North Texas is a big place, with plenty to do, see, hear, and watch. We scour the internet every week to find events and activities for you. As always, things may change at any time, so be sure to check the official website or registration page for the latest details. For ongoing events, click here.
Don’t miss anything: Get Dallas Innovates Every Day. And, if you know of a great event, tell us about it. Event details courtesy of organizers.
Tuesday, June 30
The Big iDEA Pitch Competition
Hosted by The DEC Network
The DEC Network @Redbird, 3560 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Suite 200, Dallas
4:30 to 7 p.m.
Join The DEC Network for an exciting evening of innovation, inspiration, and entrepreneurship as they celebrate the pitch competition! Come celebrate the Top 8 founders and entrepreneurs who have successfully completed the requirements to compete in the Big iDEA Pitch Competition!
These ambitious entrepreneurs will take the stage to pitch their BIG iDEA for the opportunity to win a cash award designed to help launch and grow their ventures. At the conclusion of the competition, three outstanding founders will be selected to receive pitch prizes that will provide critical support as they take the next steps in bringing their ideas to life. Come cheer on these emerging business leaders and witness firsthand the creativity, determination, and innovation shaping our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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6th Annual FWHCC Business Pitch Competition
Hosted by The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts, 1440 N. Main St., Fort Worth
6 to 8 p.m.
The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is excited to present its 6th Annual FWHCC Business Pitch Competition, an event for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This event allows startups and aspiring business owners in Tarrant County the opportunity to pitch their business concepts to a panel of judges. The top winners of the FWHCC Business Pitch competition will receive cash prizes to assist with startup expenses and growth capital!
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VetsinTech Dallas Fireside Chat
Hosted by VetsinTech Dallas
USB Financial Services, Plano branch
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Join VetsinTech Dallas and Texas Veterans Commissioner Chuck Wright (USMC) for a discussion on the business outlook for veterans in Texas, with a focus on VetsinTech’s three pillars: Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship.
Commissioner Wright is a former Marine Corps CH-46 pilot and lifelong advocate for servicemembers and their families. Appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2024, he leads the Texas Veterans Commission and oversees programs that support veterans throughout the state, including grant funding for veteran service organizations, tuition benefits through the Hazlewood Act, and the TVC Veteran Entrepreneur Program.
This special event will feature a fireside chat followed by an audience Q&A. Whether you’re a transitioning service member, veteran, military spouse, entrepreneur, or student, you’ll gain valuable insights into the opportunities and resources available to veterans across Texas. Come early and stay after the program to connect with fellow veterans, military spouses, industry professionals, and community leaders.
Thursday, July 2
How Your Product is Exposed to AI
Hosted by VC Arena
Workbox, Victory Park, 3090 Nowitzki Way, Suite 300, Dallas
noon to 3 p.m.
Anand Arivukkarasu spent 20 years building products at Meta and two unicorn startups. Out of that came the Supply Chain of Intelligence: a framework that maps where AI value actually lives across 10 layers. Most products own the surface, which is exactly where the money never sits. It’s the same read PE and enterprise leaders use to tell a real moat from a wrapper that vanishes the moment the next model ships.
Technical or not, founder or just curious, this event will be a live session. Bring your product, and we’ll plot it on the grid live. We’ll analyze real products live using the Supply Chain of Intelligence framework and identify where defensibility, pricing power, and AI risk actually sit.
Tuesday, July 7
Monthly Luncheon: The Road to Triumph – Building Something Bigger
Hosted by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce
Richardson Chamber of Commerce, 411 Belle Grove Dr., Richardson
11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Every great company starts with a vision. Join Aaron Graft, Founder and CEO of Triumph Financial, as he shares the remarkable entrepreneurial journey that transformed a startup venture into a publicly traded financial services and technology company. Aaron’s story is one of grit, perseverance, and the courage to pursue opportunities others might overlook. Along the way, he navigated economic uncertainty, embraced innovation, and built a company that grew from humble beginnings into a national organization serving a $400 billion industry.
More than a success story, this is a conversation every small business owner should hear. Discover what it takes to think beyond today’s challenges, scale with purpose, and lead through uncertainty. Whether you’re launching a new venture, growing an established business, or looking toward your next stage of growth, you’ll leave inspired to think bigger about what’s possible for your business and equipped with lessons you can apply to your own journey.
Wednesday, July 8
North Texas July Dallas Luncheon
Hosted by the Women’s Energy Network – North Texas Chapter
Park City Club, 5956 Sherry Lane, Dallas
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join us in Dallas for the WEN-North Texas July luncheon featuring Garrett Golding, Assistant Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Garrett leads cross‑functional collaboration within the Dallas Fed and engagement with energy industry leaders to develop new insights on the intersection of energy and the economy. His work has focused primarily on oil and gas markets, geopolitics, and the transition to renewable energy.
Thursday, July 9
IoT Texas – Soft Robotics, Embedded Intelligence, Soft-rigid Robots, Biomedical Robotics… Oh my!
Hosted by IoT Texas
SpringHill Suites Dallas/Richardson, 3251 E. Pres. George Bush Fwy., Richardson
6:30 to 8 p.m.
This month’s event features Rashmi Wijesundara, a PhD student in biomedical engineering at the University of North Texas. She will present:”Soft Robotics, Embedded Intelligence, Soft-rigid Robots, Biomedical Robotics… Oh my! “
Biomedical robotics require systems that can safely adapt to complex and delicate environments with minimal sensing and control. This research explores mechanically intelligent soft and hybrid robotic systems that achieve adaptive behavior through material properties, geometry, and structural design.
These are hybrid and free events. For those that can attend in person, it allows us to come together and network with other IoT and technology professionals, business execs, entrepreneurs, etc… and help us find resources, talent and solutions to our issues… and learn about new trends and tech in the industry. Come early and stay late if you can (bar opens at 5 pm. – self paid. Leave whenever you like… or when the bar closes).
Wednesday, July 15
Reimagining Downtown Dallas: Catalyst Projects, Investment & the Impact of Harold Simmons Park
Hosted by CREW Dallas
Park City Club, 5956 Sherry Lane, #1700, Dallas
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join CREW Dallas for an engaging industry luncheon, “Reimagining Downtown Dallas: Catalyst Projects, Investment & the Impact of Harold Simmons Park,” featuring guest speaker Mike Ablon, founding partner of PegasusAblon, a leading voice in Dallas’ urban development and revitalization. This dynamic session will explore how transformative projects and strategic investments are reshaping the urban core, with a spotlight on the game-changing potential of Harold Simmons Park. Gain valuable insights into the vision, momentum, and partnerships driving downtown’s evolution, while connecting with industry professionals who are shaping the future of our city. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation and network with leaders who are redefining Dallas.
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McKinney Plug-In
Hosted by Plug and Play McKinney
7300 State Hwy. 121, McKinney
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Come join us for a morning of innovation and networking with Plug and Play McKinney. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the tech and startup community. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the latest trends in innovation, this event is for you. Enjoy a cup of coffee while discussing groundbreaking ideas and forging new partnerships. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of McKinney’s thriving innovation scene!
Thursday, July 16
Partners in Progress: Fort Worth Biotech
Hosted by UNT Health and Syneos Health
UNT Health – IREB, Fort Worth; Henry McCarty Irish Pub, Fort Worth
noon. to 6 p.m.
Partners in Progress: Fort Worth Biotech is a dynamic gathering of industry, academic, and facilities leaders exploring the next chapter of life sciences growth in Fort Worth. From recent developments to the realities of building and scaling, this event spotlights the collaboration and infrastructure driving the region forward.
UNT Health – IREB, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd #350, Fort Worth, TX 76107
- 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Registration & Innovation Labs Tour
- 2:00pm – 4:00pm: Panel Discussion
- Panel 1: What’s New & Next in Fort Worth Biotech
- Panel 2: Why Fort Worth: Building & Scaling Biotech Here
- 4:00pm: Adjourn for Happy Hour
The Henry McCarty Irish Pub, 2869 Crockett St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
- 4:30pm – 6:00pm: Happy Hour
- 6:00pm: Adjourn
Wednesday, July 22
Frisco Plug-In
Hosted by Plug and Play Frisco
Comerica Banking Center, 17 Cowboys Way, Frisco
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Come join Plug and Play Frisco for a morning of innovation and networking at 17 Cowboys Way (Comerica Banking Center). This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the tech and startup community. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the latest trends in innovation, this event is for you. Enjoy a cup of coffee while discussing groundbreaking ideas and forging new partnerships. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of Frisco’s thriving innovation scene!
Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 7
DFW Startup Week
Hosted by The DEC Network
Collins Executive Education Center, Dallas
Various dates and times during the week
DFW Startup Week (DSW) is The DEC Network’s largest, premiere event for DFW small business owners and entrepreneurs. Sponsored by Capital One, the program includes a five day celebration that builds momentum and opportunity around entrepreneurship and innovation. DSW began in 2015 (11th Annual Event) with the goal of orchestrating an entire week of entrepreneurial activities that equip, encourage, and educate the North Texas Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. DSW was also created to help increase the awareness and impact of the entrepreneurial community across North Texas.
Thursday, August 13
Dallas Meetup at Texas Live
Hosted by Dallas Meetup
Texas Live! 1650 E. Randol Mill Blvd., Arlington
5 to 8 p.m.
Leading up to North Texas Giving Day, DallasMeetup is featuring leaders from Communities Foundation of Texas, American Heart Association, WFAA, Texas Trees, Downtown Dallas Inc., North Texas Disability Chamber, Kaleidoscope Park and more.
DallasMeetup is a big-tent, industry-agnostic networking mixer that encourages a large coalition of laptop-class practitioners to attend.
Thursday, September 17
The Resilience Gap: How to strengthen the teen brain in a tech-obsessed world
Hosted by Center for BrainHealth
2200 W. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas
6 to 8:15 p.m.
Recently featured on 60 Minutes, Eva Telzer, PhD, and Mitch Prinstein, PhD, talk about what is going on inside the brain during the teen years – a key time for brain development – and the external forces helping shape it, for better or worse. Experts in this emerging field of study, they are co-directors of one of the Winston Center on Technology and Brain Development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the only centers dedicated to studying the impact of social media on the developing mind and brain. Sponsored by Tammy and Tim Hughes.
Monday, September 21 through Wednesday, September 23
Data Center World Power
Hosted by Informa
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine
Save the date
Data Center World Power, North America’s premier conference dedicated exclusively to the intersection of data centers and power infrastructure, will return September 21-23 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine. Building on the momentum of its inaugural event, the second annual conference will convene data center operators, energy providers, technology innovators and infrastructure leaders as growing AI workloads and accelerating data center development place unprecedented demands on power infrastructure.
The Data Center World Power 2026 conference program is structured around four strategic tracks that comprehensively address the power ecosystem challenges facing data center operators: Power Sourcing & Grid Integration, Alternative Power & Energy Innovation, AI, Power Density & Thermal Management, and Ecosystem Business Strategy & Workforce Development.
Monday, September 28 through Friday, October 2
Texas Startup & Tech Week
Hosted by AURP
Coming to a Texas city near you
Save the date
Texas Startup & Tech Week begins September 28 and culminates on October 2 — the 191st anniversary of when the “COME AND TAKE IT” flag was raised sparking the Texas Revolution. That same spirit of independence and scrappiness, the courage to fight for a cause on your own terms, and the refusal to back down to a larger force, is the same energy that drives every innovator making a big bet no matter the odds. Texas Innovation Week gatherings are for those who plant the flag and get to work.
Tuesday, September 29
General Counsel Conference Southwest
Hosted by Law.com
Arts District Mansion, 2101 Ross Ave., Dallas
Save the date; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Are you ready to sharpen your legal expertise, expand your network with top industry leaders, and unlock new opportunities for career growth? At the General Counsel Conference Southwest, you’ll connect with legal experts and peers from across the region while gaining critical insights into today’s most pressing issues, emerging trends, and best practices. Stay ahead of the curve with strategies designed to help you navigate the evolving legal landscape. Join us for a dynamic program built to equip today’s general counsel with the tools to tackle economic pressures, harness the power of emerging legal technologies, and drive success in an increasingly complex environment.
Tuesday, September 29 through Thursday, October 1
AURP International Conference
Hosted by AURP
Pegasus Park, Dallas
Save the date
AURP is proud to convene its 2026 International Conference at Pegasus Park—one of the nation’s most dynamic, mission-driven innovation districts and a powerful example of how place-based strategy accelerates impact.
Hosted in Dallas, Texas, this year’s conference will bring together AURP members and global innovation leaders for executive-level dialogue, high-value networking, and curated learning experiences. From strategic plenaries and collaborative working sessions to behind-the-scenes tours of Pegasus Park and engagement with the region’s thriving life sciences community, the program will highlight how intentional investment, cross-sector partnerships, and research park leadership drive sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.
Pegasus Park stands at the forefront of advancing new industries—particularly in life sciences—while strengthening community outcomes. Together with AURP’s mission to foster innovation, commercialization, and vibrant knowledge communities, the 2026 conference will showcase Dallas as a model for forward-looking ecosystem development.
Thursday, October 1
Texas Venture Fest: North Texas 2025
Hosted by Texas Founders Arena
Arlington location TBD
Save the date
The Texas Venture Fest is a day of networking and programming highlighting the ecosystem of entrepreneur support. More than 15 cities simultaneously host this statewide phenomenon, across our small towns and the nation’s biggest metropoles, 3,000+ Texans gather to help innovation flourish! This event is part of the larger statewide innovation week (Texas Startup & Tech Week (9/28-10/2), see listing above).
Wednesday, October 21
Venture Dallas 2026
Hosted by Venture Dallas
Old Parkland, 3819 Maple Ave., Dallas
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Save the date
Venture Dallas 2026 is introducing a new setting and a refined format — complete with multiple stages and spaces, curated networking alongside elevated, immersive experiences, including start up pitches. Save the date. Look for more information and tickets soon.
Through May 2026
Frontiers of Flight: Bessie Coleman
Hosted by Frontiers of Flight Museum
6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas
Tickets are timed entry.
The Frontiers of Flight Museum’s new exhibit is a high-flying tribute to aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman and her groundbreaking achievements. Guests can follow her journey through an immersive digital experience, see her beloved plane suspended from the museum’s hangar, and take home books, dolls, and other keepsakes to support scholarships for girls from South Dallas.
Through September 7, 2026
Soccer: More Than a Game
Exhibition at The Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N. Field St.., Dallas
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed on Tuesday
Soccer: More Than a Game at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science boosts the cultural and educational impact of this summer’s World Cup by providing STEM education experiences for visitors, encouraging regional tourism, and offering a world-class attraction for visitors to enjoy while in North Texas.
Visitors receive an RFID (radio-frequency identification) bracelet that documents guests’ choices, creations, and progress throughout the exhibition. Guests can join a team; construct a stadium; design jerseys; create mascots; test their athletic skills; and participate in physical, mental, and digital challenges connecting soccer with science.
Twenty engagement zones and multiple photo opportunities allow visitors to step into the locker room, onto the pitch, and behind the scenes to explore everything from biomechanics and physics of the game to the data analytics and career pathways that power soccer on and off the field.
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R E A D N E X T
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The hybrid event in August will take place in person at SMU and virtually. The seventh annual Dallas Startup Week powered by Capital One is Dallas-Fort Worth's largest event focused on driving entrepreneurial success, economic impact, and innovation in the region.
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You'll find deadlines coming up for a new accelerator program; and many more opportunities.
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You’ve found Dallas Innovates’ archive of news briefs from July to September 2021.
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Nonprofit BUiLT is hosting the event to highlight the success and possibilities of Black tech talent in the region. “There is no talent pipeline problem,” says Peter Beasley, co-founder of the Blacks United in Leading Technology International. “Black tech talent is widely available, especially in North Texas.”
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With Dallas ranked as one of the top cities in America for tech pros, UT Dallas and Fullstack have launched four skills training bootcamps focused on coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, and DevOps. The online bootcamps begin in November with tuition at $11,995 each.
