• Presentation Session | Next-Gen Hardware & Deep Tech

    DPAC Stage
    DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    The companies in this session are operating at the frontier of what hardware and deep technology can do. From advanced robotics and satellite systems to novel materials and semiconductor architecture, these innovators are building the physical and computational infrastructure of tomorrow.

  • Student & Startup Talent Meet-Up

    DPAC President’s Club
    DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    An informal, high-energy meet-up designed to connect students, startups, and university partners in one room. Whether you're a founder looking for sharp summer talent or a student seeking a hands-on internship for Summer 2026, this session creates space for real conversations and meaningful connections. Come ready to introduce yourself, explore opportunities, and spark the next […]

  • Collaborative Intelligence in Action, Charting the Path Forward for your Organization

    NanaSteak
    NanaSteak 345 Blackwell St, Durham, NC, United States

    Led by Chloe Domergue, Human Capital Deloitte Principal, this hands-on workshop explores what collaborative intelligence between humans and AI looks like inside a real organization. The next leap in performance will not come from better tools alone. It will come from teams that think differently, challenge assumptions, and work intentionally with intelligent systems. Through guided […]

  • Presentation Session | Software Innovation

    DPAC Stage
    DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    This session showcases software companies using artificial intelligence, automation, and modern cloud platforms to solve real-world problems across healthcare, construction, education, finance, and beyond. What unites them is a commitment to replacing inefficiency with intelligence — and delivering measurable impact to the people and organizations they serve.

  • Fundraising is Much More Than a Pitch Deck

    DPAC President’s Club
    DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    This talk with Lesley Ross of Enjoy the Work covers revealing topics such as “The 28 Questions All Investors Ask” and what represents a “Minimum Viable Investor Funnel, ” providing the audience with frameworks from which to construct a professional fundraise regardless if your startup is barely off the ground or well beyond product-market fit.

  • Tech Investor Lunch

    NanaSteak
    NanaSteak 345 Blackwell St, Durham, NC, United States

    We are excited to host an invite-only Tech Investor Lunch during Venture Connect. This is a unique opportunity to network with fellow tech investors over lunch and engage in insightful conversations. Thank you to KPMG for sponsoring this lunch!

  • Lunch Break | Connect & Recharge

    DPAC Floor 2 Lobby 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    Take a break, grab a bite, and connect organically with fellow attendees. This unscripted, unstructured lunch is your time to step outside, spark new conversations, and build relationships in a relaxed setting. Whether you're diving into a deep discussion or simply recharging for the afternoon sessions, this is your opportunity to network, unwind, and fuel […]

  • Presentation Session | Human Health — Biotech & Medtech

    DPAC Stage
    DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    From ENT care to oncology, the companies in this session are redefining how medicine is practiced, delivered, and experienced. Whether through novel device engineering, AI-powered diagnostics, or breakthrough therapeutics, these innovators are tackling some of healthcare’s most persistent challenges. As part of this session, you will hear from our area's youngest entrepreneurs out of the […]

  • KPMG & Launch Chapel Hill Showcase

    DPAC President’s Club
    DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    Launch Chapel Hill Powered by KPMG presents a live showcase of its inaugural cohort, featuring ten early stage AI and deeptech startups building technical, high impact solutions. Founders take the stage back to back in a fast moving session that offers a clear look at emerging technologies, bold ideas, and the next generation of companies […]

  • Presentation Session | Science for a Healthier Planet

    DPAC Stage
    DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    The companies in this session are confronting some of the most pressing environmental and agricultural challenges of our time. From climate-resilient crops to next-generation water treatment and sustainable seafood, these innovators are using science to build a more resilient and sustainable world. Thank you, NCBiotech, for sponsoring this event.  

  • From Lean Startup to the 1-person Unicorn

    DPAC President’s Club
    DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    Most founders think “lean” means hiring slowly and using ChatGPT on the side. That’s outdated. At Ariso, Erkang Zheng works with two “teammates” every day: Ari, an AI operating partner who handles the busywork and helps them grow, and Ivan, an AI engineering partner that ships code while we sleep. Together, they let them do […]

  • Signal or Noise: What AI in Biotech is Actually Worth

    DPAC Stage
    DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    This panel focuses on where AI in biotech is creating real value across drug discovery, clinical trials, and biomanufacturing and where it is overstated. Speakers will discuss what investors and acquirers view as credible, what technical proof actually matters, and what signals separate real companies from narrative. The conversation centers on what makes an AI […]