Newark Tech Summit
Kick off Newark Tech Week with the city’s biggest gathering of innovators, founders, and changemakers. The Tech Summit is where ideas meet opportunity — an evening designed for discovery, conversation, and connection.
Keynote Speaker
Alphonzo “Phonz” Terrell — Co-Founder & CEO, Spill
Former Global Head of Social & Editorial at Twitter
Phonz will share bold insights on building inclusive platforms, the power of community-driven innovation, and the conscious use of technology to create safe spaces where people thrive both online and in real life.
Panel and Fireside Discussions
Equity & Ethics in AI – Who’s Protecting Us?
A conversation on bias, accountability, and safeguarding communities as AI reshapes our world.
Moderator:
• Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey — Founder, Mother AI
Panelists:
• Njeri Grevious — Senior Product Manager, Microsoft Copilot Experiences
• Ash Straughn — Co-Founder & CEO, Sam
CodeSwitch: Nontraditional Pathways to Tech
Stories from leaders who entered tech through unexpected routes — from community development and storytelling to startup building.
Panelists:
• Derrik S. Thomas — VP, Innovation Economy - Startup Banking, J.P. Morgan
• Ari Fox — Head of Economic Impact, Audible
• Jerlisa “Juju” Fontaine, MPH — Founder & CEO, HuCapital
• Emily Hawkins — Founder & CEO, The Black Tech Collective
Tech Alley: Meet the Startups
Discover 30+ emerging companies showcasing groundbreaking products, services, and live demos — from AI and fintech to creative tech and social innovation. Connect directly with the builders shaping the future.
Connect & Collaborate
Network with founders, investors, professionals, and community leaders. Build relationships that spark collaboration, investment, and new ventures — all right here in Newark’s thriving tech ecosystem.
Whether you’re here to find inspiration, make connections, or get your hands on the latest tech, the Tech Summit is the place to do it.