Here are our picks for the best networking events, panel discussions, pitch sessions and hackathons in Austin this July.
Also, don’t forget to vote for your favorite company for Coolest Companies Fest coming up in July 26 at Native Hostel and Bar & Kitchen.
You can find more networking opportunities in Austin listed in our daily newsletter, The Beat. Sign up for that here. You can also search for cool things to do or post your own events in our Events Directory.
Now, let’s check out July 2018’s best tech events.
Tuesday, July 3
Space is the final innovation frontier. And the New Worlds Space Meetup is a place to discuss it. This month, the group is bringing in Mark Russell, founder of HyperSciences and Pipeline2Space to talk about hypersonic speeds and how to deliver things to space.
When & Where: 7 p.m. at Capital Factory (Lobby room on 1st Floor)
How much? Free
July 5
Dig games? Then dig this: Juegos Rancheros is a group that meets the first Thursday of each month. Whether you're a developer or just a player, it's a chance to check out new games and talk about gaming.
When & Where: 7-10 p.m. at The North Door, 502 Brushy St.
How much? Free
Monday, July 9
Startups are hard. Tech is fraught with ethics decisions. And businesses can be very stressful. With that in mind, SKU, Austin's top consumer packaged goods accelerator, is hosting a special session to talk about mental health challenges entrepreneurs often face. Speakers include Doreen Lorenzo (UT), Mike Witte (Rig Up), Bijoy Goswami (Steward of Meaning Models), Emily Griffiths (licensed psychotherapist) and Genevieve Gilbreath (SKU).
When & Where: 3 p.m. at Capital Factory (1st Floor)
How much? Free
Tuesday, July 10
The Austin Forum on Technology and Society wants to talk blockchain. At this event, you'll learn from Karen Kilroy, founder of Kilroy Blockchain, and Jeremy Drzal, founder and CEO of BLOCK512, about how blockchain is being applied in business and government -- as well as how Austin can play a transformative role in its development.
When & Where: 6:15 p.m. at the new Austin Central Library
How much? Free
Wednesday, July 11
StartupGrind Austin puts on interesting panel discussions year-round. But this time, it's all about the party. StartupGrind's summer party features drinks, a DJ and plenty of ping-pong.
When & Where: 4-9 p.m. at Capital Factory
How much? $10
Thursday, July 12
From gene-editing with CRISPR to cancer treatments and clinical trials, The Personalized Medicine Conference covers an array of med-tech topics and their intersection with emerging technologies. Among speakers are Manoj Saxena (Cognitive Scale), Rachel Haurwitz (Caibou Bioscienes), Wayne Robers (Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas), Sara Brand (True Wealth Ventures), Debra Patt (Texas Oncology) and Chad Moore (Elligo Health Research). Use the code "INNNOHTA" for a special 25 percent off discount for Austin Inno readers.
When & Where: Capital Factory
How much? $100-$135
Wednesday, July 18
The Founder Institute is ready to graduate its first class. The Spring 2018 cohort, having just completed a 3-4 months journey, will host a few special guests, along with mentors and others to celebrate.
When & Where: 6-8:30 p.m. at Native Hostel and Bar & Kitchen, 807 E. 4th.
How much? $10
Thursday, July 19
The Austin Mosaic Awards spotlight startups and mature companies that have exemplary diversity and inclusion efforts. It's part of an effort by The Mentor Method, BLNDED Media and SocialGood.us. The three organizations, along with judges, have selected 20 finalists. The top five will be announced during the celebration. The organizers have stressed that this event is for everyone -- from any background -- to learn about and celebrate best practices at local companies.
When & Where: 6 p.m. at WeWork Congress, 600 Congress Ave.
How much? Free
Tuesday, July 24
Curious about the future of AR and VR? Come check out the Future Tech Showcase, a display/demo/discussion event where you'll get a sneak peek at some cool AR/VR tech and try out other games and experiences.
When & Where: 6 p.m. at Capital Factory
How much? Free
Thursday, July 26
Austin Inno's Coolest Companies Fest is a big party where we crown Austin's coolest companies -- with your help. You can vote for whoever you want to win the Reader's Choice award here. Then, we'll party with all these killer startups and announce the winners with plenty of complimentary drinks and snacks.
When & Where: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Native Hostel and Bar & Kitchen, 807 E. 4th.
How much? $15-$30
