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 KPPB, Sunstone Management, J.P. Morgan, Caltech, and Gunderson Dettmer. 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. 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 Cacophony Innovation (USC) Water Illumination (UC Riverside) Aphelion Aeronautics (Cal Poly SLO) Precise Polymer (Skysong Innovations/ASU) Helicoid Industries (UC Irvine) Expert Q&A Panelists Matt Kozlov (Multiball Capital) Howard Ko (Morpheus Ventures) Alexa McCulloch (Stardeck Ventures) Nima Ashraf (Physical Fund) John Peck (KPPB, LP) Investor and startup details are here 03:15 PM: Break 03:45 PM: SoCal Deep Tech Accelerator Showcase Early-stage startups