Buffalo Startup Week
April 16-23, 2026
Buffalo Startup Week is a week-long celebration of founders, funders, operators and community builders shaping the future of Buffalo’s startup ecosystem. Through panels, workshops, networking events and community moments, the week connects startups with the capital, talent and resources needed to grow.
Panasci Finals
Thursday, April 16 – 4:30-7:30pm
Center for the Arts, Mainstage
Kick off the week by attending the Panasci Technology Entrepreneurship Competition (Panasci TEC) Finals, where UB student startup teams take the stage to pitch their business ideas live. Hosted by UB’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory, the event showcases innovative ventures from students across all academic disciplines and highlights the next generation of entrepreneurs in Western New York. Come watch five finalist teams compete for $75,000 in startup funding and business services, including a top prize of $25,000.
Buffalo Startup Weekend
Friday-Sunday, April 17-19
UB CBLS, 701 Ellicott Street, Buffalo
Buffalo Startup Weekend presented by WNY48 is an exciting 48-hour innovation event where creative thinkers, makers and entrepreneurs come together to pitch ideas, form teams and build real products or prototypes with expert mentorship and support, culminating in a final demo and feedback session — all designed to help participants gain skills, connect with collaborators and contribute to Western New York’s growing innovation community.
Day 1 – Ecosystem and Capital
Tuesday, April 21
9:00am-1:00pm – Seneca One, 1 Seneca St, Buffalo
Ecosystem and investor-focused content to launch the week.
- What's New, What's Next: Delivering Ecosystem-wide Clarity
- Investing Where Others Aren't
- Becoming a Villian: Getting Venture Returns from "Too Small" Markets
- From "X" to What's Next: Operator Stories
- Right to Invest Live Reverse Pitch Podcast
Day 2 – Founder Day
Wednesday, April 22
UB CBLS, 701 Ellicott Street, Buffalo
"Take out your notebook" content for active founders
- Scaling from Buffalo to the Cloud
- Legal for Founders and Emerging Managers
- CPG in the "No-VC" Zone
- From Founder to Exit and Back Again
- From 0 to Term Sheet: How Early-Stage Investors Decide
- Go-to-Market, Brand and Demand: Hands-On Marketing Workshop
Day 3 – Close and Celebration
Thursday, April 23
12:00-4:00pm – Seneca One, 1 Seneca St, Buffalo
Half day wrap-up including keynote from Buffalo's investing athletes
- Placemaking: How Innovation Districts Transform Cities
- Designing the Next Decade of Buffalo's Innovation Districts
- Female Founders from Buffalo to Big Box Shelves
- Keynote: From the Field to the Cap Table
After party at Other Half Brewing
WNY Startup Open Mic Night
Thursday, April 23
Third Space Café, 777 Main Street
Familiar faces from WNY’s startup community taking the stage to entertain and perform!
Ready to partner with us?
Contact Sophia Marshall, Senior Program Manager of Startup Ventures, at [email protected] to discuss how your organization can support Buffalo Startup Week.
Latest News
2026 Buffalo Startup Week
43North Bus Tour
Welcome Sophia Marshall
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The University at Buffalo serves as the managing entity for WIN, a NYSTAR Innovation Hot Spot. |
