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.
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.
Applications Open: Raleigh Small Business COVID-19 Relief Funds
May 11
The City of Raleigh and Carolina Small Business Development Fund are providing up to $10,000 in grant funds for each qualifying small business adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are open now.
Cary Chamber 101
May 12, 12 p.m. (online)
Learn about the Cary Chamber of Commerce’s network and membership offerings at this virtual lunch and learn.
Larger Than Life Science: Funding Now – Non-Dilutive Funds
May 12, 1-1:45 p.m. (online)
As part of its Larger Than Life Science event series, LaunchBio is hosting a webinar on how the Small Business Administration, banks and grant programs are helping life science companies cope with changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
May 12, 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. Pizza will be provided.
Taking the Leap: Starting your Business in 4 Weeks
May 12, 6-8 p.m. (online)
The Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting a four-week business development program for entrepreneurs that are ready to take their ideas to the next level by getting their business up and running. Classes are held every Tuesday from May 12 to June 2.
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. More TechWire coverage here.
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.
Mindful Re-Opening: Safety Precautions for Small Businesses
May 13, 10:30 a.m. (online)
The City of Raleigh is hosting a virtual panel with healthcare and trade organization leaders discussing how businesses can take extra precautions to protect their customers and staff as they re-open operations.
EDPNC Small Business Lunch & Learn Webinar
May 13, 12 p.m. (online)
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina is hosting a virtual discussion on how businesses can plan for the future in uncertain times, featuring North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis and Brian Hamilton, founder of Inmates to Entrepreneurs and the Brian Hamilton Foundation.
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.
Larger Than Life Science: Advancing Technologies
May 13, 4-5 p.m. (online)
As part of its Larger Than Life Science event series, LaunchBio is hosting a webinar on how medical device companies are leading their teams during COVID-19.
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. More TechWire coverage here.
Megatrends in the Energy Sector & Implications for NC
May 14, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (online)
In this free webinar, attendees will learn how “megatrends” in the energy sector can change our approaches to power production, management and consumption in North Carolina.
Triangle COVID-19 Response Through A Global Health Lens
May 14, 12-1 p.m. (online)
This free webinar features a panel discussion on how Triangle companies and organizations are responding to COVID-19.
UNC Navigating the Great Pause Panel Series
May 14, 12-1 p.m. (online)
The UNC Entrepreneurship Center’s weekly Navigating the Great Pause series features experts discussing how entrepreneurs can make smart adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic. More TechWire coverage here.
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.
AITP-RTP Meeting: Jumping from Big Tech to Startup
May 14, 5:30-7:15 p.m. (online)
For its next meetup, AITP’s RTP chapter is hosting Nasrin Azari, president and CEO of Floodlight Software, for a talk on the differences between leading a small company vs working for a big tech company. She’ll share her career journey, from IBM software developer to startup founder.
Raleigh Chamber Hispanic Business Momentum
May 14, 6-8 p.m. (online)
For the next installment of its Hispanic Business Momentum event series, Raleigh Chamber will cover the basic steps of starting a business in North Carolina, including what forms to submit and how to process documentation.
COVID-19 Unites Us All: Technologies for Remote Care
May 15, 9 a.m. (online)
DHIT is hosting a panel of local technology leaders discussing the advantages and opportunities of remote monitoring applications in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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.
Triangle Global Health Consortium Mentor Monday
May 18, 12 p.m. (online)
This monthly webinar series hosts a global health professional who will share insights and advice for advancing your career. This month’s webinar features Tate Rogers, founder and environmental consultant at the Triangle Environmental Health Initiative.
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.
Larger Than Life Science: Everything Is Fine
May 19, 1-2 p.m. (online)
As part of its Larger Than Life Science event series, LaunchBio is hosting a webinar on how companies can adapt their clinical drug trials during a pandemic.
TriWiSTEM Virtual Covid-19 Discussion
May 19, 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.
Hardware Cup International Finals
May 19, 6 p.m. (online)
AlphaLab held regional pitch competitions worldwide earlier this year (including the Raleigh Hardware Cup in April) to find promising early-stage startups for the international Hardware Cup Finals. Now, finalists from around the world will pitch their products virtually for a shot at winning $50,000.
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.
Taking the Leap: Starting your Business in 4 Weeks
May 19, 6-8 p.m. (online)
The Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting a four-week business development program for entrepreneurs that are ready to take their ideas to the next level by getting their business up and running. Classes are held every Tuesday from May 12 to June 2.
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.”
Raleigh Chamber Small Business Roundtable
May 20, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber is hosting a discussion with local small businesses sharing tips, best practices, resources and more information on overcoming challenges during the pandemic. (Note: This event is exclusive to Raleigh Chamber members only.)
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.
Raleigh Chamber Young Professionals Network Program
May 21, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber’s Young Professionals Network is hosting a talk with Lindsey Boggs on her personal and professional journey and how to overcome challenges, especially during the age of social distancing.
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. More TechWire coverage here.
UNC Navigating the Great Pause Panel Series
May 21, 12-1 p.m. (online)
The UNC Entrepreneurship Center’s weekly Navigating the Great Pause series features experts discussing how entrepreneurs can make smart adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic. More TechWire coverage here.
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.
Taking the Leap: Starting your Business in 4 Weeks
May 26, 6-8 p.m. (online)
The Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting a four-week business development program for entrepreneurs that are ready to take their ideas to the next level by getting their business up and running. Classes are held every Tuesday from May 12 to June 2.
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.
Cary Chamber Virtual Eye Opener Breakfast
May 27, 8-9 a.m. (online)
Join the Cary Chamber of Commerce for a virtual talk with Small Business Administration District Director Thomas A. Stith III, who will discuss issues local businesses are currently facing.
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.
UNC Navigating the Great Pause Panel Series
May 28, 12-1 p.m. (online)
The UNC Entrepreneurship Center’s weekly Navigating the Great Pause series features experts discussing how entrepreneurs can make smart adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic. More TechWire coverage here.
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. More TechWire coverage here.
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.
