EVENTS
Become part of Columbia’s tech startup community
Our events designed to spark collaboration, ignite innovation, and drive growth. Network with founders and inspiring founders, exchange ideas, and power your startup's journey—no experience required.
Startup Sprint
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, build your dream team, and create a working prototype - all in one action-packed event. No prior startup experience needed.
Tech on Tap November 2025
Join us every third Thursday evening for expert insights on the challenges that can make or break your tech startup—from incorporation decisions to scaling strategies.
Gridlock: The Energy Innovation Hackathon
USC students are taking over the BIC for Gridlock – a two-day hackathon tackling real challenges in South Carolina's energy sector.
Tech on Tap October 2025
Join us every third Thursday evening for expert insights on the challenges that can make or break your tech startup—from incorporation decisions to scaling strategies.
Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator Cohort 5 Demo Day
Join the community as we celebrate the bold ideas, powerful stories, and future shaping ventures of Cohort 5 of the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator (BCSIA).
Fundraising & Capital Planning Workshop
Gain practical insights on raising capital, planning for growth, and positioning your startup for success.
Coffee & Connections: AI Networking Event (Midlands Meetup)
Connect with fellow AI professionals, share experiences, and gain insights into the evolving AI landscape in South Carolina. Enjoy coffee and doughnuts provided by SCRA, and feel free to bring a colleague or friend.
Entrepreneurship Internship Fair
This fair gives an opportunity for students to connect directly with local entrepreneurs and small business owners who are offering real-world internship for the fall and spring semesters.
Launchpad COLA Tech Incubator Applications Due
Whether you're testing a fresh idea or finally ready to turn your side hustle into a real business, our low-barrier tech incubator will help you validate your product, sharpen your business model, and get real traction.
Tech on Tap September 2025
Join us every third Thursday evening for expert insights on the challenges that can make or break your tech startup—from incorporation decisions to scaling strategies.
Columbia AWS User Group September Meetup
Columbia is an IT city and a lot of that happens in the cloud. Whether you're a cloud expert or simply curious, come join us at the Columbia AWS Users Group. Come teach. Come listen. Let's have fun!
Tech on Tap August 2025
Join us every third Thursday evening for expert insights on the challenges that can make or break your tech startup—from incorporation decisions to scaling strategies.
Tech on Tap
Starting July 17th, join us every third Thursday evening for expert insights on the challenges that can make or break your tech startup—from incorporation decisions to scaling strategies.