Alternative Investments Conference a forum for investment managers, institutional investors and academics to network, share ideas and stay updated on the latest industry trends.
Get2Know NC TECH Webinar
March 6, 9-9:30 a.m.
This free monthly interactive webinar provides participants with an overview of NC TECH’s activities, resources and member offerings.
Friday Force: Google Get Your Business on the Map
March 6, 12-1:15 p.m. @Cary Chamber
Presented in partnership with Wake Technical Community College, this seminar will show you how to use Google’s free resources to gain more customers.
RIoT Accelerator Program Info Session: How Startups Should Engage the Media
March 6, 1-2 p.m. @City Hall Plaza
Join this info session to learn about the RIoT Accelerator Program, explore Durham City Hall’s Innovation Lab, mingle with other tech entrepreneurs and hear from GrepBeat Managing Editor Pete McEntegart on the best ways to get media coverage for your startup. (RIoT will be hosting more RAP info sessions throughout the month of March. See the full list here.)
Fundraising Series with HPG & Smith Anderson
March 6, 2-4 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
Learn all about term sheets in HQ Raleigh’s next Fundraising Series workshop, led by Merrill Mason of Smith Anderson and Brooks Malone of HPG.
HQ Raleigh Happy Hour: Founders & Families
March 6, 4-6 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
HQ Raleigh’s March happy hour will be centered around founders and their families, and having a healthy work-life balance.
UNC Institute for Private Capital Spring Research Symposium
March 6
Following the Alternative Investments Conference, UNC’s Institute for Private Capital will host a symposium bringing together academics and industry leaders to discuss new and forthcoming research on alternative asset classes.
Application Deadline: Launch Chapel Hill Student Summer Accelerator
March 6
Applications are open for Launch Chapel Hill’s 10-week startup accelerator for student-run companies, starting in May. Entrepreneurs who are accepted will get a $5,000 stipend for participating in the program.
Triangle Open Data Day
March 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @Wake Tech RTP Campus
Join NC Open Pass to celebrate International Open Data Day with programming and projects.
NCBiotech Life Science Marketing Group
March 10, 12-1 p.m. @NCBiotech
At NCBiotech’s next Life Science Marketing Group meeting, ViaVerus Founder Chris Morrison will show participants how to navigate the product launch process.
Triangle Biotech Tuesday
March 10, 5:15-7:30 p.m. @5 Laboratory Drive
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.
Code for Chapel Hill
March 10, 6-8 p.m. @Town of Chapel Hill
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.
Southeast Raleigh Rotary Celebration
March 10, 6:30-8 p.m. @Transfer Co. Food Hall
Join to celebrate the opening of the first-ever Rotary Club in Southeast Raleigh. Learn more about the organization and its goals at this ceremony.
4th Annual Moving Forward with Purpose: Setting Your Vision on 20/20
March 11, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. @Raleigh Convention Center
Join the Women’s Business Center of North Carolina for a day-long conference with resources, talks and presentations designed to help guide the next stages of your business.
1 Million Cups RTP
March 11, 9-10 a.m. @American Underground (@Blackwell)
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.
Lunch & Learn: Emerging Cellular Standards in IoT
March 11, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
In this lunch and learn, Arrow Electronics will explore how carriers are deploying new standards for IoT products. Free lunch will be provided.
RIoT Accelerator Program Info Session
March 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m. @Launch Chapel Hill
Join this info session to learn about the RIoT Accelerator Program, explore the Launch Chapel Hill space and mingle with other tech entrepreneurs. (RIoT will be hosting more RAP info sessions throughout the month of March. See the full list here.)
Atlantic Region Muster Across America Tour
March 12, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. @MetLife GTO, Cary
This annual program convenes hundreds of attendees for a day of business pitches, keynotes, networking, breakouts and a marketplace featuring veteran-led startups and veteran entrepreneurs.
TriWiSTEM Advancing Your Career Series: Supervision 101 – Managing Employees
March 12, 12-1 p.m. @NCBiotech
The next installment of Triangle Women in STEM’s Advancing Your Career series will cover leadership and team management.
Triangle Innovation Hub ‘Meet Me There’ Networking
March 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Loading Dock Raleigh
Lithios Apps and Innovate Raleigh are hosting a networking event where innovators and entrepreneurs, students, mentors and investors can join to network and learn about the resources available within the local startup ecosystem.
CompTIA AITP-RTP: Internet of Things Primer – Digital Transformation 101
March 12, 5:30-8:30 p.m. @NC State University Club
At its next meeting, CompTIA AITP-RTP will host Soft Ed US VP and General Manager David Mantica for a seminar about IoT from a “Systems Thinking” perspective.
Workshop: Power of Social Media Storytelling for your Business
March 12, 6:30-8 p.m. @Shaw University, Estey Hall Auditorium
In this workshop, you’ll learn about all the best ways to use social media to tell your story, generate traffic to your website and social accounts, and grow your business. The session will be led by Janice Rojas, marketing and communications director of Carolina Small Business Development Fund and the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center. Refreshments will be served.
Triangle Tech Net
March 13, 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.
2020 Diversity + Inclusion Summit
March 13, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Sheraton Imperial Hotel
NC TECH’s Diversity + Inclusion Summit will bring together C-level executives, D + I professionals and organizational leaders to discuss the benefits of a diverse workplace.
Raleigh Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon
March 13, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. @Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley
Raleigh Chamber’s next Professional Women’s Luncheon will cover strategies for managing large and diverse teams, featuring speakers Jenna Geigerman of Citrix, Melanie Stevens of BASF and Julia Wright of Dominion Energy.
Application Deadline: Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Project Funding
March 13
Cleantech innovators with solutions for reducing transportation-related emissions are encouraged to apply for the latest round of funding allocations ($1.4 million) under the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project, funded by the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program of the NC Department of Transportation.
Application Deadline: IdeaFest Pitch Competition [EXTENDED]
March 15
At The Launch Place’s 7th annual IdeaFest on April 2, a group of 20 startups will get to present their pitches to a live audience and panel of judges, competing for a total of $10,000 in prizes. More TechWire coverage here. (NOTE: The deadline has been extended to March 15.)
Use Cases & Technical Considerations for In-Body Wireless Medical Devices
March 16-17 @James B. Hunt Jr. Library
This two-day workshop, hosted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association, will cover the technical challenges with in-body wireless devices and device sustainability, the security vulnerabilities associated with various communication channels, and how to best evaluate the appropriate in-body and wearable devices for your use case.
Raleigh Chamber Coffee with Leaders: Maggie Kane
March 17, 7:30-9 a.m. @Raleigh Chamber
Raleigh Chamber will host A Place at the Table Founder and Executive Director Maggie Kane for a talk sharing the story of how she built the organization.
Triangle Global Health Leadership Forum
March 17, 4:30-7 p.m. @RTI International
At this event, local health experts and professionals can join to discuss topics impacting the global and public health sectors. This month’s topic is “Women in Global Health Leadership.”
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
March 17, 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.
Ice House Facilitator Training
March 17-19 (Durham/RTP area)
NC IDEA’s three-day Ice House Facilitator Training provides education and insight on the entrepreneurial mindset to innovators who want to solve complex problems.
CED Venture Connect Summit
March 17-19 @Raleigh Convention Center
Join the Council for Entrepreneurial Development, along with entrepreneurs, seasoned experts and investors for three days of valuable content and connections within the tech and life sciences ecosystems. More TechWire coverage here.
1 Million Cups RTP
March 18, 9-10 a.m. @American Underground (@Blackwell)
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.
Innovate Carolina Network Forum
March 18, 9-10:30 a.m. @Wilson Library
In this interactive session, participants will use design thinking tools to help UNC shape a vision for innovation-focused programming. A light breakfast will be served.
RIoT Accelerator Program Info Session: How Startups Should Engage Investors
March 18, 5-6 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
Join this info session to learn about the RIoT Accelerator Program, explore HQ Raleigh’s space, mingle with other tech entrepreneurs and hear from SJF Ventures Senior Associate Jackie Bennett on what investors look for in choosing startups to support.
Digital Health Happy Hour
March 18, 5-7 p.m. @Studio405
Join DHIT’s free monthly networking event to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors and community members who are shaping the Triangle’s digital health space.
Raleigh Chamber Young Professionals Network Program
March 19, 7:30-9:30 a.m. @PNC Arena
During this event, a group of local executives from several industries will discuss the impact of tech in the workplace.
AMA Triangle: 10 Marketing Lessons from the Pendo Journey
March 19, 8:30-10:30 a.m. @Brier Creek Country Club
In this workshop, Pendo CMO Jake Sorofman will share insights on how and when to hire, how to measure impact, scale budgets and programs, how to balance brand and demand, and more.
How Digital Transformation Can Drive the Best Customer Experience
March 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @The Frontier
Join Zendesk for this lunch & learn to hear how your organization can improve its customer experience (CX) strategy.
RTP180: eSports & Simulations
March 19, 5-7:30 p.m. @The Frontier
This installment of RTP180 will cover how the eSports industry is changing the Triangle region, featuring speakers Jeff Palumbo of Lenovo, Phaedra Boinodiris of IBM, Ish Said of Game On Escapes & More, Dave Nastalski of Dogwood Country Club and Trent Murray of ESports Observer.
Panel: Data Science Hype vs. Reality
March 19, 5:30-8 p.m. @Validic
The Women in Tech Allies meetup is hosting a panel with data scientists speaking about the hype in the data science industry today, particularly with related to AI, machine learning and deep learning.
HQ Community Lunch: Crowdfunding
March 20, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
This month’s HQ Raleigh Community Lunch will focus on the topic of crowdfunding.
Entrepreneurs Lab with Al Mask & John Chisholm
March 24, 3:30-6:20 p.m. @McColl Building
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Entrepreneurs Lab series features lectures revealing the secrets behind successful entrepreneurs. Al Mask and John Chisholm will speak this week.
Code for Chapel Hill
March 24, 6-8 p.m. @Town of Chapel Hill
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.
1 Million Cups RTP
March 25, 9-10 a.m. @American Underground (@Blackwell)
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.
Wake Tech Business & Computer Technologies Career Fair
March 25, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @Wake Tech South Campus, Student Services Building Conference Center
This career fair is an opportunity for Wake Technical Community College students to grow their network and meet local employers. The event is open to current curriculum students in Wake Tech’s Business, Computer Science and Digital Arts, Networking and Computer Technologies programs.
TechGirlz Workshop: Python Programming
March 26, 6-8:30 p.m. @Kramden Institute
In this workshop, students will learn how to program using Python starting with simple data types, including numbers, letters and strings, and lists.
Triangle Tech Net
March 27, 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.
RIoT Developer Day 2020
March 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. @Wake Tech Community College (RTP Campus)
This full-day event includes several hands-on workshops and tech talks. Tickets are free.
Conscientious Capitalism: Labor Trafficking & Supply Chains
March 27, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. @Kenan Center
This free, half-day symposium brings together both national and North Carolina-based C-suite executives, government officials and non-profit leaders to examine how labor trafficking manifests in global supply chains and in those of local businesses in North Carolina.
NC Chamber 78th Annual Meeting
March 31, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. @Marriott Raleigh City Center
North Carolina Chamber’s 78th annual meeting will center around the theme, “2020 Playbook: Keeping NC First in Business,” with talks and keynotes focused on strategies to uplift the business climate state-wide.
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
March 31, 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.
2020 FREEDM Research Symposium
March 31 – April 2 @Hunt Library, NCSU Centennial Campus
Join researchers and academics, students and industry representatives at FREEDM Systems Center‘s annual symposium for keynote presentations, updates on FREEDM research and technical tutorials.
Downtown Techies Happy Hours @Midtown
March 31, 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.
