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 February 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 March. 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 February—most have been switched to a virtual format due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
Spring 2021 NC IDEA SEED & MICRO Grant Applications Open
February 1
The NC IDEA Foundation is offering two grant opportunities for startups this season: NC IDEA MICRO provides $10,000 project-based grants to entrepreneurs looking to validate and advance their ideas. NC IDEA SEED provides $50,000 grants to early-stage companies, giving them the boost they need to scale faster. Applications for the spring 2021 cycle open on Feb. 1 and close on March 1.
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
February 2, 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.
SBTDC’s Taking the Leap Program
February 2, 6-8 p.m. (online)
This month, the Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting a four-week business development program for entrepreneurs. Participants will learn how to identify promising markets, write a business plan, run their finances and market their brand. (Classes will be conducted online simultaneously across six NC regions/cities: Asheville, the Triangle, Charlotte, Greenville, Wilmington and the Triad.)
WakeTech: Local Asset For Your Business
February 3, 8 a.m. (online)
Cary Chamber of Commerce is hosting a webinar featuring Wake Technical Community College’s Apprenticeship Program and Small Business Resource Center.
NC Chamber Environmental Compliance Conference
February 3, 8:30-11:30 a.m. (online)
Environmental and safety compliance professionals are invited to join industry experts, the NC Chamber and NC Department of Environmental Quality for a discussion on regulatory issues and policies impacting air, water, waste and natural resources.
Halt the ‘Covid Slide’ & Support Working Women
February 3, 9-10 a.m. (online)
NC TECH is hosting a free webinar focused on the benefits of reacHIRE’s Aurora, a digital solution to help companies and organizations to engage and retain the women in their workforce.
1 Million Cups RTP
February 3, 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.
Show It; Don’t Say It: Design Visualization to Create & Convince
February 3, 1-2 p.m. (online)
In this virtual workshop, Laut Design CEO and Creative Director Mike Laut will lead a session covering different design and visualization solutions that businesses can adopt.
NC State eGames Competition Student Info Session
February 3, 3-4 p.m. (online)
Join this info session (one of three virtual sessions) to learn more about NC State Entrepreneurship’s upcoming 2021 eGames startup competition. Applications are due on Feb. 12 at 11:59 p.m.
Technical Overview of LoRa & LoRaWAN
February 3, 3-4 p.m. (online)
This webinar will cover how LoRa and LoRaWAN can be used as a wireless solution on applications that demand long range and low power consumption.
Ellevating Together Series
February 4, 8-9 a.m. (online)
The Triangle chapter of Ellevate is hosting a roundtable discussion featuring women at all career stages.
On the Menu: The Physics Nature of Entrepreneurship
February 4, 12-1 p.m. (online)
Research Triangle Park’s next On the Menu webinar will cover how physics principles can be applied to implementing a business plan.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Understanding Insurance & Bonding
February 4, 2-3:30 p.m. (online)
This webinar, hosted by Durham County, will cover requirements, opportunities, best practices and more resources for business owners and professionals interested in contracting or subcontracting with public agencies or construction companies.
Innovate Durham 2021 Information Session
February 4, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (online)
Join this virtual info session to learn more about Innovate Durham, a startup program run by the City and County of Durham that allows entrepreneurs to use local government resources to test their products and ideas. Applications for the fourth cohort of the program (running virtually) are due on Feb. 15.
Cary Chamber Business Breakouts
February 4, 4-5 p.m. (online)
In this new virtual networking series from Cary Chamber of Commerce, attendees will be split into breakout groups with group leaders to discuss different topics.
Raleigh Founded & NC State Entrepreneurship Startup Fair
February 4, 4-6 p.m. (online)
Raleigh Founded is hosting a virtual startup fair for students seeking positions at local startups.
Get2Know NC TECH Webinar
February 5, 9-9:30 a.m. (online)
This free monthly interactive webinar provides participants with an overview of NC TECH’s activities, resources and member offerings.
Application Deadline: City of Raleigh Building Up-fit Grant
February 5
The City of Raleigh’s Building Up-Fit Grant helps to fund improvements, renovations and/or additions to commercial property owned by local businesses. Applications for the next round of grants are open now.
Black Wings Hacks 2021
February 5-7 (online)
Rewriting the Code Black Wings is hosting a three-day virtual hackathon open to all college women in tech majors.
NC State eGames Competition Student Info Session
February 8, 3-4 p.m. (online)
Join this info session (one of three virtual sessions) to learn more about NC State Entrepreneurship’s upcoming 2021 eGames startup competition. Applications are due on Feb. 12 at 11:59 p.m.
Raleigh Chamber Business After Hours
February 8, 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.)
Cary Chamber Update On PPP Webinar
February 9, 8 a.m. (online)
This webinar will cover everything businesses need to know about the second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding, including eligibility requirements, flexibility, how PPP interacts with other loans and grants, and more.
High School Counselor Virtual Happy Hour
February 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (online)
William Peace University is hosting a virtual event with breakout rooms covering important topics for counselors. The event will also include a trivia contest and giveaways/prizes.
Triangle Biotech Tuesday
February 9, 6-7:30 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.
SBTDC’s Taking the Leap Program
February 9, 6-8 p.m. (online)
This month, the Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting a four-week business development program for entrepreneurs. Participants will learn how to identify promising markets, write a business plan, run their finances and market their brand. (Classes will be conducted online simultaneously across six NC regions/cities: Asheville, the Triangle, Charlotte, Greenville, Wilmington and the Triad.)
SBIR/STTR Grant Education Seminar
February 10, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (online)
First Flight Venture Center and scientific consultants from Eva Garland Consulting are hosting an educational seminar on how to submit a successful SBIR/STTR grant application.
1 Million Cups RTP
February 10, 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.
Building Better Entrepreneurs with Mental Health Science
February 10, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (online)
This workshop, led by Aaron Houghton of Founders First, will cover stress management and mental health for startup founders.
Fireside Chat with Adwerx & we are: How to Create an Inclusive Culture
February 10, 12-1 p.m. (online)
Launch Chapel Hill and UNC’s Entrepreneurship Center are hosting a fireside chat on diversity, equity and inclusion, with Adwerx VP of People Operations Leo D’Agostino and we are CEO and Co-Founder Ronda Bullock.
Virtual L&L: Interconnects for IoT
February 10, 1-2 p.m. (online)
This virtual lunch and learn will cover how interconnects power and empower Internet of Things technologies.
First Gen Webinar: Blazing Your Own Trail
February 10, 5-6 p.m. (online)
William Peace University’s Office of Admissions is hosting a virtual event to discuss the process of choosing a school as a first generation student.
Application Deadline: NCBiotech Translational Research Grant (2021 Cycle 2)
February 10
The NC Biotech Center’s Translational Research Grant program provides funding for projects exploring/developing commercial applications for university-held life science inventions. Applications are open for the next cycle of funding.
Virtual Caregiver Conference
February 10-11 (online)
This two-day virtual conference will focus on solutions for overcoming behavioral challenges in dementia care.
Duke I&E Academy Research Translation & Commercialization Series
February 11, 12 p.m. (online)
Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship’s multi-part Research Translation & Commercialization Workshop Series will cover strategy and business plan development, venture deals, managing a team and launching a venture.
2021 Durham Chamber Annual Meeting
February 11, 4-5 p.m. (online)
Durham Chamber’s 2021 annual meeting will bring together hundreds of business owners, stakeholders, and community and civic leaders to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments.
Raleigh Chamber C-Suite Perspectives
February 12, 9-10:30 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber’s next C-Suite Perspectives webinar will feature Pendo Co-Founder and CEO Todd Olson, who will share lessons that participants can apply to their own businesses/organizations.
Triangle Tech Net
February 12, 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.
Application Deadline: NC State eGames 2021
February 12
NC State Entrepreneurship’s annual eGames startup competition is back this year, offering student teams the opportunity to win cash prizes for their business ideas. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 12.
Application Deadline: 2021 First Flight FAST Cohort
February 15
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: Innovate Durham 2021
February 15
Innovate Durham, a startup program run by the City and County of Durham, allows entrepreneurs to use local government resources to test their products and ideas. Applications for the fourth cohort of the program (running virtually) are open now.
ReCONNECT for the Future: Virtual Emerging Issues Forum
February 15-18 (online)
The Institute for Emerging Issues’ next virtual ReCONNECT NC forum will cover ways to activate change on a local level in communities across North Carolina this year. More TechWire coverage here.
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
February 16, 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.
Ellevate Webinar: How To Be an Antiracist Ally w/ Raven Solomon
February 16, 6-7 p.m. (online)
The Triangle chapter of Ellevate is hosting a webinar on how to activate antiracist allyship in everyday professional and personal life.
SBTDC’s Taking the Leap Program
February 16, 6-8 p.m. (online)
This month, the Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting a four-week business development program for entrepreneurs. Participants will learn how to identify promising markets, write a business plan, run their finances and market their brand. (Classes will be conducted online simultaneously across six NC regions/cities: Asheville, the Triangle, Charlotte, Greenville, Wilmington and the Triad.)
Black Dollar NC Fireside Chat & Brand Building
February 16, 6:30-8 p.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber is hosting a panel of branding experts to discuss the foundations of effective branding and how it impacts small businesses. Speakers include: Creative Allies CEO Amie Thompson, Image Consulting & Personal Branding Company CEO Mia LaMotte, and Black Dollar CEO Johnny Hackett.
Application Deadline: LaunchDURHAM
February 16
Helius is seeking applicants for its next cohort of LaunchDURHAM, a 10-week training program in which participants will learn how to refine their product, find and reach core customers, use financial tools, and navigate the fundraising process.
NC TECH CIO + IT Executive Roundtable
February 17, 7:45-9 a.m. (online)
In this virtual session, CISOs, VPs and director-level tech leaders at NC TECH member companies will discuss relevant topics and best practices in their field.
NC TECH CISO + IT Security Roundtable
February 17, 7:45-9 a.m. (online)
This online meeting convenes CISOs, VPs and director-level security leaders from NC TECH member companies. A roundtable discussion will focus on topics relevant to the field.
1 Million Cups RTP
February 17, 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.
Making Sensor Data Accessible to Drive Actionable Insights
February 17, 1-2 p.m. (online)
This virtual lunch and learn will cover how Bayer Digital Pest Management went to market with a platform to support digital remote monitoring.
National AgTech Forum
February 17, 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 a discussion on the diversity of gene editing applications currently being used in agriculture and what role they will play in the future.
Raleigh Chamber Community Success Forum
February 18, 9-11 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber is hosting a free webinar covering the opportunities and challenges related to the sustainability of the local community. The forum will share how the business community can create a more prosperous community for all.
Duke Startup Connect Networking Fair
February 18, 3-7 p.m. (online)
This online networking event will convene Duke students with representatives of startups that are hiring new talent.
RIoT + Raleigh Founded’s Annual State of the Region Address
February 18, 4-6 p.m. (online)
The annual State of the Region Address from RIoT and Raleigh Founded is back for its fourth year. RIoT Executive Director Tom Snyder will discuss recent changes and growth in the Triangle, and what comes next.
RTP180: Equity
February 18, 6-7 p.m. (online)
This month’s virtual RTP180 will feature local experts discussing the topic of equity from different angles.
Pearl Hacks 2021
February 19-21 (online)
Pearl Hacks, a three-day hackathon held every year at UNC Chapel Hill, is an opportunity for women and non-binary students to explore technology in a supportive environment.
ElectriCities Connections Summit
February 22-26 (online)
ElectriCities is hosting a virtual conference to convene public power leaders, peers and organizations to share best practices, trends and solutions for the power industry.
Raleigh Chamber Networking 101
February 23, 8-9 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber is hosting a virtual event to help local professionals build their networking skills with advice from human resources experts.
RIoT 50: Examining Accessibility Through Two Lenses
February 23, 4:30-6 p.m. (online)
In this virtual event, RIoT and The Diversity Movement will tackle DEI challenges and opportunities in the tech industry.
SBTDC’s Taking the Leap Program
February 23, 6-8 p.m. (online)
This month, the Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting a four-week business development program for entrepreneurs. Participants will learn how to identify promising markets, write a business plan, run their finances and market their brand. (Classes will be conducted online simultaneously across six NC regions/cities: Asheville, the Triangle, Charlotte, Greenville, Wilmington and the Triad.)
Downtown Techies Happy Hours @Midtown
February 23, 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
February 24, 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.
IoT Connectivity Solutions with Murata & Arrow Electronics
February 24, 1-2 p.m. (online)
RIoT is hosting a lunch and learn covering Murata Wireless Solutions for WI-Fi/ BT/ BLe and Combo modules, CAT M1/ NB IoT, Lora and SIgFox modules.
Duke Sustainable Business & Social Impact Conference
February 24 (online)
Duke University’s 16th annual Sustainable Business and Social Impact Conference will convene students, professionals, private-sector executives and nonprofit leaders to discuss entrepreneurship for good, healthcare access and equity, purpose-driven consulting, corporate activism, and more.
PowerAmerica 2021 Annual Meeting
February 24-25 (online)
PowerAmerica’s annual conference, held virtually this year, convenes a large audience of wide bandgap professionals.
Raleigh Chamber Courageous Conversation
February 25, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber’s next Courageous Conversation event will feature a discussion on the intersection of Generation Z and race equity.
Virtual NC HUB & NC DBE Certification Info Session
February 25, 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.
Triangle Tech Net
February 26, 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.
