SoCal Deep Tech Symposium 2026
Join us at the third annual SoCal Deep Tech Symposium, produced by The Alliance for SoCal Innovation, hosted by DTI at THE BR-DGE and proudly sponsored by Sunstone Management, KPPB, and Caltech.
When: September 24, 2026, 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: El Segundo, CA
Who: >120 deep tech industry leaders, founders, investors, innovators, and thought leaders
What to know: A curated event featuring a keynote and a pair of startup pitch showcases with live Q&A that will provide insights into the unique opportunities and challenges of commercializing deep tech innovations in sectors such as Aerospace & Defense, Advanced Manufacturing, Autonomous Mobility, Robotics, and Cleantech. Stay for the investor panel "Fundraising in Today's Deep Tech Sector" and networking reception.
Why it matters: Connect with top minds and explore the technologies and economic conditions driving the future of deep tech industries.
Founders, attend the pre-event workshop (separate ticket required, details below): get expert legal advice and strategic recommendations on commercializing and protecting your deep tech IP.
AGENDA
01:00 PM: Attendee Check-in
01:30 PM: Opening remarks: Mayor Chris Pimentel, City of El Segundo
01:40 PM: Keynote: Dr. Crystal Dilworth, Ph.D. aka "Dr. Brain", Instructor at Caltech Center for Technology and Management Education
02:10 PM: First Look SoCal Deep Tech Showcase sponsored by KPPB
Get an early glimpse into exciting new deep tech science-based startups emerging from SoCal's top research universities. Each of the 5 selected startups will quick pitch for 3 minutes immediately followed by 6 minutes of Q&A with a panel of investors and subject matter experts.
Presenting Startups: lineup announced on Aug 14
Expert Q&A Panelists: TBA
03:15 PM: Break
03:45 PM: SoCal Deep Tech Accelerator Showcase
Early-stage startups raising Seed or Series A funding referred from the region’s accelerators and ecosystem support organizations will have the opportunity to pitch for 3 minutes followed by 6 minutes of Q&A led by investors, strategics and other subject matter experts. The interaction between the founders and expert panelists will reveal unique insights about fundraising and the startup journey that are rarely seen outside of confidential due diligence reviews.
Presenting Startups: lineup announced on Aug 14
Expert Q&A Panelists: TBA
05:00 PM: Investor Panel: Fundraising in Today's Deep Tech Sector
Panelists: TBA
05:45 PM Networking Reception
Continue the conversation and connect while enjoying refreshments and snacks.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS