WRAL TechWire keeps tabs on the latest and greatest meetups, panels, workshops, conferences and all things happening in the North Carolina startup world.
“The Headliners” is a multi-part weekly roundup of upcoming events to add to your calendar. To find out what’s happening in cities outside of the Triangle, check out part two of the “Headliners” column.
Another post highlights events in April. Meetups that occur on a regular basis are listed here.
Check out a full range of events on TechWire’s interactive calendar for more. If you’d like your event to be added to the calendar and weekly roundup, feel free to send me an email.
Here’s our lineup of Triangle events in March. The roundup also includes application deadlines for accelerators, competitions and other programs.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA LABS
March 11
NC IDEA LABS is a four-week program that helps early-stage entrepreneurs with customer discovery, validation, decision-making and growth planning. Subsequent mentorship and resources are offered to participants who achieve significant progress in the program.
Impact Investing with a Gender Lens
March 11-13 @Duke University
This two-day course hosted by the Duke CASE i3 Initiative on Impact Investing focuses on deploying capital for women and girls, covering topics including fund and deal selection, impact management and portfolio improvement.
IE Breakfast Social: Scholars Strategy Network
March 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m. @UNC Institute for the Environment
UNC’s Institute for the Environment hosts a monthly breakfast inviting a guest speaker to discuss their latest research and projects. This month’s session features a talk with Natalie Hengstebeck, North Carolina SSN postdoctoral fellow at Duke University.
Startup Networking + Pitching + Coffee
March 12, 12-1:30 p.m.
This weekly event brings together local founders and startup teams for introductions and networking. At the event, they can also watch or participate in an online pitch session, joining startups in the StartupBlink network around the world.
Triangle Biotech Tuesday
March 12, 5:15-7:30 p.m. @RTP
Triangle Biotech Tuesday, a new monthly event series, connects scientific professionals throughout the Research Triangle area.
All Things Open 2019 Office Hours
March 12, 5-7 p.m.
If you’re interested in submitting a talk for All Things Open 2019 or have questions about ATO’s call for papers, you can tune in to the team’s office hours to find out more. Submissions are due by March 15.
Raleigh Chamber Business After Hours
March 12, 5:30-7 p.m. @Campbell University School of Law
Next up in Raleigh Chamber’s Business After Hours series is a networking event at the Campbell School of Law. Join to learn more about the program’s offerings. This event is free for employees of Raleigh Chamber member firms.
Open Raleigh Brigade Community Night
March 12, 6-8:30 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
The Open Raleigh Brigade is an ongoing meetup for technologists, designers, developers, data scientists, map makers and project managers to come together to collaborate on civic projects. This event is part of a series of meetings held until June.
RTCC SMART Series: Financing Smart Cities
March 13, 8-10 a.m. @RTP HQ
Join the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster for an engaging discussion with a panel of industry experts and municipal leaders on the finance mechanisms affecting smart city growth in North Carolina and beyond.
1 Million Cups RTP
March 13, 9-10 a.m. @American Underground (@Blackwell/ATC)
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.
Pints & Pitches Chapel Hill
March 13, 5:30-7 p.m. @Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
Join Chapel Hill Economic Development for appetizers and networking with local entrepreneurs, startup teams, freelancers and professionals. Attendees can also pitch their business ideas.
Webinar: Code School & Tech Scene in RDU
March 13, 7-9 p.m.
Join this webinar-based info session to learn all about Momentum Learning and its immersive coding education program.
Moving Forward with Purpose Conference
March 13 @Raleigh Convention Center
Join the Women’s Business Center of North Carolina for a day-long event to empower and energize business leaders.
Application Deadline: Translational Research Grant
March 13
The NC Biotech Center’s new Translational Research Grant program provides funding of up to $100,000 for projects exploring/developing commercial applications of university-held life science inventions.
NCABR Rx for Science Literacy Series: Regenerative Medicine
March 14, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @Duke, Hock Plaza Auditorium
The North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research‘s Rx for Science Literacy is partnering with Duke University to present a one-day workshop featuring the organization’s regenerative medicine curriculum, along with updates from biomedical scientists about the applications of regenerative medicine research underway at Duke.
The Muster RDU
March 14, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The Muster RDU convenes hundreds of attendees for a day of business pitches, keynotes, workshops, panels and a startup marketplace—all for and by veteran-led startups and veteran entrepreneurs. (More coverage here.)
FemTech 101: Advancements in Digital Health for Women
March 14, 9-10 a.m. @Duke School of Nursing
Join Duke Mobile App Gateway Associate Director Katie D. McMillan for an informative presentation all about femtech, an emerging niche in digital health innovation.
Cary Chamber 101
March 14, 12-1 p.m. @Cary Chamber of Commerce
Join this info session to learn about the benefits of Cary Chamber membership and the events and resources it offers. Lunch will be provided.
Lunch & Learn: IoT in the Wild
March 14, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
Jim Gray, founder of environmental IoT company Green Stream Technologies, will share his company’s insight into deploying ruggedized IoT solutions.
RTP-AITP: Future of Everything—AR/VR, Smart Cities & More
March 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m. @NC State Club
At RTP-AITP’s next meetup Transmira, Inc. CEO Robert Rice will provide an overview of the implications and opportunities for IT professionals with emerging technologies such as smart cities, spatial computing, AR, VR, AI, blockchain and more.
HQ Community Lunch
March 15, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
Join HQ Raleigh for good food and interesting topics. This month’s event features pitches from participants in the RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP).
Application Deadline: Raleigh Chamber Emerging Leaders
March 15
Raleigh Chamber is accepting applications for the incoming class of its Emerging Leaders program, in which 25 participants enhance their leadership skills through meetings and sessions with prominent mentors. Schedule and list of speakers here.
Application Deadline: UNC Idea Grant
March 15
UNC Idea Grant is a pilot funding program for researchers aiming to address important problems or roadblocks to a current line of inquiry. Grants range between $10,000 and $20,000. Applications are due by 5 p.m.
Application Deadline: All Things Open 2019 Call for Papers
March 15
The team at All Things Open is now seeking submissions for talks to be featured in the 2019 conference taking place October 13-15 in Raleigh. Applications are due at 11:59 p.m.
Chapel Hill Civic Data Hackathon
March 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. @Hargraves Community Center
At this full-day hackathon, high school and university students, data science professionals, citizens and Town of Chapel Hill staff will join together to work on open data projects to benefit the community.
Venture Asheville Startup Road Trip: Durham
March 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. @American Underground (@Main)
This month, six Asheville-based startups are hitting the road to bring a two-day showcase of funding-ready startups to Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Durham and Cary. The founders will each give an eight-minute pitch followed by five minutes of Q&A. More details here.
Startup Networking + Pitching + Coffee
March 19, 12-1:30 p.m.
This weekly event brings together local founders and startup teams for introductions and networking. At the event, they can also watch or participate in an online pitch session, joining startups in the StartupBlink network around the world.
ImBlackInTech Monthly Mixer Series
March 19, 6-7:30 p.m. @American Underground
ImBlackInTech’s monthly mixer event convenes the local entrepreneurial community in support of the growth of founders and professionals of color in the Triangle’s tech startup ecosystem. More coverage here.
Venture Asheville Startup Road Trip: Cary
March 19, 5-7 p.m. @The Mayton Inn
This month, six Asheville-based startups are hitting the road to bring a two-day showcase of funding-ready startups to Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Durham and Cary. The founders will each give an eight-minute pitch followed by five minutes of Q&A. More details here.
Code for Durham: Eviction Diversion + Civic Hacking
March 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m. @Caktus Group
This week’s Code for Durham meetup features Jesse McCoy II, senior lecturing fellow and supervising attorney at the Civil Justice Clinic of the Duke University School of Law, who will discuss eviction law and the Durham County Eviction Diversion Program.
Black Business Momentum Series: Finding Customers through Partnerships & Collaboration
March 19, 6-8 p.m. @Garner Town Hall
Next up in the Black Business Momentum Series—presented by the Raleigh Chamber, Wake County Economic Development and the Wake Tech Small Business Center—is a session covering four proven strategies to gain more customers and kick off new partnerships. A light dinner will be served during the seminar.
NAWBO & Bank of America Spring Social
March 19, 6-8 p.m. @Bank of America Tower in North Hills
Join local women business leaders to network and learn about NAWBO Greater Raleigh‘s partnership with Bank of America.
Digital Health Happy Hour
March 20, 5-7 p.m. @American Underground (@Main)
DHIT’s free networking event takes place at American Underground this month, featuring a talk with pop-up speaker Tom Snyder, executive director of RIoT. Join to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders over craft beers.
Non-Profit Sustainability: Save Money & Make a Difference
March 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Clouds Brewing, Durham
Join Eagle Solar & Light for a special event that will cover financing options for solar PV systems, energy efficiency measures, and an innovative bulk purchasing model for critical operational needs.
Triangle Angel Investors Reverse Pitch
March 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Carolina Coworking
At this special event hosted by Carolina Coworking, representatives from three active Triangle angel capital groups will describe what fits their portfolios. A Q&A and meet-and-greet will follow their presentations.
Triangle TechBreakfast
March 21, 8-10 a.m. @RTP Headquarters
Developers, designers, startups and tech enthusiasts are invited to join this monthly meetup for free networking over breakfast, plus a series of showcase presentations.
Lunch & Learn: How Much Is Your Trademark Worth?
March 21, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
Dr. Letao Qin, a partner at Rimon P.C., will lead a session covering strategies on how to build up your IP assets in a cost-effective way.
Cary Chamber Business of Women
March 21, 12-1:15 p.m. @Prestonwood Country Club
The next Cary Chamber Business of Women event features Wendy Coulter, CEO of Hummingbird Creative Group.
NC Chamber Annual Meeting
March 21, 1-4:30 p.m. @Raleigh Marriott Center City
North Carolina Chamber’s Annual Meeting, the 77th event of its kind, features a keynote address and a celebration of the recipients of the Distinguished Citizenship and Distinguished Service awards.
IdeaFest Pitch Competition (Danville, Virginia)
March 21, 1-6 p.m. @Cottontail Weddings & Events in Danville, VA
The Launch Place’s 6th annual IdeaFest competition will feature live presentations from 20 early-stage startup companies seeking seed and pre-seed funding. Three awards are on the table: $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second and $2,000 for third. This event is free and open to the public.
Cary Chamber Business After Hours
March 21, 5-7 p.m. @AAA Carolinas, Cary Towne Center
Join Cary Chamber for an evening of networking with other local professionals over beverages. The event also includes prize opportunities.
RTP180: Population
March 21, 5-7:30 p.m. @The Frontier
The next RTP180 event focuses on gentrification, urban development and more population-related subjects. Panelists include Patrick Young of the Durham City-County Planning Department, Bonnie Danahy of Open Data Raleigh, Sara Ellis of the Raleigh Department of City Planning, Hannah Parkin of the Committee for Refugees and Immigrants NC Office and Donnarie Hales of BASF.
RTCC Cleantech Innovators’ Networking
March 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Join the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster to network and meet the latest cohort of cleantech startups from the Joules Accelerator.
TechGirlz: Day in the Life of a Web Designer
March 21, 6-8 p.m. @Optum
In TechGirlz’s next workshop, students will learn about the responsibilities and opportunities involved in web design careers.
Tech Day at the Legislature
March 21, Downtown Raleigh
NC TECH members are invited to a free legislative breakfast with North Carolina Senate and House members, followed by a briefing on the State of Technology Industry Report.
Triangle Tech Net
March 22, 7:30-10 a.m. @Family Legacy Financial Solutions
This free bimonthly event offers a space for local tech professionals to build connections and find potential job opportunities.
NCBiotech Jobs Network: Structured Networking
March 25, 12:30-2:30 p.m. @NC Biotech Center
This event, hosted by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, helps attendees practice and grow their networking skills and expand their professional networks.
Triangle Global Health Consortium Mentor Mondays
March 25, 4-4:45 p.m.
This monthly webinar series hosts a global health professional who will share insights and advice for advancing your career. This month’s webinar features Kathy Walmer, executive director of Family Health Ministries.
Coffee, Compliance & the Cloud
March 26, 8:30-11 a.m. @Avalara
Dean Dorton and Avalara are hosting an educational overview on how cloud financial management technology can help companies meet compliance for sales and use tax, revenue recognition and contract management.
Rural Day
March 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. @Raleigh Convention Center
Join the NC Rural Center for a day discussing the pressing issues facing rural communities and engaging with leaders about solutions.
Startup Networking + Pitching + Coffee
March 26, 12-1:30 p.m.
This weekly event brings together local founders and startup teams for introductions and networking. At the event, they can also watch or participate in an online pitch session, joining startups in the StartupBlink network around the world.
Startup Summit: Mastering Lead Generation to 10x Your Startup w/ Eric Boggs of RevBoss
March 26, 5:30-8 p.m. @WeWork Durham
This month’s Startup Summit covers the ins and outs of lead generation, featuring speaker Eric Boggs, founder and CEO of sales software startup RevBoss. Attendees will learn insights, strategies and practical advice to help get more leads and grow their businesses.
RIoT XXXIII: How IoT Is Disrupting Sports & Entertainment (Atlanta)
March 26, 6-8 p.m. @Atlanta Tech Village
RIoT comes to Atlanta this month for an event covering the latest trends disrupting the sports and entertainment industries, featuring the leading innovators paving the future in this space.
Open Raleigh Brigade Community Night
March 26, 6-8:30 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
The Open Raleigh Brigade is an ongoing meetup for technologists, designers, developers, data scientists, map makers and project managers to come together to collaborate on civic projects. This event is part of a series of meetings held until June.
Midtown Techies: Meet Your Neighbors in Tech
March 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.
Coffee with Gregg Lowe of Cree
March 26, 7:30-9 a.m. @Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
Raleigh Chamber is hosting a talk with Cree President and CEO Gregg Lowe, who will discuss innovative strategies for small businesses to stay on the cutting edge.
Prospanica March Resume Madness
March 27, 5-8 p.m. @Cisco Systems at RTP
Prospanica is hosting a special event for local jobseekers, featuring a panel and breakout sessions with resume reviews, mock interviews and LinkedIn review.
CED Network Meetup & Open House
March 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @The Frontier
Council for Entrepreneurial Development members are invited to an evening of networking every quarter.
CAPER 5th Annual Spring Meeting
March 27-29 @James B. Hunt Jr. Library
The Center for Advanced Power Engineering Research (CAPER) is holding the 5th annual spring meeting for power electronics experts to present the results of their research and gain insight on what’s in store for the future of power engineering.
Webinar: NSF SBIR/STTR Program
March 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
The Small Business Technology & Development Center is hosting a free 45-minute webinar session on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding programs.
RIoT Lunch & Learn: System & Organization Control Reporting
March 28, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
Join Dan Sembler of Cherry Bekaert as he discusses SOC-1 and SOC-2 reports and how to use them to evaluate vendors.
Frontier RTP Honey Beer Launch Party & Name Reveal
March 28, 4:30-6:30 p.m. @The Frontier
For this year’s installment of RTP Honey Beer, The Frontier is teaming up with Bee Downtown and bringing in Bombshell Beer Company to craft the brew. The Frontier is asking the community to help come up with a name for the beer. The final choice will be decided by popular vote and announced at the launch party.
Alternative Investments Conference
March 28 @Carolina Inn
UNC Institute for Private Capital’s annual Alternative Investments Conference is a venue for investment managers, institutional investors and academics to network, share ideas and stay updated on the latest industry trends.
Application Deadline: Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Project
March 29
Cleantech innovators are encouraged to apply for the latest round of funding allocations under the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project, funded by the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program of the Department of Transportation.
TechGirlz Workshop: Make a Website Using HTML/CSS
March 30, 12-3 p.m. @NC State College of Engineering
In this workshop, students will learn the basics of HTML and CSS and use them to build their own website. The event is part of a series of workshops taking place around the U.S. in celebration of Women’s History Month.
