5 Must-Attend Tech Ecosystem Events for Founders This Fall
October 9, 2025 | By Sarah Van Velsor
Fall in the D.C. region is buzzing with opportunities for founders, investors, and innovators. If you're building a startup, seeking capital, or exploring cutting-edge technologies, these events are your gateway to growth.
They offer:
- Investor Access: From seed to growth-stage capital.
- Strategic Partnerships: Government, corporate, and academic connections.
- Market Insights: Trends in AI, cybersecurity, space, and dual-use tech.
- Talent Pipelines: Meet potential hires and collaborators.
Prioritize events aligned with your growth goals and come ready to network with intention. From cybersecurity to space innovation and dual-use tech, here’s an expanded guide to the top gatherings you can’t afford to miss this season.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, DC Startup & Tech Week is D.C.’s largest startup and tech conference, drawing more than 7,000 attendees from across the U.S. and beyond. Expect hundreds of sessions, pitch competitions, and networking opportunities across ten tracks, including AI, life sciences, climate tech, and dual-use innovation. This year features a full day at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, spotlighting defense tech and AI opportunities. If you’re a founder looking for investors, talent, or strategic partners, this is the week to circle on your calendar.
Cybersecurity is evolving fast, and NVTC’s Cyber Summit is where leaders tackle the latest threats and defenses. This year’s theme, “Intelligent Threats, Intelligent Defenses: Cybersecurity in the AI Era,” explores AI-powered attacks, critical infrastructure protection, and supply chain security. Hear from top voices in government and industry, including CIOs and national security experts, and celebrate the region’s Cyber50 honorees. Founders in cyber or national security tech will find invaluable insights and connections here.
If raising capital is on your roadmap, Accelerate is your stage. This two-day event brings together 50 selected startups to pitch before a packed room of regional and national investors. Beyond the competition, expect panels, networking, and exposure to angel groups, VCs, and ecosystem partners. Located in Arlington’s Virginia Square, Accelerate showcases the Mid-Atlantic as a powerhouse for innovation.
The space economy is booming, and SpaceNEXT is the DMV’s premier convening for visionaries shaping its future. From in-space manufacturing and orbital logistics to feeder technologies like robotics and autonomy, this event connects government, industry, and academia to chart the next era of space innovation. If your startup touches aerospace, AI, or advanced manufacturing, SpaceNEXT is your launchpad for partnerships and investment.
Dual-use technology—where commercial innovation meets defense applications—is a massive growth area. Capital Capital: Dual Use convenes founders, investors, and government leaders for a day of panels, lightning pitches, and networking. Expect discussions on procurement strategies, investor perspectives, and scaling in complex ecosystems. Plus, 25 selected ventures will showcase their solutions to a curated audience of decision-makers.