Startup Incubation

**Hello AWS Builders! 👋** We’re excited to announce **AWS Tech Connect 2026**, a flagship **in-person** event organized by **AWS Cloud Club RTMSSU Nagpur**, focused on preparing students and aspiring professionals for the rapidly evolving **cloud, AI, and security landscape** 🚀 Join us for a **power-packed day of industry insights, emerging technology discussions, and career guidance**, featuring expert speakers from the AWS ecosystem. This event is designed to **bridge the gap between academia and industry**, helping attendees understand where technology is headed and how to align their skills for **future-ready careers**. * **Fill this form for In-Person attendes:** [https://forms.gle/R7EwruXjQ7ContJs8](https://forms.gle/R7EwruXjQ7ContJs8) **📌This event will include exciting swags, snacks, and many more engaging experiences!** **Whats in the Store?** 🚀 This event features **three insightful speaker sessions**: **Session 1: Emerging Technologies, Industry Trends & Career Roadmap** **Delivered by:** *Chirag Oswal* **Role:** Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services (AWS) **This session will cover:** * Cloud Computing, AI/ML, DevOps & Automation * Industry hiring trends and expectations * Skills, certifications, and career pathways * Real-world AWS use cases * Practical guidance for students and early-career professionals **Session 2: From Idea to Output – Building a Generative AI Feature on AWS** **Delivered by:** *Naresh Waswani* **Role:** Senior Architect, Simpplr Inc. (ex-IBM) **Organizer:** AWS User Group Nagpur This session offers a **practical walkthrough of building a Generative AI feature**, starting from a simple idea and ending with meaningful output. Participants will understand how engineers integrate GenAI into real applications and where **Amazon Bedrock** fits in the AWS ecosystem. **Key focus areas include:** * How Generative AI works in real-world systems * End-to-end flow from input to output * Practical understanding of Amazon Bedrock * How GenAI features are designed for production * Career relevance of Generative AI skills **Session 3: Navigating the Cloud Threat Landscape & Global Career Opportunities** **Delivered by:** *Muhammad Murtuza Hussain* **Role:** Program Manager, TCF Research (Dublin, Ireland) This session focuses on **cloud security awareness and career perspectives**, helping attendees understand how modern threats impact cloud environments and how security, risk, and governance intersect with **global cloud careers**. **Topics include:** * Modern cloud threat landscape * Common cloud risks and misconfigurations * Shared Responsibility Model in practice * Security, governance, and compliance basics * Global career opportunities in cloud security **Event Agenda:** **10:00 – 10:15 AM:** Opening Remarks & Introduction **10:15 – 11:15 AM:** Session 1 – Chirag Oswal (AWS) **11:15 – 11:35 AM:** Tea Break & Networking **11:35 – 12:35 PM:** Session 2 – Naresh Waswani (GenAI on AWS) **12:35 – 01:25 PM:** Session 3 – Muhammad Murtuza Hussain **01:25 – 01:30 PM:** Closing Remarks & Vote of Thanks **Who Should Attend?** * Undergraduate & postgraduate students * Aspiring cloud engineers, developers, DevOps & security professionals * Early-career technology professionals * Faculty members & tech enthusiasts 📌 **In-person event** Seminar Hall, RTMSSU, Nagpur - 440025 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/m9AtKfWCemjyrWRW8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/m9AtKfWCemjyrWRW8) **What You’ll Gain:** ✔ Clarity on future technology trends ✔ Role-based career roadmap and guidance ✔ Exposure to real-world AWS and GenAI use cases ✔ Understanding of cloud security and threats ✔ Interaction with industry professionals ✔ Networking with like-minded peers **IMPORTANT – Registration Information:** * To attend this event, **RSVP is mandatory**. * Entry is subject to **venue capacity and security verification**. **Important Notes:** * Please arrive by **09:30 AM – 09:45 AM** (entry closes at 10:00 AM sharp) * Carry a **valid ID proof** (Aadhar Card, Pan Card etc) for venue security **Stay Connected:** 🎟️ Meetup Group: [https://www.meetup.com/rtmssu/](https://www.meetup.com/rtmssu/) 💼 LinkedIn Community: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rtmssu/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rtmssu/) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/rtmssu/](https://www.instagram.com/rtmssu/) 📧 For queries, collaborations, or support: aws.rtmssu@gmail.com Let’s learn, connect, and prepare for the future of technology together ☁️✨

Join us for Moshi Toastmasters Club Meetings (Hybrid) We meet every Saturday! Time: 6:10 PM onwards Online: Zoom Meeting ID: 819 4955 5108 | Passcode: 589358 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81949555108?pwd=bC0b1au3citt81jU7ae0zhahyYfXjM.1 Offline: Global Achievers School, Near Moshi Toll Plaza, Gaikwad Vasti, Moshi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra 412105 https://maps.app.goo.gl/5gYraevFLmMviVwp9 Get ready for an evening of inspiring speeches and insightful discussions! Contact TM Prashant +91 91455 13682 for more details

## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 ### Business Presentation Featuring Yomna Sarhan of L-Lab **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our January 14th **1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Yomna Sarhan**, founder of **L-Lab**, an innovative after-school enrichment program designed to transform how children learn and grow beyond the classroom. ### About the Presenter Yomna Sarhan brings a diverse and impressive background to her entrepreneurial journey. She is a former **project manager overseeing $8M+ in government contracts**, has led **multidisciplinary teams of more than 20 employees**, and is a **multilingual consultant** who has worked in over **10 countries**. Yomna also founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the **Society of Egyptian American Professionals**, reflecting her long-standing commitment to education and community development. ### About the Business L-Lab was born out of a personal experience. When Yomna’s daughter was entering kindergarten, she discovered a lack of high-quality, enriching after-school programs in Loudoun County. Many existing programs focused solely on supervision rather than meaningful learning—despite children spending 10–15 hours per week and families investing significant resources in aftercare. L-Lab is changing that narrative. L-Lab is an **after-school language immersion enrichment program** for elementary-aged children, blending: * STEAM-based learning * Social-emotional development * Montessori-inspired approaches In addition to after-school programming, L-Lab offers **full-day camps** during school breaks, including winter, spring, and teacher workdays. ### Where Yomna Is Now L-Lab is currently in the **launch/startup phase**, with the full after-school program beginning in early January and a winter break program running at the end of December. Yomna is focused on enrollment, program validation, and building a strong foundation for growth. ### Feedback Yomna Is Seeking from the Community Yomna is coming to the 1 Million Cups stage looking for thoughtful feedback and insight on key challenges, including: * How to **shift the mindset around after-school programs** from “time-filling childcare” to meaningful enrichment * The most strategic way to **scale after a successful pilot** (January–June): * Expanding curriculum into schools * Focusing on one location first * How to **find and retain high-quality part-time staff** aligned with L-Lab’s mission and values ### Who Should Attend Yomna would especially love to have: * Entrepreneurs with experience **scaling service-based businesses** * Founders who have **modified or diversified offerings as they grew** * Parents and guardians interested in education, enrichment, and after-school programming ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

After a short break, Pitch Labs is back with the first event of the 2026 season. Styled after a 'pitch competition', this event is for entrepreneurs, and the entrepreneurial-curious. Learn about on-going initiatives from local area founders, and there will be ample time for networking. This event will bring together start-up founders and enthusiasts in the DMV area for an exciting opportunity to hear about a fellow founder, and give feedback on their pitch and product, and get to network around founders from the area. Location: 10300 Eaton Place, Fairfax VA - many thanks to our venue sponsor Fairfax Country Economic Development **Our Agenda:** 1\. Basic group introductions 2\. First "Pitch" Presentation \(\~15 minutes\) 3\. Community Q&A 4\. Second "Pitch" Presentation \(\~15 minutes\) 5\. Community Q&A 6\. Break out sessions & general networking More information will be provided as we get closer to the meetup. **Speakers** TBD Parking will be shared before the event. Pitch Labs is a member of the [DMV Petri Dish Network](https://www.dmvpetridish.com/ "https://www.dmvpetridish.com/")

Join us for an evening of networking and insightful discussions at our Cigars & Startups Networking Night, hosted by Cigars and Startups DC. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a startup enthusiast, or a tech aficionado, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. We'll have premium cigars, drinks and talk about the exciting topics of entrepreneurship, securing venture capital funding, and the intersection of technology startups and the cigar industry. Sip on fine drinks, enjoy premium cigars, and engage in lively conversations with fellow guests who share your passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Whether you're looking to expand your professional network, seek investment opportunities, or simply unwind after a long day, this event promises to offer a unique blend of business insights and leisure. Don't miss out on this exclusive chance to mingle with the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem while enjoying the finer things in life. Thanks to our sponsors @Hunter from Next.Law, @Richard from Ashira Finanical and @Andrew from Zccounting.com Note: Because my company (Zccounting) is a bookkeeping and accounting firm, not a licensed tobacco dealer I will not be selling cigars and your ticket only includes "entry" to the VIP lounge and event, however, I'm super generous and will share as many cigars as you can smoke at the event from my personal collection for no fee whatsoever!

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 Business Presentation** **Featuring Eric Wojtkun of Focal Point Coaching** **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our **January 14th 1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Eric Wojtkun**, founder of **Focal Point Coaching**, for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and preparing businesses to thrive before challenges arise. **About the Presenter** Eric brings a rare and compelling background to entrepreneurship. An **Army BRAT, Army Veteran, and FBI Agent**, Eric has lived in 17 places, served two overseas deployments (Bosnia and Kosovo), and worked across nearly every major FBI discipline — from violent and white-collar crime to cyber, counterintelligence, crisis response, and national security. After decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, Eric launched **Focal Point Coaching** to focus on what mattered most to him throughout his career: **helping people and organizations build resilience in the face of change and adversity**. Through executive coaching and team development, Eric helps leaders move from survival mode into what he calls **“BEAST mode”** — prepared, confident, and proactive. His exclusive resilience-focused coaching framework supports leadership, teams, processes, culture, and cyber readiness before a crisis occurs. **Where Eric Is Seeking Community Feedback** * How do you effectively market **resilience preparation** *before* a critical incident occurs? * What helps leaders and business owners clearly understand the **ROI of resilience coaching**? * How can resilience training be integrated into the flow of **normal business operations**? * What motivates leaders to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable challenges of business? **Who Should Attend** Eric is especially eager to connect with: * Small to mid-sized business owners in the **hospitality industry** * Leaders responsible for teams, culture, and operations * Entrepreneurs experienced in scaling service-based businesses * Anyone interested in leadership, preparedness, and sustainable growth Come ready to listen, learn, and offer meaningful insight to support a founder building something impactful. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

AI has changed the World fast. It has created opportunities for all. Let's meet with the tech ecosystem to learn from AI leaders and startup founders as we hear different use cases. At this event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet mentors, advisors and investors to ask them questions about their business strategy, key decisions, next steps, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how experienced entrepreneurs would tackle the problems you or others are facing and learn from various use cases. This event will be set as a panel discussing various AI use cases, solutions from all across industries. Guest Speakers include: * Guc Ozenci (Program Director, FI Washington DC) * Catherine Mc Millan (Founding Director, AI Collective) **❯** **Who should Attend?** * Anyone who wants to learn from AI leaders * Anyone curious about AI opportunities * Anyone who has a pre-seed company or a startup idea * Anyone who wants to learn about entrepreneurship **❯ What is the Agenda?** * Welcome and Socializing * Panel with Startup Founders and Local Ecosystem Leaders * Q&A Session * Conclusion and Networking **❯ Panel Speakers:** * Catherine McMillan, AI Collective * Andrew Tsintsiruk, Rohic.com * more to come... **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at https://fi.co/e/384682/meetup to secure your spot and receive further details.**

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

*TOPIC:* **Is growing your company organically too slow? Learn how to buy cash flowing companies and understand what it takes to have a successful exit.** **Guest Speaker: [Erika Baez-Grimes CM&AP](mailto:erika@erikathebroker.com)** Stop waiting for organic growth and learn how to scale instantly by acquiring established businesses. Erika Baez Grimes will break down the "Silver Tsunami" market shift and equip you with the exact due diligence and exit planning strategies required to buy, scale, and sell with confidence. Recognized by Fortune 100 organizations for exceptional results, Erika believes every entrepreneur should have the tools, strategy, and confidence to buy, scale, and exit successfully. Learn more about Erika here: [https://thebphgroup.com/](https://thebphgroup.com/) **Entrepreneur Breakfast Club 🥓☕** *Fuel your business. Feed your soul.* Welcome to the **Entrepreneur Breakfast Club** — where small business owners come together over coffee, connection, and contagious energy. We’re not just here for pancakes and pep talks (though we love both). This is a morning meetup built for the dreamers, doers, and difference-makers in our local communities. Whether you're launching your first side hustle or running a seasoned shop, you belong here. Our mission? Connect. Inspire. Grow. We believe big things happen when passionate people sit at the same table. So come grab a seat, swap stories, share wins (and fails), and leave each meetup a little more fired up than when you came in. Join us if you’re looking to: ✅ Meet like-minded small business owners ✅ Get real-world advice & fresh ideas ✅ Build meaningful partnerships ✅ Start your day with purpose and inspiration No suits, no sales pitches — just good people, great conversations, and hot coffee.