Hard Tech Venture Summit
Boston
June 10-11, 2026
Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC)
Co-located with the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society (MTT-S) International Microwave Symposium (IMS).
Boston, MA
Free to apply. Space is limited.
Applications reviewed by Hard Tech investors.
Where the Hard Tech ecosystem comes together.
A premier 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.
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.
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 Else?
Select service providers supporting Hard Tech entrepreneurs in manufacturing and commercialization. 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. 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.
Backed by IEEE's 500,000+ engineers and technologists
"One of the best events to meet early-stage Hard Tech companies."
- Ji Ke, SOSV Capital
Join Us in Boston!
AGENDA
Day 1: June 10
8:30 AM REGISTRATION
9:00 AM WELCOME REMARKS – Fred Schindler, IEEE-USA Board of Directors
9:05 AM IEEE: Catalyzing Hard Tech Innovation – Kathleen Kramer, 2026 IEEE Past President
9:20 AM KEYNOTE – Dan Goldman, Manager Partner at Clean Energy Ventures
9:45 AM ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS #1
10:45 AM BREAK
11:00 AM HARD TECH STARTUPS PITCHES #1
11:30 AM ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION #2
12:30 PM LUNCH (on your own) & IMS EXHIBIT FLOOR
1:30 PM HARD TECH STARTUPS PITCHES #2
2:00 PM ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION #3
3:00 PM BREAK
3:30 PM HARD TECH STARTUPS PITCHES & DISCUSSIONS
4:25 PM SUMMIT CLOSING REMARKS – DAY #1
5:00 PM IEEE IMS CONFERENCE INDUSTRY HOSTED RECEPTION + EXHIBITS @IEEE IMS EXHIBIT FLOOR
Roundtable networking discussions create networking opportunities between Hard Tech founders, investors, and service providers matched by our investors team based on Hard Tech domain and financing stage.
Day 2:
June 11
- Half-Day Engineering Design to Manufacturing Workshop
For Hard Tech startups scaling beyond prototyping. Learn essential information to successfully navigate vendor relationships, manufacturing challenges, and regulatory compliance on the path from prototype to production with guidance from experienced manufacturing experts.
8:30 AM REGISTRATION
8:45 AM WELCOME
9:00 AM KEYNOTE – Chet Kanojia, Co-Founder & CEO of Starry Inc (exited)
9:20 AM Mentor Introductions
9:30 AM MANUFACTURING MENTORING SESSION #1
10:15 AM BREAK
10:30 AM MANUFACTURING MENTORING SESSION #2
11:15 AM MANUFACTURING GROUP SESSION
11:50 PM SUMMIT CLOSING REMARKS
12:00 PM LUNCH (on your own)/ VISIT IEEE IMS CONFERENCE EXHIBITS @IEEE IMS EXHIBIT FLOOR
2:00 PM EXTRA from IMS CONFERENCE SESSION – FROM VISION TO PROFITABILITY: THE STARTUP JOURNEY
Moderator: Dr. Laila Salman, Principal Application Engineer, Synopsys Inc.
@IEEE IMS EXHIBIT FLOOR, MICROAPPS THEATER
FAQs
Who Should Attend?
· Founders and Executives of early-stage Hard Tech startups (pre-seed, seed, Series A)
· Hard Tech Investors
· Service Providers – All those supporting the Hard Tech innovation ecosystem (such as manufacturers, engineering design firms, IP lawyers, alternative financing, etc.)
Can Non-IEEE Members Attend?
YES. You do NOT have to be an IEEE member to apply and/or attend an IEEE Entrepreneurship Venture Summit.
How Much does it Cost?
The Summit Registration Costs for ALL attendees:
IEEE Members:
$465 (until May 8),
$525 (May 9 to June 5),
$575 (June 6-11)
Non-IEEE Members:
$575 (until May 8),
$635 (May 9 to June 5),
$695 (June 6-11)
Registration includes:
June 10 to 11 Hard Tech Venture Summit
June 9 to 11 IEEE IMS Conference Exhibition
June 10 Industry Hosted Reception in the Exhibit Hall
Are there any discounts?
There will be discounts for IEEE members.
Contacts?
Joanne Wong – Venture Summits Program Co-Lead
Cassandra Carothers – Venture Summits Program Co-Lead
Bruce Iafelice – Venture Summit: Silicon Valley Lead
Email us at entrepreneurship@ieee.org