Hard Tech Venture Summit
This premier event connects early-stage, hard tech founders with the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stage investors and critical service providers they need to succeed.
No cost to apply – space is limited.
Event Details:
Venue: Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC)
Boston, Massachusetts
Dates: 10-11 June 2026
Co-located with the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society (MTT-S) International Microwave Symposium (IMS).
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 in the hard tech sector
Our Partners
Our Speakers
Dr. Sanjit Singh Dang
Muffi Ghadiali
Andra Keay
Malcolm Knapp
AGENDA:
Wednesday, June 10
9:00 to 9:30am – Welcome
9:30 to 10:15am – Investing in Hard Tech A Venture Capitalist's Perspective (Dr. Sanjit Singh Dang, Chairman & Co-Founder - U First Capital)
10:15 to 10:45am – Networking BREAK brought to you by Silicon Valley Bank
10:45 to 11:15am – Hard Tech Startup STARS pitch
11:15am to noon – Roundtable 1 Discussions - Topics: Financing, IP, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Product Launch, Commercialization, etc
noon to 1:30pm – LUNCH (on own) + Exhibit Hall
1:30 to 2:15pm – Tales from the Crypt (Muffi Ghadiali, Venture Partner - i3 Ventures)
2:15 to 2:45pm - Hard Tech Startup STARS pitch
2:45 to 3:30pm – Roundtable 2 Discussions – Topics: Financing, IP, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Product Launch, Commercialization, etc
3:30 to 3:45pm – BREAK
3:45 to 4:15 pm – Hard Tech Startup STARS pitch or Roundtable 3 Discussions
4:15 to 4:30 pm – Closing Remarks
5:00 to 6:00 pm - IMS Conference Industry Reception
(Summit attendees meet @ Hard Tech/Startup Pavillion area, Exhibit Hall @ Moscone Center)
Thursday, June 11
9:00 am to noon – Engineering Design to Manufacturing Workshop: Hard Tech Startup Manufacturing Checklist (Andra Keay, Managing Director - Silicon Valley Robotics and Malcolm Knapp, Product Manager - MFHK Consulting)
This workshop is designed for early-stage Hard Tech startups preparing to navigate the complex path to manufacturing. Learn directly from experienced mentors 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.
Some of the topics covered - Production Strategy, Product Production Economics, Sourcing Supply Chain, Manufacturing Product Specifications, Product Quality Specifications, Manufacturing Processes, In-House Manufacturing, Third Party Partners for Manufacturing
FAQs
How Much does it Cost?
After May 16, the cost of attending is $615 dollars which will be paid during registration. The promo code is NOT a discount code, it simply allows all those who have been accepted – startups, investors, service providers, etc. – to be able to register for the Hard Tech Venture Summit.
What if I have trouble registering?
If you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact the IMS call center at 224-563-3136 or email them at IMS@csreg.zohodesk.com