• Venture Connect 2027 Application

    Venture Connect is CED’s signature venture event, bringing together high-growth tech and life science companies, investors, partners, and industry leaders from across the country to celebrate innovation and accelerate growth. Apply to be considered for a pitching or showcase opportunity at Venture Connect 2027, March 22–24 at DPAC in downtown Durham, North Carolina.

  • Who Should Apply?

    We welcome applications from scaling companies developing innovative products, technologies, and solutions across a range of industries.

    Venture Connect 2027 will feature four focus areas:

    Next-Gen Hardware & Deep Tech
    Software Innovation
    Human Health: Biotech & Medtech
    Science for a Healthier Planet

    Explore the sub-sector examples below to see where your company may fit. The lists are not exhaustive, and companies working in related fields are encouraged to apply.

    Qualifying Sub-Sectors

    Next-Gen Hardware & Deep Tech Software Innovation Human Health: Biotech & Medtech Science for a Healthier Planet
    Advanced Materials AI Applications & Generative AI Biotechnology AgTech & Precision Agriculture
    Advanced Manufacturing AI Agents & Automation Biopharma & Pharmaceuticals Alternative Proteins & FoodTech
    Aerospace & Space Technology Analytics & Business Intelligence Cell & Gene Therapy Batteries & Energy Storage
    Autonomous Systems & Drones Cybersecurity Diagnostics & Testing Carbon Capture & Management
    Defense & Dual-Use Technology Data Infrastructure & Developer Tools Digital Health & Healthcare IT Circular Economy & Recycling
    Electronics, Photonics & Sensors Enterprise Software & SaaS Drug Discovery & Development Clean Energy & Renewables
    Industrial Automation & Robotics FinTech & Payments Genomics & Precision Medicine Climate Adaptation & Resilience
    Internet of Things & Smart Devices AR/VR & Spatial Computing Medical Devices & Surgical Technology Decarbonization & Industrial Efficiency
    Quantum Computing E-Commerce & Marketplaces Oncology & Therapeutics Grid Technology & Energy Management
    Semiconductors & Chips EdTech & Future of Work Research Tools & Lab Automation Plant Science & Sustainable Agriculture
    Scientific Instruments & Lab Equipment Logistics & Supply Chain Technology Synthetic Biology Sustainable Materials & Packaging
    Wearables & Connected Devices Vertical AI & Industry-Specific Software Women's Health & Healthy Aging Water Technology & Waste Management

    These sub-sectors are examples, not an exhaustive list. Companies working in related fields across the four themes are encouraged to apply.

    Selection Process & Timeline

    Venture Connect has a competitive selection process. Opportunities may include the traditional five-minute pitch or other ways to engage with investors and industry leaders. Specific opportunities will be shared with selected companies following acceptance.

    Applications will be reviewed with input from our selection committee. Applicants will receive an acceptance decision by email during the week of February 8, 2027.

  • Applicant Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • How did you hear about Venture Connect*
  • Venture Connect will take place on March 23–24, 2027. Are you available to attend both days in full?*

  • Company Details

  • Which of the four categories best describes your company?*

  • Team

  • 0/1500
  • 0/1500

  • Financials

  • 0/131072

  • Funding Sources

  • 0/131072

  • Application Questions

  • 0/131072
  • 0/131072
  • 0/131072
  • 0/131072
  • 0/131072
  • 0/131072
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • Should be Empty: