Hard Tech Venture Summit

Silicon Valley

April 16-17, 2026
SRI, Menlo Park

Free to apply. Limited spots.
Applications reviewed by hard-tech investors.

Where the Hard Tech ecosystem comes together. A premier, curated event connecting early-stage Hard Tech founders with pre-seed, seed, and Series-A Hard Tech investors and critical service providers from the Hard Tech innovation ecosystem.

Bridging the Hard Tech Funding Gap

The Challange

Early-stage Hard Tech startups face unique challenges securing investment due to technical complexity, longer development timelines, and limited access to specialized expertise. Traditional funding pathways often fall short.

We connect startups with selected investors and resources to accelerate growth.

Who Should Attend

Hard Tech Startups

Hard Tech founders raising pre-seed to Series A funding who need specialized pitch frameworks and direct access to investors with hard tech expertise.

Hard Tech Investors

VCs, Corporate VCs, and Angels seeking curated Hard Tech deal flow with deep technical context, early insight into the path to commercialization, and opportunities to gain visibility and network with other Hard Tech investors.

Who Should Also Attend

Service Providers

Select providers supporting Hard Tech entrepreneurs in manufacturing and commercialization.

Talent & Corporate Partners

Talent & Experts

Industry experts, advisors, and professionals looking to contribute time, mentorship, or strategic guidance to hard-tech startups—as board members, advisors, or hands-on team members.


Enterprise Innovation Teams

Corporate innovation teams seeking partnerships, acquisitions, or strategic collaborations with hard-tech startups to drive growth and innovation.

The Summit Vibe

Ecosystem building

All attendees are vetted by Hard Tech investors, ensuring a community of innovators who understand and can share the Hard Tech realities and challenges.

Meaningful engagement

We keep the audience limited to ensure meaningful interactions. At the 2025 Summit, a 2:1 startup-to-investor ratio enabled great networking.

Collaborative Network

Hard Tech innovators—IEEE and non-IEEE—connect with peers and resources, accelerating startup growth and technology development.

Curated,
vetted event

Backed by IEEE’s 500,000+ engineers and technologists

One of the best in Hard Tech
Ji Ke, SOSV Capital

Join Us in Menlo Park

Video

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