By Ethan Brooks | March 24, 2026
While the big conferences get the headlines, the regional ones like Venture Connect are where the real deals still get done. I’ll be on the ground in North Carolina tomorrow — here’s what I’m watching.
Venture Connect 2026, hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), returns March 24–25 at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) in Durham, NC. Now in its 42nd year, this is widely regarded as the #1 capital conference in the Carolinas and a premier gathering for scaling tech and biotech startups in the Southeast.
Founders, operators, investors, and thought leaders will converge for two days of company pitches, workshops, networking, and meaningful connections aimed at accelerating growth and securing capital. The spotlight this year falls on four key themes: Next-Gen Hardware & Deep Tech, Software Innovation, Human Health (Biotech, Tools & Therapeutics), and Science for a Healthier Planet.
Why Climate-Tech and Agentic AI Are Dominating the Buzz
In a year when venture funding remains selective, two areas are quietly commanding attention at Venture Connect NC 2026: climate tech (under the “Science for a Healthier Planet” track) and agentic AI systems that go beyond chatbots to take autonomous action.
Climate-tech funding has shown resilience even as overall VC has tightened. Investors are shifting toward execution-focused solutions that address surging electricity demand from AI data centers, grid modernization, advanced energy storage, and climate adaptation technologies. Early 2026 data points to continued interest in AI-powered grid optimization, low-carbon infrastructure, and hardware that makes clean energy more reliable and scalable.
At the same time, agentic AI — autonomous AI agents capable of planning, executing multi-step workflows, and integrating with physical systems — is emerging as a high-ROI category. Founders combining agentic intelligence with climate or energy applications (think AI agents optimizing virtual power plants, predictive maintenance for renewable assets, or autonomous demand-response systems) are drawing serious investor interest because they deliver measurable outcomes rather than hype.
Several presenting startups are expected to showcase exactly these intersections: deep-tech hardware for cleaner energy systems, software platforms using agentic AI for efficiency gains, and solutions that tackle real-world planetary challenges while riding the AI wave.
This convergence makes perfect sense in the current market. Capital is concentrating in AI-native and vertically integrated technologies, yet climate tech remains a strategic priority for both financial and corporate investors seeking long-term impact and defensibility.
What to Expect at Venture Connect 2026
- Startup Pitches: Dozens of carefully selected companies will take the DPAC stage, including multiple NC State-affiliated ventures. The full lineup spans hardware, software, biotech, and climate/planetary solutions.
- Themed Sessions & Workshops: Practical discussions on fundraising in a selective environment, scaling deep-tech innovations, and building resilient business models.
- Networking That Matters: Unlike massive events where connections feel superficial, Venture Connect is built for high-quality intros between founders seeking capital and investors hunting for the next breakout in the Southeast ecosystem.
- Regional Strength: The Triangle’s robust university and research base (Duke, UNC, NC State) continues to feed strong pipelines in deep tech and science-driven startups.
For founders, it’s a chance to refine their story in front of seasoned Southeast investors. For investors, it’s an efficient way to scout deals that might otherwise fly under the radar.
Broader Context: Startup Events March 2026
Venture Connect fits into a busy March 2026 calendar of startup activity, but its regional focus and emphasis on capital formation set it apart. While national events chase glamour, this one delivers grounded conversations about traction, unit economics, and path to scale — exactly what’s needed when funding favors proven execution over vision alone.
I’m particularly excited to see how climate-tech founders address the intersection with AI energy demand, and how agentic AI startups demonstrate real autonomy in enterprise or infrastructure settings.
If you’re attending, look for me on the floor or at the various networking mixers — happy to connect and hear what you’re most excited about.
What trends are you betting on for the rest of 2026 — climate tech resilience, agentic AI dominance, or something else entirely? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and if you’re heading to Durham this week, let’s link up.
Ethan Brooks covers startup ecosystems, climate tech, AI innovation, and mobility for vFuture Media. Follow for on-the-ground reporting from key events.
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