​Join Austin Hardtech at Q-Branch for live demos, open mics, investor reverse pitches, and optional business speed dating to spark the right intros fast. After a successful 2025 launch, this gathering is a springboard into 2026. From 5:00 to 6:00, the floor is open for networking and demo browsing. At 6:00, we will share a short State of Austin Hardtech, spotlight a few companies, then open the mic for investor reverse pitches and 30-second community shoutouts. Demo tables stay active all night. If you opt in during RSVP, we will also run light, curated introductions based on your top need and offer. If you prefer to mingle, enjoy the demos, conversations, and bar.

​Who should attend

​Founders and product teams
Manufacturers, CMs, and suppliers
Investors, banks, and corporates
University labs and students
Operators and community builders

​Schedule

​5:00 Doors open, demos and networking
6:00 State of Austin Hardtech
6:10 Company spotlights
6:20 Investor Reverse Pitches
6:30 Open mic shoutouts (30 seconds each, must opt in on sign-up)
6:40 Optional curated intros begin for opt-in guests; demos and networking continue for everyone
7:30 Closing toast
8:00 Event ends

​Demos

​A curated demo floor with working devices from robotics, consumer, medtech, and industrial teams. Builders will be on hand to walk you through the tech and let you try select features.

​Optional curated intros / business SpeedDating

​Check the box during RSVP if you want quick, targeted intros. We will group by lanes like Capital, Customers, Manufacturing, Talent, and Services. Expect two-minute conversations with a clear next step. You can opt out and simply enjoy the event.

​Open mic

​Want 30 seconds on the mic
Select “Open mic” during RSVP. Share who you are, what you are building, and one need. We will run as many as time allows.

​About Austin Hardtech

​Austin Hardtech is the founding chapter of Hardtech Texas. Our mission is to create an unfair advantage for Texas hardtech teams by connecting founders, manufacturers, operators, and investors so prototypes become production, faster. Learn more at austinhardtech.com.

​Upcoming events

​Early March — Q-Branch session with their dual-use accelerator
March 12 or 13 — SXSW-week program in Austin
Follow dates on Luma and connect on LinkedIn to stay in the loop.

​Thank our sponsors

​Presented by Austin Hardtech
Venue partner: Q-Branch
Event sponsor: Knectiv
Knectiv is the turnkey partner for founders building electronic products, offering design, DFM, prototyping, and manufacturing with hands-on support.
We handle the supply chain, engineering, and production details so you can stay focused on growth.
From idea to finished product, we make hardware happen.
Learn more at https://knectiv.com
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/knectiv