SoCal Deep Tech Symposium 2026

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 raising Seed or Series A funding referred from the region’s accelerators and ecosystem support organizations will have the opportunity to pitch for 3 minutes followed by 6 minutes of Q&A led by investors, strategics and other subject matter experts. The interaction between the founders and expert panelists will reveal unique insights about fundraising and the startup journey that are rarely seen outside of confidential due diligence reviews. Presenting Startups CarBonne (LACI, Braid Theory)Dugu Systems (SoCal Venture Pipeline)ORBES (SoCal Venture Pipeline)4th State Energies (UC Riverside)Atmosphere Ventures (Hive Autonomous Innovation Center)Unmanned Aerospace (Connect San Diego)Roboze (Starburst) Expert Q&A Panelists Howard Ko (Morpheus Ventures)Alexa McCulloch (Stardeck Ventures)Alex Lautzenheiser (UP.Partners)Andre Doumitt (Aerospace Corp.)John Peck (KPPB, LP)Investor and startup details are here 05:00 PM: Investor Panel: Fundraising in Today's Deep Tech Sector Panelists: TBA 05:45 PM Networking Reception Continue the conversation and connect while enjoying refreshments and snacks. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS