Convergence Summit powered by Innovate Bay
Premier one-day gathering bringing together founders, investors, enterprise leaders, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future.
Convergence Tech Summit is a premier one-day gathering bringing together founders, investors, enterprise leaders, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of technology and regional innovation.
Powered by Innovate Bay, and hosted at Bishop Ranch, the summit serves as a platform for meaningful conversations, strategic partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration.
Win a $2,150-Herman Miller Aeron Chair from MillerKnoll 💺
Standard and VIP All-Access Pass Holders have the chance to win a Herman Miller Aeron chair courtesy of MillerKnoll.
Win a Weekend Getaway at Marriott San Ramon 🏖️
Standard and VIP All-Access Pass Holders have the chance to win a 2-Night Weekend Getaway at San Ramon Marriott with breakfast for 2 and complimentary parking ($700 total estimated value).
The event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, startup showcases, and curated networking experiences focused on AI, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and the future of innovation in California.
As a leading connector within the startup and innovation community, Innovate Bay is proud to drive conversations and partnerships that strengthen the East Bay’s growing technology ecosystem and empower the next generation of innovators.
AGENDA — More details coming soon 🏆
09:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Registration & Morning Networking
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM | Opening Remarks
10:10 AM – 10:15 AM | Sponsor Spotlight
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM | Keynote Fireside Chat with Deputy Treasurer Khaim Morton
Khaim Morton | Deputy Treasurer, California State Treasurer's Office
Overseeing policy formation and state financing authorities focused on economic development, public finance, and sustainability, Khaim brings two decades of public policy leadership. He specializes in helping emerging industries leverage state programs, bond financing, and tax incentives to scale high-impact operations across California.
Rohan Brown | Founder & Managing Director, Innovate Bay
A serial tech entrepreneur and builder, Rohan leads Innovate Bay in connecting early-stage founders, advanced tech builders, and regional leaders. Through community leadership and ecosystem development, he drives programs designed to give Bay Area entrepreneurs direct access to customers, capital, and regional infrastructure.
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM | Sponsor Spotlight
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | Frontiers of Deep Tech: From Lab Bench to Market Scale
Candice Bila, PhD | Business Development Executive, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
Candice connects laboratory research with real-world market applications by leading tech commercialization and entrepreneurship initiatives at LLNL. She specializes in technology transfer, managing startup programs, and building strategic industry partnerships.
Vaidehi Bhandari | Senior Manager, Portfolio Development, Lam Research
A PMP-certified executive with 15+ years of experience across Amazon, Meta, and eBay, Vaidehi builds AI-powered PMO systems that accelerate global transformation. She specializes in turning complex strategy into execution, scaling enterprise program portfolios, and driving high-impact business outcomes.
Yolanda Fintschenko, PhD | Executive Director, i-GATE Innovation Hub & Startup Tri-Valley
A scientist and ecosystem builder, Yolanda leads regional initiatives supporting deep-tech ventures across the East Bay. Through i-GATE, Startup Tri-Valley, and Daybreak Labs, she connects science-based founders with capital, specialized facilities, and mentorship networks.
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Sponsor Spotlight
12:00 PM – 01:30 PM | Networking Lunch & Convergence Point Lounge (for Standard Pass and VIP All-Access Holders)
01:15 PM – 01:30 PM | Sponsor Spotlight
01:30 PM – 02:00 PM | Capitalizing Regional Growth: Investor Perspectives on the East Bay Ecosystem
Jason Sydow | Founding Partner, Frontier Works
With a Ph.D. in Physics and 20+ years of technical and venture experience, Jason leads investments in B2B startups, typically backing Seed+ and later-stage companies with $2M–$10M checks. He specializes in frontier tech, industrial automation, haptics, and application software—leveraging his background as a former P&L manager and product strategist to help technical founders turn complex engineering into scalable market value.
Rohan Brown | Founder & Managing Director, Innovate Bay
A serial tech entrepreneur and builder, Rohan leads Innovate Bay in connecting early-stage founders, advanced tech builders, and regional leaders. Through community leadership and ecosystem development, he drives programs designed to give Bay Area entrepreneurs direct access to customers, capital, and regional infrastructure.
Brandon Cardwell | Innovation & Economic Development Director, City of Livermore
With nearly two decades of public sector leadership, Brandon drives economic growth and innovation across the East Bay. He specializes in public policy, land use, and scaling regional startup ecosystems — including playing a key role in the i-GATE Innovation Hub and serving as Executive Director at Daybreak Labs.
Ash Kumra | SF Chapter Lead, The AI Collective & Inc. Columnist
Ash is an AI ecosystem builder who writes an AI and leadership column for Inc.com and serves as the SF Chapter Lead for The AI Collective—a global network of over 150,000 members. A two-time TEDx speaker, award-winning moderator, and former business radio host who has interviewed over 500 founders, Ash co-created AI for Leaders with MIT Sloan Management and produces AI programming for global tech events like the Step Conference.
02:00 PM – 02:45 PM | Startup Showcase
02:45 PM – 03:00 PM | Sponsor Spotlight
03:00 PM – 03:30 PM | Closing Remarks & Innovate Bay Announcement
03:30 PM – 04:30 PM | Event Intermission & Break
04:30 PM – 06:00 PM | After Hours Mixer @ The Dock
Choose your Convergence Summit Experience:
🎫 General Admission Pass — FREE
Get right to the heart of the summit. This entry-level ticket gives you access to the main event content without any added extras.
What’s Included:
Summit Access: Full access to standard daytime summit sessions and main stage presentations.
Please Note: Does NOT include Convergence Point access, The Dock Mixer tickets, preferred seating, lunch, or merch.
🎟️ Standard Pass — $99
Your All-Day Essential Experience
Enjoy full access to the day’s main events along with key perks and event access to keep you comfortable and connected.
What’s Included:
Convergence Point Access: Full entry to Convergence Point areas.
Preferred Seating: Prime views of the main stages and presentations.
Lunch Buffet: Fuel up with a full lunch buffet mid-day.
Official Merch: Take home an exclusive merchandise.
🍹 Happy Hour Pass — $125
Network, Unwind & Connect (21+ Only)
Looking to skip the day sessions and dive straight into networking? This pass grants exclusive entry to the evening social hour.
What’s Included:
Evening Mixer Entry: Exclusive access to our high-energy evening mixer, drinks, and networking at The Dock Mixer.
Please Note: This pass is 21+ only and does not include access to the daytime summit sessions, preferred seating, or lunch.
👑 VIP All-Access Pass — $199
The Ultimate Premium Experience
Get the best of everything! The VIP All-Access Pass delivers complete, hassle-free access to daytime programming and evening events, packed with premium perks and upgraded merch.
What’s Included:
Convergence Point & Evening Access: Full access to Convergence Point and The Dock Mixer (21+).
Daytime Summit Access: Complete access to all daytime programming.
Priority Preferred Seating: Prime views of the main stages and presentations.
Lunch Buffet: Included full lunch buffet.
Deluxe VIP Merch Bundle: Includes an exclusive T-shirt, custom tote bag, and a special VIP bonus gift.
Special thanks to our summit sponsors, community partners, and presenters:
Silicon Valley Bank (SVB, a division of First Citizens Bank)
MillerKnoll
CBRE
Marriott Hotels
Supermicro
San Francisco Bay University
California State Treasurer's Office
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
i-GATE Innovation Hub
Lam Research
Frontier Works