San Diego Startup Week 2026 is cleared for liftoff.
This year’s SDSW brings thousands of founders, investors, and leaders together under one bold theme: Where Startups Take Off!
This year, we’re bridging the fundamentals that every entrepreneur needs: community, capital, craft, and courage, with the daring vision of what comes next across life sciences, defense, security, AI, and beyond.
Timeless principles.
Urgent ambitions.
One launchpad.
Team Members
Lisa Barnhouse
Executive Director
Ella Napata
Marketing & Design Manager
Ella is the Marketing and Design Manager at Startup San Diego and the Co-Founder and Creative Director at hopsctch. As a creative with 8+ years of experience in the marketing and digital space, Ella has successfully worked with startups, to global marketing agencies, non-profits, investment firms, and software development companies. Ella has a range of experience, from graphic design, website development, social media, design, email marketing and more. Ella uses their skills to uplift the startup community and promote diverse brands. During their free time they like to create art, hike, volunteer, and practice martial arts. A San Diego State University International Business alumni.
Erika Gastelum
Operations & Program Manager
Logan McLeland
Operations & Data Intern
Logan McLeland is an Operations & Data Intern at Startup San Diego, where he supports the team across operations and data initiatives that serve the region’s startup community. He is a Management Information Systems student at San Diego State University, drawn to the intersection of data, technology, and entrepreneurship. Through SDSU’s ZIP Launchpad, Logan founded a startup focused on sports data analytics and injury prevention, an idea rooted in his background as a multi-sport athlete. He is also involved with the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center, where mentorship and community have shaped his path in the startup space. Outside of work, Logan is an avid hiker, skier, and golfer.
Rylie Jennings
VIP Experiences
Rylie Jennings is the Connector, Programs Executive and Curator for Outspoken Management Group, an events and programs management company based in San Diego, CA. She has curated over 150 events across the U.S and London since 2022 and worked with over 750+ speakers from renowned companies such as Comcast, UBS, Google, SXSW, JP Morgan, BMO, UBS, Microsoft etc.
Tammy Wilson
Event Management
Tammy Wilson has more than ten years’ experience in event planning and began her business, Impact Events Management in May 2020 to help bring her clients peace of mind during a time of so much uncertainty.
Board Members
David Loseke
Board Chair Board Chair and Executive Director, Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Eric Weiss
Vice Chair and Executive Coach at Chaos to Clarity
Maisha Cobb
Treasurer and Managing Director at Mpact International
Jennifer Patel
Secretary and Program Manager, SDSU Lavin Entrepreneurship Center and SDSU San Diego Angel Conference
Marc Barron
Board Member
Cathy Pucher
Chair Emeritus and Executive Director at SDSU Entrepreneurship Initiatives
Kurling Robinson
Board Member
Kurling Robinson is a co-founder, musician and start-up visionary with over 25 years of expertise in software development and entrepreneurship. Kurling’s unique path was woven by the arts (Getty), automotive (Toyota), technology (NetZero), energy (IFS) and the drive to help his fellow man. With his first start-up at age 19, he learned very early that information and responsibility go hand and hand. Leveraging his Computer Science degree from the University of Southern California, Kurling has facilitated many successful companies. With the incubator through USC Viterbi, he acted as an advisor and served on the board for several companies that were funded. He is a venture consultant at the USC Blackstone Launchpad. In collaboration with key partners like Apple, Blackstone, Google and universities, he leads Fōkcus, which uses machine learning to quickly assess entrepreneurs and match them with screened, certified business mentors.
Matthew Sanford
Board Member
Economic development professional with more than 10 years experience in economic development non-profit program management and execution in the San Diego region. Strong relationships with numerous partners, employers, and stakeholders in a variety of industries with an emphasis on leadership, communication, consulting, and strategy development. Passionate about equity, inclusion and finding creative solutions to complex challenges.
Ping wang
Board Member
Working to bridge the realms of science & technology with industry to e& society to effect positive, sustainable, and socially responsible change in the world. To do so, I believe in the power of extraordinary people working in collaborative communities to create innovative solutions.
Caitlin wege
Board Member
Caitlin is an experienced executive and investor fostering growth, connecting ventures, and driving innovation in diverse industries. Caitlin is committed to philanthropy and sustainability and is a Trustee and finance committee member of the Wege Foundation. In addition, as the Chair of the Governance Committee, she ensures effective stewardship of the foundation’s mission, vision, and next generation. Furthering her commitment to creating lasting impact, she is the current Vice Chair of the board at the Ecology Center in Orange County. She is also the vice chair of the advisory board at the ZIP Launchpad, San Diego State University’s business accelerator. By sharing her knowledge and expertise, she actively contributes to the development of future entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of learning and growth.
Cheryl Goodman
Board Member
Producer of AI series for Startup San Diego. Hyper focused on disruptive technologies & have held senior roles ar Sony Global, Qualcomm Technologies, Athena, LindowsOS & Mp3com. I operate FindGood.tech serving clients in AI, Metaverse, battery tech, non-profit & blockchain. Responsible for gov delegations, a capital raise of $200M, media, web, trade-show presence & primary spokesperson articulating deeply technical concepts into easy-to-understand dialogue.
Shirley Yager
Governance Chair and Retired Director, Product Management at Qualcomm
Shirley Yager is a business and market development executive with 20+ years of experience evaluating, quantifying, and validating new markets, business opportunities, and launching high-tech products. Her work results in the generation of new revenue streams, the creation of new business units, and identifying new technology growth areas.
Shirley Yager is a business and market development executive with 20+ years of experience evaluating, quantifying, and validating new markets, business opportunities, and launching high-tech products. Her work results in the generation of new revenue streams, the creation of new business units, and identifying new technology growth areas.
Brand and Marketing Toolkit
Social Media Handles
Follow San Diego Startup Week’s social media channels for updates:
X: x.com/SDStartupWeek
Facebook: facebook.com/sandiegostartupweek
Check out & Follow Startup San Diego’s socials:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/startup-san-diego
Instagram: instagram.com/startupsandiego
x: x.com/StartupSanDiego
Facebook: facebook.com/StartupSD
Use our hashtag when sharing and discussing Startup San Diego’s Startup Week with others: #SDSW2026
Quick Social Media Share Links
Apply to Pitch at San Diego Startup Week
Coming soon
San Diego Startup Week 2026 Brand Guide and Logo
San Diego Startup Week 2026 Marketing Kit
Social Copy for LinkedIn and Instagram:
Join us November 2-6, 2026, and get your tickets for the 14th annual premier startup conference, bringing together 5,000+ attendees, 100+ speakers, 40+ events across 5 days.
If you’re a startup founder, innovator, or curious builder, this is the launchpad for you. Expect a week of keynotes, networking, mentorship, expert panels, workshops, pitch competitions, fireside chats, startup expos, demos, and more!
Get tickets to #SDSW2026 and learn more: sandiegostartupweek.org
#SDSW2026 #StartupSD #WhereStartupsTakeOff
Graphic for LinkedIn/Facebook and X:
Right-click Download or View Here.
Graphic for Instagram:
Right-click Download or View Here.
Speaker Materials and Speakergrams
Coming Soon
Media Mentions & Blogs
SDSW FAQ
Ticket Holders
Where can I find parking for each day?
Day 1: We highly recommend that attendees take the Coaster. The Coaster commuter rail, run by North County Transit District, makes frequent stops between downtown San Diego and Oceanside. Get to Startup week by hopping off at Carlsbad Village coming from Oceanside or board at Union Station downtown and enjoy your trip north to Carlsbad! It’s one of the most scenic train rides around – keep your eyes out for dolphins! For schedules and fares, visit North County Transit District.
We are working with NCTD so folks driving to Startup week can park for free at the Carlsbad Station Parking lot just adjacent to and to the north of the station, paralleling the tracks.
Day 2: Free parking will be available onsite at the Mintz parking garage. Please part at the nearest parking garage from closest to 3580 Carmel Mountain Rd Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92130.
Day 3:
Although public transportation is highly recommended as parking is limited on campus, there are several parking lots near the building for those needing to drive. If you plan to drive to campus, please give yourself plenty of time. You can download the ParkMobile app to pay for your space digitally once you find a spot.
- P510 – Pay and Display, Northside of the DIB (Closest)
- Gilman Parking Structure, Southwest side of the DIB (Largest)
- P506 – Pay and Display, Northside of the DIB
- P504 – Pay and Display, Northside of the DIB
For more information, refer to Transportation Services’ Visitor Parking.
MTS Trolley: All visitors to the DIB are encouraged to use the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System when visiting UC San Diego. The trolley is an excellent option for travel to campus.
- When navigating to the DIB, please utilize the website: MTS – San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (sdmts.com) – Enter your starting location and not your ending location will be (UC San Diego Central Campus Station).
- The trolley does cost $2.50 each way, which means your round trip to and from the DIB should total $5.00.
- There is also a five-story FREE parking garage at the Nobel Drive Station at La Jolla Village Square – 8657 Villa La Jolla Dr. San Diego, CA 92037. You can catch the trolley there, heading north toward UTC/UC San Diego. Just two stops up, the trolley will drop you off at the front of the Design and Innovation Building.
Day 4: Free parking is available in the lot in front of Karl Strauss Brewing. The lot is shared with Karl Strauss so we encourage attendees to arrive as early as possible as parking is on a first-come-first-serve basis. We encourage carpooling and ride-share.
Day 5: Free parking at parking structure 7, right next to the Parma Payne Alumni center.
What’s included in the regular ticket?
The regular ticket includes 5-day general entry to conference & experiences. The general ticket does NOT include any food & bev. There is a general ticket with food and beverages included for each day.
Are there group discounts?
We offer a 30% community partner discount. See the list of our community partners and get the appropriate discount code from them.
Are refunds available?
No, please email [email protected] if you would like to transfer your ticket.
Are there high school student discounts?
Yes, please email us at [email protected] to get your high school student discount.
Speaker Questions
Do I have to use the speaker template?
Yes, it is preferred.
Will parking and ticket be provided?
Yes parking will be TBD.
Will I receive a complimentary ticket?
Yes
Where can I find parking for each day?
Day 1: We highly recommend that attendees take the Coaster. The Coaster commuter rail, run by North County Transit District, makes frequent stops between downtown San Diego and Oceanside. Get to Startup week by hopping off at Carlsbad Village coming from Oceanside or board at Union Station downtown and enjoy your trip north to Carlsbad! It’s one of the most scenic train rides around – keep your eyes out for dolphins! For schedules and fares, visit North County Transit District.
We are working with NCTD so folks driving to Startup week can park for free at the Carlsbad Station Parking lot just adjacent to and to the north of the station, paralleling the tracks.
Day 2: Free parking will be available onsite at the Mintz parking garage. Please part at the nearest parking garage from closest to 3580 Carmel Mountain Rd Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92130.
Day 3:
Although public transportation is highly recommended as parking is limited on campus, there are several parking lots near the building for those needing to drive. If you plan to drive to campus, please give yourself plenty of time. You can download the ParkMobile app to pay for your space digitally once you find a spot.
- P510 – Pay and Display, Northside of the DIB (Closest)
- Gilman Parking Structure, Southwest side of the DIB (Largest)
- P506 – Pay and Display, Northside of the DIB
- P504 – Pay and Display, Northside of the DIB
For more information, refer to Transportation Services’ Visitor Parking.
MTS Trolley: All visitors to the DIB are encouraged to use the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System when visiting UC San Diego. The trolley is an excellent option for travel to campus.
- When navigating to the DIB, please utilize the website: MTS – San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (sdmts.com) – Enter your starting location and not your ending location will be (UC San Diego Central Campus Station).
- The trolley does cost $2.50 each way, which means your round trip to and from the DIB should total $5.00.
- There is also a five-story FREE parking garage at the Nobel Drive Station at La Jolla Village Square – 8657 Villa La Jolla Dr. San Diego, CA 92037. You can catch the trolley there, heading north toward UTC/UC San Diego. Just two stops up, the trolley will drop you off at the front of the Design and Innovation Building.
Day 4: Free parking is available in the lot in front of Karl Strauss Brewing. The lot is shared with Karl Strauss so we encourage attendees to arrive as early as possible as parking is on a first-come-first-serve basis. We encourage carpooling and ride-share.
Day 5: Free parking at parking structure 7, right next to the Parma Payne Alumni center.
Expo Questions
When do we set up for Day 1 and Day 4 of Expo Nights?
Coming Soon
Where can I find parking for each day?
Day 1: We highly recommend that attendees take the Coaster. The Coaster commuter rail, run by North County Transit District, makes frequent stops between downtown San Diego and Oceanside. Get to Startup week by hopping off at Carlsbad Village coming from Oceanside or board at Union Station downtown and enjoy your trip north to Carlsbad! It’s one of the most scenic train rides around – keep your eyes out for dolphins! For schedules and fares, visit North County Transit District.
We are working with NCTD so folks driving to Startup week can park for free at the Carlsbad Station Parking lot just adjacent to and to the north of the station, paralleling the tracks.
Day 2: Free parking will be available onsite at the Mintz parking garage. Please part at the nearest parking garage from closest to 3580 Carmel Mountain Rd Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92130.
Day 3:
Although public transportation is highly recommended as parking is limited on campus, there are several parking lots near the building for those needing to drive. If you plan to drive to campus, please give yourself plenty of time. You can download the ParkMobile app to pay for your space digitally once you find a spot.
- P510 – Pay and Display, Northside of the DIB (Closest)
- Gilman Parking Structure, Southwest side of the DIB (Largest)
- P506 – Pay and Display, Northside of the DIB
- P504 – Pay and Display, Northside of the DIB
For more information, refer to Transportation Services’ Visitor Parking.
MTS Trolley: All visitors to the DIB are encouraged to use the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System when visiting UC San Diego. The trolley is an excellent option for travel to campus.
- When navigating to the DIB, please utilize the website: MTS – San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (sdmts.com) – Enter your starting location and not your ending location will be (UC San Diego Central Campus Station).
- The trolley does cost $2.50 each way, which means your round trip to and from the DIB should total $5.00.
- There is also a five-story FREE parking garage at the Nobel Drive Station at La Jolla Village Square – 8657 Villa La Jolla Dr. San Diego, CA 92037. You can catch the trolley there, heading north toward UTC/UC San Diego. Just two stops up, the trolley will drop you off at the front of the Design and Innovation Building.
Day 4: Free parking is available in the lot in front of Karl Strauss Brewing. The lot is shared with Karl Strauss so we encourage attendees to arrive as early as possible as parking is on a first-come-first-serve basis. We encourage carpooling and ride-share.
Day 5: Free parking at parking structure 7, right next to the Parma Payne Alumni center.
Will there be charging stations be provided?
Plugin capabilities is TBD.
Will a table be provided?
Yes and a table cloth.
Is there wifi available onsite?
Yes
Community Partners & Hosts
