Tracks, Summits, & Events
DFW Startup Week is a great way to grow your understanding in various subjects, and learn from subject matter experts. Explore the tabs below to learn more about what each subject is geared towards and what you can expect!
TRACKS
Industry tracks are at the core of DFW Startup Week’s programming. With 8 different tracks ranging from Marketing, to AI, Automation and Quantum to Healthcare, there’s something for every entrepreneur or innovator, no matter what stage of the journey they’re in. Each track will have multiple panels, presentations and fireside chats featuring diverse speakers that are igniting change that will advance North Texas into the future, while at the same time holding steadfast to the values that helped build the foundation for this entrepreneurial community.
All of the track sessions will take place during the day – August 02-06 at Southern Methodist University . Don’t miss the Kickoff Event on Sunday, August 02, to start the week off strong! Stay tuned for the full schedule and more information closer to the event!
DFW Startup Week has multiple special events and summits that happen throughout the week. The purpose of the special events and summits are to bring together our community all in one place as well as provide special programming for women and underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Summits will have multiple sessions throughout the day, while special events will be one singular event each evening – all held in-person at one location. Stay tuned for the full schedule and more information closer to the event!
- Tracks
- Summits & Forums
- Special Events
AI Presented by: Worlds
Track Captains: Bill Cockerill, Dan Sinawat, Rashmi Varma, & Ruchi Prasad
Explore the future of AI! Discover how artificial intelligence is driving innovation and transforming startups across industries. Join experts and entrepreneurs to learn how AI is reshaping the startup landscape.
Check out each track on the schedule
Capital Access Presented by SouthState Bank, Bank OZK and The Dallas Collaborative for Capital Accesses
Track Captain: Kara Lehnert
Funding is the fuel that powers startups, and the Capital Access Track at DFW Startup Week is here to help founders navigate the journey. Whether you’re seeking venture capital, small business loans, or alternative funding sources, this track connects you with experts, investors, and resources to unlock the capital you need to grow. Don’t miss the chance to learn from top industry leaders and discover the best strategies to secure funding for your startup!
Check out each track on the schedule
SMU Entrepreneurship Showcase
Track Captain: Josh Taylor & Morganne Stewart
Great leaders build great businesses. The Entrepreneurial Leadership Track, presented by SMU Cox Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership, is designed to help founders, executives, and business owners develop the skills needed to lead with confidence. Gain insights from experienced leaders, learn strategies to navigate challenges, and discover how strong leadership can drive startup success. Join us to elevate your entrepreneurial journey!
Check out each track on the schedule
Healthcare
Track Captain: Lindsey Settles & Hubert Zajicek
Navigate the journey of healthcare startups during the healthcare track, through sessions in the basics of startups in healthcare, fundraising, law and more!
Check out each track on the schedule
Marketing + Branding
Track Captains: Spencer Traver
The Marketing track is the perfect place for marketers of any skill level to up their game. In this track we will explore marketing techniques that will take your business to the next level through interactive workshops, learning how to utilize algorithms to your advantage, shift narratives and more!
Check out each track on the schedule
Startup Funding Presented by Vela Wood
Track Captain: Mike Wilkes
This track covers early stage funding, funding alternatives to venture-capital, inclusive investing and more. Hear from investors and advisors to learn best funding practices!
Disrupt Dallas Summit presented by Charles Schwab Bank
Monday, August 3 | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Disrupt Dallas Summit celebrates the champions that are disrupting the entrepreneurial ecosystem and talent pipeline, as well as providing expert education and programming for underrepresented entrepreneurs to help support and grow their business through a combination of speakers, discussions and networking opportunities.
Check out each summit on the schedule
Corporate Startup Innovation Summit presented by Capital One
Tuesday, August 4 | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Corporate Startup Innovation Summit leverages and unites the breadth and diversity of DFW’s corporations and dynamic startup ecosystem. The summit will mobilize these groups by featuring DFW’s best and brightest innovators who will share how their companies are shaping our future – resulting in new ideas, business models, investment trends, connections and opportunities for business growth and acceleration.
Check out each summit on the schedule
CPG + Retail Summit
Wednesday, August 5 | 2:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The CPG + Retail Summit is designed to bring together founders, innovators, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of consumer products and retail. Featuring a dynamic lineup of speakers, including keynote speaker Daniel Lubetzky, Founder and CEO of KIND Snacks, the summit offers valuable insights into building impactful brands, navigating retail landscapes, and scaling in today’s competitive market. Join us for a day of connection, inspiration, and forward-thinking conversations.
Check out each summit on the schedule
AI Summit
Thursday, August 6 | 2:15 pm – 6:00 pm
The AI Summit brings together founders, innovators, and industry leaders exploring the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Featuring a dynamic lineup of speakers—including keynote speaker Ben Lamn—this summit offers valuable insights into how AI is transforming businesses, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities across industries. Join us for a day of learning, connection, and forward-thinking conversation.
Community Events
In an effort to embrace all of the innovation happening across the DFW metroplex, we are adding in Community Events to DSW26! As a DSW26 Community Event Host, hosting an event during DFW Startup Week (DSW) at the location of your choosing during one of the designated Community Event timeframes offers an exceptional opportunity to engage with the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dallas-Fort Worth. By adding your event to the official DSW schedule, you’ll gain exposure to a diverse audience of innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. Whether you’re running a workshop, panel discussion, networking session, pitch competition, or meetup, hosting an event during DSW provides a unique platform to showcase your organization’s mission, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to the region’s dynamic startup culture.
Apply to host your event as part of the DFW Startup Week
Startup Alley Expo 2026
Join us for this expo that showcases startups, founders, corporate partners, innovators, resources and more! Join us on Monday, August 3rd after Disrupt Dallas Summit!
Founders Marketplace 2026
To close out the CPG Retail Summit, step into our Founder Marketplace—where brands come to life. Shop and discover products from emerging founders, connect with innovators, and support the next wave of retail. Join us Wednesday, August 5th, immediately following the summit.
Mentorship & Startup Awards
Tuesday, August 4th from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Celebrate the power of guidance and grit at the Mentorship & Startup Awards! This special event honors the mentors who make a difference and the startups that are making waves in North Texas. Join us as we recognize standout leaders, innovative founders, and impactful mentors who are driving the entrepreneurial ecosystem forward. It’s a night of inspiration, celebration, and connection you won’t want to miss!
AMPLIFY + NTCA CONVENING
AMPLIFY + NTCA Convening
The AMPLIFY + NTCA Convening brings together entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, and community leaders from across North Texas for a day of connection, collaboration, and celebration. Designed to spotlight the region’s most impactful founders and organizations, this convening creates space for meaningful conversations, resource sharing, and opportunities to grow within the North Texas entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you’re a founder, supporter, or partner, this is where innovation and community come together.
Award Nominations Now Open (Starting April 24)
Help us recognize the individuals and organizations making a difference in our ecosystem. Nominations for the AMPLIFY Awards open April 24, giving you the chance to spotlight founders, leaders, and changemakers who are driving impact across North Texas. Submit a nomination and be part of celebrating the voices shaping our community.
Vendor Opportunities
Showcase your brand at the AMPLIFY + NTCA Convening by becoming a vendor. This is your opportunity to connect directly with attendees, share your products or services, and gain visibility among a diverse and engaged audience of entrepreneurs and community leaders. Vendor applications are now open—apply today to secure your spot.