Hard Tech Venture Summit: Silicon Valley
This summit is part of the IEEE Entrepreneurship flagship event series that connects early-stage founders with pre-seed, seed, and Series A investors and critical service providers. This particular summit is focused on hard-tech startups, investors, and service providers.
No cost to apply – space is limited.
Event Details:
Venue: SRI International Headquarters
333 Ravenswood Ave. Menlo Park, CA 94025
Dates: April 16-17 2026
PAST PARTNERS
Past Speakers
Dr. Sanjit Singh Dang
Muffi Ghadiali
Andra Keay
Malcolm Knapp
WHAT TO EXPECT
Attendees:
– Founders and Executives of early-stage tech startups (pre-seed, seed, Series A) looking to scale their ventures and expand their networks
– Investors looking to connect with innovative tech companies
– Industry leaders and professionals looking to advance cutting-edge technologies
Day 1:
30 min – Welcome
45 min – Keynote Speaker #1
30 min – Networking Break
30 min – Startup Pitches
45 min – Roundtables
1.5 hrs – Lunch
45 min – Keynote Speaker #2
30 min – Startup Pitches
45 min – Roundtables
15 min – Networking Break
30 min – Startup Pitches
15 min – Closing
Day 2:
3 hrs / Half Day – Engineering Design to Manufacturing Workshop. Led by Andra Keay, Managing Director – Silicon Valley Robotics, and Malcolm Knapp, Product Manager – MFHK Consulting.
Navigate the complex path to manufacturing and learn from experienced mentorship who’ve successfully taken hardware products from prototype to full-scale production. Too often, startups overlook the critical phases after prototyping – especially around scaling manufacturing and achieving regulatory compliance – until it’s too late. This session closes this gap with hands-on guidance from experts on how to build resilient supply chains, form strategic partnerships, and develop essential processes for long-term success.
Expo visit and networking.
FAQs
Who Should Attend?
– Founders and Executives of early-stage hard tech startups (pre-seed, seed, Series A) looking to scale their ventures and expand their networks
– Investors looking to connect with innovative hard tech companies
– Industry leaders and professionals looking to advance cutting-edge technologies
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?
Venture Summit prices will vary based on event. See individual event pages for fees and discounts.
Are there any discounts?
See individual event pages for fees and discounts available for that specific event.
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