Washington, D.C. – As the nation’s capital gears up for the DMV’s most anticipated innovation summit, Bay Atlantic University (BAU) is proud to announce its return to DC Startup & Tech Week (DCSTW) 2026 for the second consecutive year.
Taking place across Washington, D.C., from October 19–23, 2026, DCSTW convenes thousands of founders, investors, engineers, and tech pioneers. Building on the momentum of last year’s experience, BAU is expanding its presence and deepening its commitment to the local tech ecosystem by actively sponsoring student participation and fostering real-world entrepreneurial pathways.
Deepening Campus-to-Ecosystem Connections
DC Startup & Tech Week represents the heartbeat of the regional startup ecosystem, featuring high-stakes pitch competitions, hands-on workshops in artificial intelligence and product design, and curated networking forums. For BAU students, returning for year two transforms theoretical classroom coursework into tangible industry engagement.
“Learning startup mechanics, software architecture, and venture development from a textbook provides the foundation,” said Dr. Michelle Landa, BAU’s Chief Academic Officer. “However, placing our students in the same room with active founders, angel investors, and engineers building the next wave of technology turns that theory into career-defining confidence. Our second year at DCSTW reinforces our strategic mission to make Washington, D.C., an extension of our campus.”
Strengthening Student Access & Support
To ensure students can take full advantage of DCSTW 2026, BAU has expanded its institutional backing through targeted experiential learning initiatives:
- Sponsored Access & Registration: The university is subsidizing and facilitating student passes, removing financial hurdles so emerging builders and business students can attend key summits and partner activations.
- Curated Track Mentorship: Faculty and student advisors have prepared targeted itineraries across core DCSTW tracks, including AI & Emerging Tech, Growth-Stage Startups, and Tech Careers, helping students focus on sessions that directly match their academic and career goals.
- Networking & Pitch Preparation: Ahead of the conference, BAU student organizations and campus hubs hosted prep sessions on elevator pitching, portfolio presentation, and professional networking in venture-backed settings.
A Long-Term Commitment to the DMV Community
BAU’s continued engagement with DCSTW is part of a broader vision: actively investing in the economic and technological growth of the District. By cultivating relationships with local incubators, venture capital funds, and early-stage companies, BAU serves as both a pipeline for international and domestic tech talent and an active collaborator in community initiatives.
Throughout the week of October 19–23, BAU students and staff will participate across venues in downtown D.C., attending keynotes, supporting regional startup showcases, and building partnerships that will carry forward into campus initiatives, hackathons, and research projects throughout the academic year.
