Sam Markowitz
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half of what i say is meaningless, but i say it just to reach you. production manager @Technical_ly. views/opinions/terrible jokes are my own
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Articles by Sam Markowitz
How strategic partnerships help Montgomery County companies find and develop talent
Defense giant Lockheed Martin is partnering with Montgomery County Public Schools through coding challenges in local classrooms, betting that early exposure to tech will help cultivate the region’s future workforce. The company employs nearly 1,000 workers in Montgomery County, making access to skilled employees a primary reason for maintaining its presence in the area.
New seed grant program offers up to $50,000 for North Dakota agtech startups
Early-stage agtech startups addressing real agricultural challenges can receive up to $50,000 in non-dilutive funding through a new seed grant opportunity in North Dakota. The NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota launched its Startup Seed Fund to support early-stage ventures looking to validate, de-risk and commercialize technologies built for producers. The milestone-based funding is designed to help founders meet technical, validation, market or commercialization objectives.
A frighteningly full October calendar with 61 tech and entrepreneurship events
Spooky season is finally here, but the only fear you should have this month is the fear of missing out. October’s tech and entrepreneurship events schedule is fuller than a candy basket after a long night of trick or treating.
The startup flywheel: How Innovation Works evaluates Pittsburgh’s early-stage companies
In early-stage investing, it can be tempting to talk about startups in broad categories: AI, robotics, healthtech, B2B software, life sciences, advanced manufacturing. Those categories are useful, but they rarely tell the full story.
How Pittsburgh’s innovation ecosystem helped launch a trauma care startup
It took just 18 months for Pittsburgh startup HeadStrait Labs to take its smart-sensor neck brace from concept to clinical trial. That’s a blink of an eye for the medtech field, where the intricacies of working with human bodies can make implementation a slow process. Credit goes to cofounders Mary Squire and Alyssa Theroux — both for their engineering and inventiveness, and their decision to tap into nearly every major economic development resource in the region.
There’s a new platform to track economic impact of startups, with metrics that really matter
Ecosystem builders and startup support programs are gaining a new tool to track economic impact and invest in founders, thanks to the launch of a new platform. Homefield unveiled its platform this week during a kickoff event for the Albany region’s entrepreneurial community. The system allows organizations such as incubators, accelerators and economic development agencies to move away from manual data collection and measure long-term metrics like job creation and capital raised.
How North Carolina is balancing AI, energy infrastructure and local growth
Unprecedented energy demand is presenting challenges for North Carolina as leaders and residents seek to build climate resilience. The good news: The region is full of people working on real-world solutions — and several of them connected with other technologists, leaders, journalists and community members at the latest RTP180 event.
Ready for a busy fall? Here are 66 tech and entrepreneurship events in September
If you thought this summer was hot, just wait for fall. We’ve got our biggest events roundup yet, with a whopping 66 tech and entrepreneurship events happening online and across the country. There are plenty of major tentpole events, including Pittsburgh Robotics & AI Discovery Day, the Philadelphia Startup World Cup Pitch Competition, BannerX in Baltimore and Howard County Business Appreciation Week.
What the Innovation Works team saw in the 2025 Pittsburgh VC data
Pittsburgh’s latest venture numbers, as seen in the 14th annual Pittsburgh technology investment report released in March by Innovation Works and Ernst & Young LLP, tell two stories. While the region’s record-breaking $2.29 billion in venture funding is certainly worth celebrating, the headline-grabbing total does not necessarily mean that fundraising got easier for the average early-stage founder. The top-line numbers are undeniably strong.
RealLIST Innovators 2026: Meet 15 people building new technology in Louisiana
Louisiana is steadily growing a resilient tech ecosystem, with startups proliferating and a new workforce training across AI, energy, agriculture, healthcare, logistics and other industries. None of that happens without the people behind the tech.
Grow Philly: Meet 9 small businesses in Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy and Northwest Philadelphia
The Grow Philly series is supported by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial partners like this. All stories are independently reported, with no partner review. Want to see your business featured? Fill out the entrepreneur survey here. Every part of Philadelphia has its own character, and few areas are more vibrant and charming than Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy and Northwest Philly.
Grow Philly: 10 Black-owned small businesses to know in Philadelphia
The Grow Philly series is supported by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial partners like this. All stories are independently reported, with no partner review. Want to see your business featured? Fill out the entrepreneur survey here. Philadelphia has a vibrant and active small business scene, and with the city’s population roughly 38% Black, it’s no surprise Black-owned companies make a significant contribution to the local economy.
August looks bright with these 26 tech and entrepreneurship events
We’re in the thick of summer, and while it can be tempting to stay inside and avoid August’s hot, muggy days, you’d also miss all the sunshine and activity you can’t get in the colder seasons. The tech community has lots going on this month, from networking events to info sessions to workshops for technologists and founders.
Research Triangle Foundation taps a returning North Carolina leader as its next president
The leader who helped transform North America’s largest research park into a mixed-use hub is stepping down this fall, and his replacement is ready to lean even further into collaboration. Scott Levitan, widely credited with reinvigorating North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park into a growing community with coworking, retail and residential spaces, will retire Oct. 2 from his role as president and CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation, the nonprofit that guides the 7,000-acre park.
How innovation is sparking across Louisiana, and how you can get involved
Across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and rural parishes, what once might have appeared as a series of isolated wins is increasingly showing signs of statewide cohesion. New Orleans recently landed in the top 15 of a national innovation ecosystem ranking, and Louisiana’s Q1 2026 startup deal count tied its highest level since 2016.
Inside the push to turn the Philadelphia region into a modern manufacturing hub
Philadelphia has a deep industrial legacy, stretching back to the Frankford Arsenal and ship construction at the Navy Yard. Today, the region is aiming to build on that history to create a modern competitive advantage through the DVIRC “Manufacturing Moonshot” initiative, which lays out a 2030 vision for the area as a nationally recognized advanced manufacturing hub with an ambitious operating target of 10% annual growth in the state’s manufacturing economy.
This Week in Jobs: Treat yourself to these 25 new career opportunities
Every week we ship an email newsletter featuring the region’s most exciting career opportunities. We’ve lovingly called it This Week in Jobs (aka TWIJ). Below is this week’s edition; it’s meant to live in your inbox. Sign up for the newsletter here. Some Tuesdays call for chocolate. July 7 is World Chocolate Day. Why, you may ask, is a holiday celebrating something so susceptible to melting in July?
Celebrate history, build the future: 31 tech and entrepreneurship events in July
While the nation looks back for the 250th anniversary of its founding, the tech community has its eyes on the future. The next 250 years will be shaped by what we build today, and the events in this roundup can help you get the skills, resources and connections to forge your path. The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center has a series of free online classes for founders and is accepting applications for its Milestone Circles 12-week program.
Get ready for Hot Tech Summer (!) with these 37 community events in June
The days may be getting longer, but the tech community isn’t going on vacation. June’s event calendar is more packed than a minivan heading to the beach, and you won’t want to miss these opportunities to make connections and learn new skills.
A no-cost training program in New Kensington is building a shorter path to advanced manufacturing work
In New Kensington, a former steel town still working to define its next industrial chapter, Westmoreland County Community College is making the case that advanced manufacturing careers don’t have to start with a four-year degree or a major upfront cost. The college is now accepting applicants for its no-cost composites technician certificate program, a summer training cohort built for people seeking an entry-level path into a changing manufacturing economy. Applications are due June 1.
Calling all Philadelphia small business owners: Share your story to help Grow Philly
The Grow Philly series is supported by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial partners like this. All stories are independently reported, with no partner review. 250 years ago, the American experiment began in Philadelphia. The city still carries that innovative spirit. Every neighborhood is full of people building businesses, serving their communities and following their dreams, and their stories deserve to be heard.
Tech gatherings in full swing: 38 innovation and entrepreneurship events in May
Tech events season is in full swing, and there are tons of great events happening throughout the whole month of May. There’s a medtech pitch competition hosted by the Howard County Economic Development Authority, a virtual lunch-and-learn about retirement planning with the Tech Council of Delaware and a science community happy hour with the University of Maryland BioPark.
Explore enterprise AI in action at a special event during the Technical.ly Builders Conference
The 2026 Technical.ly Builders Conference is set to include several discussions around AI, but there’s one unique activation you won’t want to miss. The “AI Discovery Lab – Enterprise Edition” by the Enterprise Lab, powered by Philly Builds AI and supported by Technical.ly and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, is an interactive, interpersonal “event within the event” designed to connect the enterprise innovation ecosystem for shared learning.
Join 1Philadelphia for three unique events during Philly Tech Week 2026
Philly Tech Week 2026 starts Monday, May 4, and for the third year in a row, 1Philadelphia is organizing the annual celebration of the local innovation community. In addition to all the events being put on by local groups, 1PHL is hosting three of its own gatherings that you won’t want to miss.
Your guide to navigating the Philly Tech Week 2026 calendar of events
Philly Tech Week 2026 is almost here, and local groups are hosting over 80 events during the five-day celebration. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide how you want to spend your time. Well, we’ve got you covered. Whether your goal is to find resources for your career and company, learn new skills, grow your network or just have fun with your peers in the local tech community, this breakdown will help you figure out a plan to make the most of your PTW.
Building with artificial intelligence in the physical world? Show it off at Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2026
Founders working in applied AI know how powerful it can be. Robotics & AI Discovery Day is a chance to show that to the world. The next edition of the annual robotics and AI showcase hosted by the Pittsburgh Robotics Network returns Wednesday, Sept.16, to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. More than 250 exhibitors will have their robotics, AI, automation and deep tech innovations on display — and you can join them.
Freshen up your April with these 31 tech community events
Spring is finally here, change is in the air and new growth is all around — including in your local tech community — so open those windows and reconnect with the world outside your walls. If your career and business need a breath of fresh air, April has plenty of opportunities to help you find new ways to develop your skills and expand your network.
CMU Robotics Institute Pathways Fellowship offers entrepreneurship opportunities to underrepresented founders
Do you have a robotics-related business idea but aren’t sure where to start? The Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute Pathways Fellowship could ignite your entrepreneurial journey. Now in its third year, the program is currently accepting applications for its 2026-2027 cohort through March 30. The Pathways Fellowship was designed for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups who have faced barriers of entry within technology and robotics, and you don’t need a degree to apply.
44 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in March 2026
There may still be snow on the ground in some places, but spring is just around the corner, so it’s a great time to stop hibernating and get out in your local tech community.
34 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in February 2026
Little darling, it doesn’t have to be a long cold lonely winter. Here comes a roundup of opportunities to connect with your community (doo doo doo doo). You can learn about startup marketing with the Howard County Economic Development Authority, become investor-ready with My NEXT Raise and see rising entrepreneurs pitch their innovations in Philly and Baltimore.
How a rural Pennsylvania county is rebuilding manufacturing pathways
New-economy jobs don’t look the same everywhere. And the pathways that connect people, skills and employers can’t either. That lesson was on display late last year in Westmoreland County, a county of roughly 350,000 people just east of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania’s less-populated western half. One of the most consequential pieces of the effort is located in a former steel town still navigating the long aftermath of industrial collapse.
Grow Philly: 14 food and beverage small businesses in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s food scene may be best known for cheesesteaks, water ice and soft pretzels, but the city’s culinary culture is so much more. Nearly every type of food can be found throughout Philly’s diverse neighborhoods, with many entrepreneurs bringing their families’ traditional flavors to a broader audience. These small businesses literally nourish their communities and contribute to the city’s vibrant atmosphere, and these founders are driven to serve by their passion for hospitality.
32 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in December 2025
We’ve almost reached the end of 2025, but there are still chances to make these final days of the year matter. While you’re counting down to the holidays, take some time to connect with your community, learn something new and grow your business and career. You can find out about investor readiness with My NEXT Raise, glimpse the future of innovation at the 2025 Blue Hen Innovation Fest or drop by 1Philadelphia’s Philly House at Art Basel in Miami.
31 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in November 2025
It’s almost Thanksgiving, but it’s not too early to start gathering with your community and filling your plate with delicious tech events. Take a few slices of industry trends, add a heaping pile of founder resources and drizzle networking opportunities over everything — our mouths are watering already. November has plenty of notable big and small convenings, including 1Philadelphia’s Innovation Weekend, the Game Your Future Conference, the Penn Startup Showcase and Temple University GIS Day.
42 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in October 2025
Fall is here, which means the annual return of pumpkin-spiced everything. Whether or not you enjoy the season’s unofficial seasoning, the tech community is getting spicy too, with a jam-packed month of in-person and virtual gatherings full of tricks and treats for your company and career. There’s everything from innovation competitions to cybersecurity conferences to investor meet-and-greets, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in this roundup.
35 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in September 2025
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like organizations appearing in this article, which are Technical.ly clients. Unlike Green Day, we’re here to wake you up when September starts. There’s just too much happening, and you’re not going to want to sleep on these opportunities. This is shaping up to be one of the busiest months of the year for tech community events across the mid-Atlantic.
Fill your calendar with these 35 tech and entrepreneurship events in September
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like organizations appearing in this article, which are Technical.ly clients. Unlike Green Day, we’re here to wake you up when September starts. There’s just too much happening, and you’re not going to want to sleep on these opportunities. This is shaping up to be one of the busiest months of the year for tech community events across the mid-Atlantic.
Grow Philly: 9 small businesses to know in West Philadelphia
This article is supported by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial partners like this one! West Philly is home to many of the large universities and institutions that fuel the city’s economic growth, but there’s another set of companies crucial to the local ecosystem.
15 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in July 2025
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like organizations appearing in this article, which are Technical.ly clients. We’ve entered the Dog Days of Summer — named of course for the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star — and stretching through the muggy period from July to August. While this can be the hottest and most uncomfortable time of the year, that dog needs walking, so get out there and help your own star rise.
Inside Philadelphia’s startup surge: 16 ventures to watch right now
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like Ben Franklin Technology Partners, which is a Technical.ly client. After years of developing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, Philadelphia is getting some recognition as a top startup community. A recent report from Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network ranked Philly as the 13th best place in the world to start a company.
14 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in June 2025
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like organizations appearing in this article, which are Technical.ly clients. It might feel like summer is here, but the tech community isn’t going on vacation. In fact, things are heating up with lots of opportunities for connection and learning to aide your career and company.
Grow Philly: 18 South Philly small businesses to know
This article is supported by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial partners like this one! Most people are familiar with Philadelphia’s major businesses, the household names like Comcast and Independence Blue Cross that employ thousands and shape the skyline — but the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is so much larger than that.
29 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in May 2025
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like organizations appearing in this article, which are Technical.ly clients. Every May, technologists, entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders come from all over the country to celebrate Philly Tech Week — but that’s not all the month holds. There’s a full slate of virtual and in-person gatherings across the mid-Atlantic to keep you busy through Memorial Day.
Meet these 10 ecosystem leaders and more at the Technical.ly Builders Conference
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like organizations appearing in this article, which are Technical.ly clients. Philly Tech Week 2025 is right around the corner, and that means it’s once again time for the Technical.ly Builders Conference. The annual gathering of entrepreneurship and innovation leaders is bigger and better than ever this year, with two days of insightful discussions and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers from 20+ states.
Don’t miss 1Philadelphia’s events during Philly Tech Week 2025 presented by Comcast
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like 1Philadelphia, a Technical.ly client, which sponsored this article. It was reviewed before publication. Learn more about 1Philadelphia. It’s almost time for Philly Tech Week 2025 presented by Comcast, and 1Philadelphia is not only hosting the week — the org is also holding three events of its own that you won’t want to miss.
26 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in April 2025
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like organizations appearing in this article, which are Technical.ly clients. The phrase “April showers bring May flowers” isn’t just about precipitation and plants — it’s about how activity in the present can yield results in the future. If you want your garden to grow, you have to water it, and if you want your skills, knowledge and network to grow, you have to get out there and make it happen.
How Ballard Spahr helps startups navigate common legal questions
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like Ballard Spahr, a Technical.ly client. Ballard Spahr reviewed this article before publication. Growing a startup is so much more than creating a product and finding customers. Entrepreneurs have to endure a gauntlet of challenges that may be unrelated to their company’s core mission but are essential to maintaining a healthy business.
21 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in March 2025
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like organizations appearing in this article, which are Technical.ly clients. The old saying goes “March goes in like a lion, out like a lamb,” but the weather isn’t the only thing changing this month — you can transform your business and career thanks to an exciting slate of local tech community events across the mid-Atlantic.
20 entrepreneurship, tech and startup events in February 2025
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like organizations appearing in this article, which are Technical.ly clients. Don’t hibernate through the winter, because the tech community is wide awake and bubbling with activity this month. February is packed with opportunities for entrepreneurs, innovators and tech professionals looking to network, learn and grow their careers and businesses.
5 orgs’ reflections on 2024 and plans for 2025
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like organizations appearing in this article, which are Technical.ly clients. 2024 was an eventful year across the tech world, and 2025 is already filling up with plans and potential. This is especially true for Technical.ly’s clients and Preferred Partners, established and vetted organizations making moves in their industries and supporting their local communities.
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