Technology as a Catalyst for Community

Learn More: https://venturecafeglobal.org/sessions/technology-as-a-catalyst-for-community/?type=session

Date: February 19th, 2026
Session Location: Toranomon Hills Forum Hall-B – Breakout Room B
Session Organizer:
Language: English
Session Description:
Join us for a fireside chat exploring how technology strengthens community building and fuels innovation.
For more than 25 years, Venture Café and Cambridge Innovation Center have built powerful innovation communities around the world. This experience has shaped a deep understanding of what enables meaningful connection and long term engagement, and how technology can extend that impact.
Led by Radek Pryka, CIC’s Chief Technology Officer, and Andreas Stillman, Venture Café Global Institute’s Global Community Director, this conversation will unveil the journey behind GatherUs, a new startup technology being revealed during this session. Built from decades of hands on community building, GatherUs reflects real world lessons on how to make gatherings more welcoming, connected, and sustainable.
Together, they will explore how technology can enhance in person and hybrid experiences, transform events into ongoing communities, and help organizers focus less on administration and more on relationships.
Using their experience building GatherUs, they’ll share lessons on how to navigate technical challenges, prioritize features and functionalities for MVP, and make important technical decision.
Whether you are a founder, organizer, or community builder, this session offers practical insights and inspiration for using technology thoughtfully to cultivate belonging and lasting connection.