On April 16, 2026, the Big Idea CONNECTpreneur Forum returned to the George Washington University Student Center in Washington, DC—once again bringing together the region’s most influential founders, investors, and innovation leaders for a morning of high-impact connections and opportunity.
Hosted in GW’s Continental Ballroom, the event drew more than 180 curated business leaders, including over 75 active investors, reinforcing its role as one of the Mid‑Atlantic’s most important gatherings for entrepreneurship and venture activity.
At the April 16 event, GW TCO played a central role by showcasing licensed technologies and spinout companies developed within the university, reinforcing its mission to move breakthrough discoveries from the lab to the marketplace.
A defining feature of the 2026 forum was its emphasis on startup visibility and investor access. The program included:
- Company pitches from GWU Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) licensees, including True Bearing Diagnostics and ImmunoBlue;
- The popular RocketPitch segment, where emerging companies presented their ideas to a room full of active investors and decision-makers;
- Opportunities for founders to engage directly with angels, venture capitalists, and corporate partners.
These presentations provided a platform for early-stage companies to gain exposure, attract funding, and form critical partnerships within the regional ecosystem.
These interactions are designed to spark new partnerships, investment conversations, and long-term business relationships, making networking a central element—not an afterthought—of the experience. The forum also featured perspectives from regional leaders and industry experts who are actively shaping the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) innovation landscape. Through expert commentary and thought leadership, attendees gained insights into:
- Emerging investment trends
- Technology commercialization strategies
- The evolving startup ecosystem in the region
CONNECTpreneur continues a long-standing tradition of convening a highly selective audience. This blend of education, inspiration, and practical insight further enhances CONNECTpreneur’s value as more than just a networking event. This April forum brought together participants not just to network, but to drive real deal flow and strategic partnerships.