Technology Startups

**\*\* REGISTER HERE FOR THE EVENT:** **[https://queertech.info/QTConnect2026_Toronto_Q1](https://queertech.info/QTConnect2026_Toronto_Q1)** ***Don’t miss your chance to connect, grow, and celebrate with the 2SLGBTQIA+ tech community!*** Join us for the QTConnect Meetup in Toronto at [Scotiabank](https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/our-company.html) — a vibrant, in-person event designed to foster connection, career development, and community-building among 2SLGBTQIA+ tech professionals and allies. Each quarter, we bring QTConnect to spotlight local voices and create inclusive spaces for queer folks in tech. Toronto’s dynamic tech scene and diverse queer community make it the perfect place to come together, share experiences, and spark meaningful conversations. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, this meetup is your chance to expand your network and build lasting relationships. Expect engaging discussions, new connections, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere where everyone belongs. **Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026** **Time:** 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM **Location:** ***Scotiabank*** **Address: [40 Temperance St, Toronto, ON](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ft4oZDLfPBxprSXp6)** 🚨**Attention**: ***Registration for this meetup will close on March 16 due to security requirements.*** ***NO walk-ins will be permitted.* Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID to access the building.** **REGISTER HERE FOR THE EVENT:** **[https://queertech.info/QTConnect2026_Toronto_Q1](https://queertech.info/QTConnect2026_Toronto_Q1)** We don't want ticket costs to be a barrier to joining us in this discussion. We have scholarship and volunteer tickets available. To sign up for a scholarship ticket or to volunteer,[ fill out this form](https://wkf.ms/3V4Zh3X). **Event Schedule & Agenda** 5:00 pm Registration & Networking 5:45 pm QT & Partner Welcome and Announcements 6:00 pm QT Inclusive AI launch 6:45 pm Ask & Offer 7:00 pm Open Networking 7:45 pm Event Closes **Community Asks & Offers** * Need support from the community (mentorship, looking for a job, connections)? * Have resources to provide to the community (mentorship, office hours, connections)? * We always provide time for the community to *Ask for the things they need or Offer the resources they have available* during our Community Asks & Offers! **Thank you to Our Host** [Scotiabank](https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/our-company.html) is one of Canada’s leading financial institutions, committed to being the most trusted partner for its clients, their families, and communities through a broad suite of personal, commercial, and global financial services. With a culture built on inclusion, collaboration, and innovation,[ Scotiabank](https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/our-company.html) fosters a welcoming environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees and actively supports 2SLGBTQIA+ communities through inclusive programs and partnerships across Canada. The bank has a long-standing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and was the first Canadian bank to adopt the United Nations Global LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business. [Scotiabank](https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/our-company.html) offers expanded benefits, such as enhanced gender-affirming healthcare coverage, Pride employee resource groups across Canada, and programs designed to grow 2SLGBTQIA+ talent. As a proud partner of QueerTech in Canada, [Scotiabank](https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/our-company.html) strives to advance equity in the tech sector by providing mentorship, career growth, and networking opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals. They are also hiring talented individuals who want to contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace. [Click here to browse their careers.](https://queertech.getro.com/jobs?q=Scotiabank) *** See [QueerTech Event Terms & Conditions](https://queertech.org/en/event-terms-and-conditions) for more information.

Networking & speaker session with a full dinner included. Secure your seat now! Only 20 open spots are available for this private gathering.\*\* Join IFL Toronto on March 24th, as we bring together 35 of Canada's next generation of leaders for an intimate discussion on building the ecosystems that support Canadian success. **Speaker Bio:** **Sunil Sharma** is the **Managing Director Emeritus of Techstars** and a respected leader at the intersection of early-stage investing, entrepreneurship, and global innovation ecosystems. Based in Toronto, he has led Techstars Toronto to more than 100 direct accelerator investments in startups from Canada and around the world, with alumni companies collectively approaching **$1 billion in total valuation** (cases like: Tread, Balance, Cinchy). He has been supporting founders across **16+ countries** and fostering a globally connected community of early-stage technology companies. An experienced investor, accelerator operator, and ecosystem builder, Sunil has held leadership roles across Canada’s tech landscape, including as Managing Partner at **Extreme Venture Partners**, Co-Founder of **Extreme Startups (now Highline Beta)**, and Director for the **Founder Institute in Canada, where he supports over 550 portfolio companies**. He has helped launch and mentor hundreds of founders through pre-seed and seed-stage programs, making him one of the country’s most active early-stage supporters. He has also engaged with the **Web Summit conferences,** including co-hosting the **Collision Conference in Toronto**, which attracted over 40,000 attendees to Toronto, part of the **global Web Summit**. He also participated in Web Summit events internationally, like Lisbon, Doha, Hong Kong, and Rio de Janeiro. His roles included **representing Canada at the United Nations and serving as Head of Consulate at the Canadian Consulate in San Diego, California**. Sunil brings us a global perspective to entrepreneurship and remains passionate about empowering diverse founders and strengthening cross-border innovation. *Topics of Discussion* **Building the ecosystems that support Canadian success.** This intimate dinner offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with peers and thought leaders, exchange bold ideas, and gain insights to lead with greater impact in times of transformation. *Event Details* **Date:** Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 **Time:** 6:30 PM – Doors open for Networking \| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM \- Event **Venue:** JOEY Eaton Centre Event Space, 1 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON **Dress Code:** Business Casual **Audience:** 30 emerging leaders aged 25–39 **Guest Policy:** This is a private event, but we welcome referrals of like-minded young leaders who embody the spirit of IFL. **How to buy your ticket?** RSVP to purchase directly on this page. *\*By purchasing a ticket, attendees agree to be photographed at the event, and photographs that may be posted on IFL Toronto social media channels*

This is a ticketed event. Please register at [this link](https://luma.com/tjn6fmuu). ​In February 2026, the Pentagon threatened to cancel Anthropic's $200M contract and label the company a "supply chain risk" unless they dropped restrictions on how Claude could be used. Anthropic refused. Leo Zovic will walk through what happened and what it means for AI companies operating at the intersection of ethics and government power. ​​​**Event Schedule** 6:00 to 6:30 - Food and introductions 6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation and Q&A 7:30 to 9:00 - Open Discussions ​​​​​​If you can't make it in person, feel free to join the live stream starting at 6:30 pm, via [this link](https://www.youtube.com/@Trajectory-Labs/live).

**Bitcoin Cash Toronto - March 2026** Join us for a relaxed, in-person Bitcoin Cash (BCH) meetup in downtown Toronto. We’re keeping it casual—good conversation, a friendly crowd, and plenty of time to meet other locals interested in BCH. **When:** Tuesday, March 24 • 6:00–9:00 PM **Where:** Firkin on Yonge - 207 Yonge St, Toronto **Agenda (light + flexible):** * Quick introductions * What’s new / what’s going on in the BCH ecosystem * Open discussion + Q&A (bring questions, ideas, or projects) All experience levels are welcome—whether you’re new to BCH, BCH-curious, or actively building. Feel free to bring a friend. Just grab a drink and join the chat. Download the [OPTN Wallet](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=optn.wallet.app&pcampaignid=web_share) and receive some airdrop tokens

In celebration of International Women's Day, we invite you to spend an evening with fellow Women in Tech! Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned professional, there is something for you. This event will cover many important topics (listed below) and give you a chance to hear different perspectives, share your experiences, and get to know each other in the process. No technical experience is required for this event. **Itinerary**: 5:30pm - 6:00pm: Sign in and Networking 6:00pm - 6:45pm: Panel + Open Discussion Topics: \- Imposter syndrome \- Protecting yourself from burnout \- Saying "No" is a skill 6:45pm - 7:00pm: Refreshments + Networking Break 7:00pm - 8:00pm: Speaker + Open Discussion Topics: \- Navigating a technical interview \- Maturing as a developer \- Your reputation is not about the code you write \- What AI cannot replace **Location**: 55 Dundas St W

**\- Do you enjoy learning about how things are made?** **\- Do you enjoy making things yourself?** Come make likeminded friends and share your experiences with the Toronto Makers Society. Meet and discuss your latest obsessions with other young geeks in the downtown Toronto area. **First drink is on the house!** Our meets are hosted at the Iconic [Madison Avenue Pub](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xxXc7FYGQnMszzLP7) on Tuesday evenings every other week. This month at the Toronto Makers Society, the topic is ***Inspirations***. Nerd out over the creators that get your mind racing with possibilities. Whether they be TV hosts from your childhood or madman youtubers posting weekly, the members of the Toronto Makers Society want to hear all about what you're into right now. To get the ball rolling, here are some videos from creators that inspired the Host: **Not an Engineer** \- Australian man builds his own CNC milling machine at home\. Both a fantastic DIY engineer and video maker\, his videos are funny\, inspiring\, and informative\. [I Built a CNC Mill Because I Have No Self Control](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uallSKJGoug) **Adam Savage** \- Captured imaginations as a host of Mythbusters in the early 2000's\, now runs the *Tested* Youtube channel where he makes props in his shop and interviews people in film FX and maker technology. [Adam Savage Tours the Star Wars Prop Department](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B87XJDPxytk) **Code Bullet** \- Meme\-addled madman who revels in creating janky software\. Has a long running series of writing programs to dominate in silly online browser games\. [Code Bullet Destroys a Minesweeper Leaderboard with Janky AI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehAStJmx_Fo) **Colin Furze** \- A rags\-to\-riches story of Youtube makers\. Starting out with silly projects like gas powered baby carriages and jet go\-carts\, Furze now get sponsored to turn fictional gadgets into reality from his workshop in rural England\. [Furze Makes the Hidden Blade From Assassins' Creed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmvcirebyY4) Attendance is free for first time members, full membership to the Toronto Makers Society is 10$ a month to cover venue and operations expenses. ⭐⭐⭐ RSVP so we can have enough refreshments and seats ⭐⭐⭐

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/w9xt30te) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-technology-pitch-night-toronto-tickets-1291770483289?aff=oddtdtcreator)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Toronto** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **19:00 – 19:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **19:30 – 20:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **20:40 – 21:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **21:20 – 22:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/w9xt30te) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tech-business-networking-toronto-tickets-1291770433139?aff=oddtdtcreator)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Toronto** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **19:00 – 19:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **19:30 – 20:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **20:40 – 21:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **21:20 – 22:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

On **March 25**, TechinTO is taking over IDK Social Bar for an absolute homecoming edition. **This month is different.** For the first time in over two years, the founder is back in Toronto to host the room in person. We are restoring the original, unstiff energy, keeping the format loose, and dropping an absolute upgrade to the guest list. **✨ The Vibe Check** **Hosted by the Founder:** **The founder is actually flying back for one specific reason: to control the room dynamics and ensure this is the absolute strongest tech mixer of the year**. Grab a drink, mix and mingle, and actually connect. **THE SURPRISE:** The zero-pressure format remains absolute, but the stakes are elevated. **A casting producer for one of Canada's biggest business television shows is attending**. You should leave the slide deck at home and just be ready to talk about the company you are actually building. **The Crowd:** Entrepreneurs, devs, designers, and marketers who are actually moving the needle in this city. **You should absolutely bring your team—groups of three or more immediately lock in a specific 25% discount at checkout.** ### 📅 The Details **\- When:** Wednesday, March 25, 2026 **\- Time:** 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM **\- Where:** IDK Social Bar (172 Ossington Ave) ### 🎟️ Secure Your Spot Capacity is limited and the Spring kickoff moves fast. Prices rise as we get closer to the date: **\- GET TICKETS FOR $20** [https://shop.techinto.ca/products/march-25-networking-event](https://shop.techinto.ca/products/march-25-networking-event) **Follow the fun:** 📸 Instagram: [@techinto.event](https://www.instagram.com/techinto.event/) 🌐 Website: [www.techinto.ca](https://techinto.ca) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🍸 **Venue Highlights: IDK Social Bar** IDK Social Bar is a vibrant, two-level venue in Toronto that blends a cozy café vibe by day with a lively bar atmosphere at night. Known for its stylish interior, creative cocktails, and upbeat energy, it's a go-to spot for social events and creative gatherings.

\*\*This is a paid event, please register via our Luma Page. You need to have a ticket in order to attend this event: https://luma.com/CIX-Afterparty-mar-25-2026 CIX may be done for the day, but the best conversations usually start after. Join TechTO for the **official CIX Afterparty 2026** \- a high\-energy night to unwind and connect with Canada’s founders\, operators\, investors\, and builders\. Expect a vibrant room\, great drinks\, music\, and the kind of introductions that turn into real collaborations\. Come for the vibe. Stay for the people. *Don’t have a CIX pass yet? Use **CIXTECHTO20** for **20% off** Summit passes (valid until **Mar 25**).* https://cixsummit.com/

🚀 Dear Participants, Join us in Toronto for a high-energy AI, Tech & Startup Networking Night. Meet AI founders, investors, engineers, operators, and immigrant entrepreneurs building the next generation of intelligent global companies. Pitch your AI or tech startup. Connect with capital. Expand your network. This is where conversations turn into partnerships. **RSVP:** [Use this link ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-tech-ai-networking-startup-ascent-toronto-tickets-1984406005782?aff=ebdssbdestsearch) ***Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment.*** 💡 Why You Can’t Miss It • Meet AI & Tech professionals, founders, and active investors • Gain real feedback from venture capitalists and angel investors focused on AI and emerging technologies • Discover new opportunities in AI, Automation, and early-stage innovation • Build meaningful connections in a global AI & entrepreneurial community If you’re serious about the future of AI and startups — you should be in the room. 🎤 Startup Pitch Session Selected founders take the stage for a focused 5-minute presentation in front of active investors, AI leaders, and tech experts. Each startup receives: ⚡ Professional evaluation ⚡ Investor feedback ⚡ Visibility inside our global ecosystem ⏰ Pitch Time: 7:40PM – 9:20PM 🏆 The startup recognized as “Most Investment-Worthy” will be featured across our social media and included in our investor newsletter. 📈 Want to Pitch? Send your deck to: 📧 events@ascentvalley.club Limited spots. Curated selection. 💼 Investors Welcome We invite investors to: • Meet new AI and early-stage startups • Evaluate promising founders building in AI, automation, and deep tech • Provide feedback • Participate in discussions • Access a database of international AI & tech startups This is curated deal flow in a live setting. 👥 Who You’ll Meet • AI & Startup Founders • Angel Investors & VC firms • Machine Learning Engineers & AI Builders • Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia & the UK • Product, Growth & Business Leaders • Builders & Game Changers 🎟 Secure your ticket today. Startup Ascent is the gateway into the global AI-driven Ascent Valley ecosystem. See you in Toronto. — Ascent Valley Team

Join us for a relaxed and creative watercolour meetup at a local café. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced painter, all skill levels are welcome. Each session will begin with brief introductions, followed by a short overview of watercolour techniques and optional theme ideas to spark inspiration. From there, you’re free to settle in and paint—either alongside the group or in your own corner of the café, depending on seating. We’ll wrap up the meetup by coming back together for a casual show-and-tell, where anyone who’d like can share their work. The meetup is free if you bring your own supplies. If you need materials, a $5 fee will cover basic watercolour supplies. Come unwind, experiment, and connect with others through art.

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/w9xt30te) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/founders-investors-pitch-night-in-toronto-tickets-1982873417770?aff=oddtdtcreator)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Toronto** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **19:00 – 19:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **19:30 – 20:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **20:40 – 21:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **21:20 – 22:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on **AI Agentic Coding** and how autonomous AI systems are transforming the way software is built. Experts in AI, software engineering, and developer tools will share insights on how agentic AI—systems that can plan, reason, and execute coding tasks—is reshaping modern development workflows. The discussion will cover topics such as AI-assisted development, productivity gains, challenges around reliability and governance, and what the future of software engineering may look like with AI agents as collaborators. Whether you’re a developer, tech leader, or AI enthusiast, this session is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore how agentic AI is redefining coding

Columbus Code & Coffee is excited to partner with GiveBackHack to put on the Healthtech Impact Sprint from 3/28-3/29 at Rev1 at The Peninsula! RSVP here using promo code CODEANDCOFFEE: https://luma.com/tk2jdrxk This is a health-specific version of GBH’s traditional weekend event. Participants pitch, research, and prototype health-focused projects for a chance to earn to $5K in funding from The Columbus Foundation and IGS Energy. On Saturday, folks will pitch their idea, form teams, and build. On Sunday, they’ll finalize their pitches before showcasing their work to the community and judges. # ​Schedule ​**Sat, Mar 28** * ​​9a: Doors open & breakfast * ​9:30a: Kickoff and intros * ​​10a: Ideation session * ​​11a: Pitches & team formation * ​​12p: Working lunch * ​​2p: Mentor visits * ​​5p: Free work (optional) * ​​9p: Doors close ​​**Sun, Mar 29** * ​9a: Doors open * ​10a: Mentor visits * ​​12p: Showcase * ​​1p: Final pitches & awards * ​​2p: Wrap *** # ​ FAQs ​**Do all ideas have a chance at getting funded?** ​​Not all ideas will move forward after initial pitches on Saturday. Once pitches are complete, we’ll vote for top ideas and form teams around the 4 – 7 ideas with the most votes. You must recruit **at least four total team members** (including the founder) to move forward and have a chance at getting funded on Sunday. If your idea doesn’t move forward, you can join another team! ​​**Do I have to submit my idea online prior to the event?** ​​Unlike previous years, we don’t have the option to submit your idea online prior to the event. Instead, everyone will be going through a brainstorming exercise on Saturday that’ll help you prepare for your initial pitch. ​​**Will we be working for 24 hours straight?** ​​Nope. The event is split over two days. You’ll be building on Saturday and pitching on Sunday. ​​**Do I have to pitch an idea?** ​​Nope. You can also simply join a team. ​​**What types of entrepreneurs does GBH support?** ​​While GBH most often works with technology startups, we support *any* organization (for- or non-profit) that makes an impact on health in the US or across the world.

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Discover Kiro, AWS’s innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way. In this session, speakers will explore Kiro’s core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents. In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiro’s agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding. What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025 Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows. **Speakers Bio:** Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/) Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry. Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/) **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

OpenClaw, NemoClaw, personal assistants, 24/7 agents. What does it all mean? How does it all work and what should we know about it? Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Central Ohio Radio Enthusiasts—CORE—is an informal community for anyone enthusiastic or curious about radio—whether you're new to radio and want to learn or you've been tinkering for years and want to share. Ham radio operators, GMRS users, Meshtastic fans, software-defined radio nerds, makers, and technical and non-technical folks are all welcome. No experience required or expected. This month we have **WiFi HaLow: Introduction and Practical Use** with **Alex Barbur**. Details are are [core.radio](https://core.radio).