November 19–20, 2026 | Roanoke, VA | Hotel Roanoke
ETC 2026 is the Roanoke-Blacksburg region’s premier stage for the work happening at the growing edge of technology and life sciences. Each November, RBTC convenes the founders, researchers, investors and leaders shaping what comes next across AI, healthcare innovation, advanced manufacturing, energy, ag, infrastructure and venture.
Come find the people, ideas and solutions that move your work forward.
RBTC members receive discounted conference registration.
Get your member discount code →
Innovators, founders and technology leaders
attended ETC in 2025
Companies and organizations
represented across the region
Executives, founders and decision-makers
among ETC attendees
Startup organizations
with the full innovation ecosystem represented
Featured Keynote Speaker
Ken Gall
Serial MedTech Entrepreneur, Duke Professor & Pioneer in 3D-Printed Biomaterials
Ken Gall has spent his career turning breakthrough materials science into life-changing medical technologies. As a professor at Duke University and one of the nation’s leading MedTech entrepreneurs, he has helped launch companies that have transformed orthopedic care through advanced biomaterials, patient-specific implants and additive manufacturing.
Read Full Biography
Ken Gall is a tenured Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Orthopedic Surgery at Duke University and an active entrepreneur in the medical device space. He received his BS, MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois. His expertise is in engineering design and materials science, with a particular emphasis on the creation, modification, understanding and commercialization of synthetic biomaterials.
His academic research has been cited approximately 27,000 times with an H-index of 87. He has co-founded 10 companies and served as a director of 15 early-stage ventures.
His startup companies have been acquired through five transactions: Vertera by NuVasive, MedShape by CONMED, MedShape by Enovis, Kinos by restor3d and InnAVasc by W. L. Gore.
One of his companies, restor3d, has acquired Kinos, Nushoco and Conformis. Since spinning out of Duke in 2017, restor3d has grown into a private orthopedic company with anticipated 2026 revenue of $105 million.
More Announcements Coming Soon
Stay tuned for more speaker and agenda updates.
Additional keynote speakers, breakout sessions and agenda announcements will be released throughout the summer and fall as we build the ETC 2026 program.
Conference Tracks
Explore the Conversations Shaping Tomorrow
These six tracks anchor the ETC 2026 agenda with technologies, industries, and ideas driving what’s next across our region. Explore where you’ll find real conversations for your work.
01
AI & Data Systems
Artificial intelligence, analytics, autonomy, data infrastructure, and applied digital systems.
02
Industry 4.0 (AM2)
Additive manufacturing, advanced materials, automation, robotics, smart factories, and industrial transformation.
03
Health & Bio Innovation
Biotechnology, medtech, healthcare systems, diagnostics, and life sciences innovation.
04
Energy, Agriculture & Infrastructure
Energy systems, utilities, agtech, logistics, climate resilience, and infrastructure modernization.
05
Venture & Ecosystem
Entrepreneurship, venture capital, commercialization, policy, economic development, and innovation ecosystems.
06
Talent & Professional Development
Explore the skills, leadership, workforce strategies, and career development shaping the future of technology and innovation.
Registration
Join Us at ETC 2026
Reserve your place at Roanoke Blacksburg’s premier gathering for emerging technology and life sciences. Register early for the best available rate.
Register by September 24, 2026 to save with Early Bird pricing.
Best Value
RBTC Member
Early Bird registration
Standard member pricing: $275
Members must request their unique member code and enter it at checkout to receive discounted pricing.
General Admission
Non-Member
Early Bird registration
Standard non-member pricing: $325
Register now to secure Early Bird pricing before the September 24 deadline.
Early Bird pricing ends September 24, 2026. Applicable rates are confirmed during registration checkout.
Two days of ideas, connections, and conversations shaping what comes next.
ETC 2026
Something big is happening here. Be part of it.
We’re building sessions that explore the innovations, ideas, and collaborations transforming our region and beyond. Come showcase what you’re building, engage with what others are advancing, and be part of the conversations driving what comes next. We welcome proposals from:
✔ Industry leaders
✔ Practitioners
✔ Founders and operators
✔ Educators
✔ Researchers
✔ Investors and ecosystem builders
NOW OPEN
2026 Call for Proposals
Proposal Deadline
August 21, 2026
Notifications
September 11, 2026
Session Formats
Keynotes, Panels, Breakouts, Workshops, Roundtables
Venue
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
110 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24016
A Tudor-style hotel built in 1882 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hotel Roanoke sits in the heart of downtown Roanoke with 63,000 square feet of conference space, steps from the Taubman Museum of Art.
Book Your Room →We recommend Hotel Roanoke for attendees traveling in from outside the region. A discounted ETC room block will be posted here once available.
Getting Here
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is just 5 miles from the hotel, roughly a 10-minute drive. Find flights and car rentals →
From I-81, take exit 143 to I-581 South, then exit 5. Follow signs to Hotel Roanoke’s main entrance on Shenandoah Avenue.
Self-parking and valet are available on-site.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
ETC 2026 happens because organizations across Roanoke-Blacksburg choose to invest in what comes next.
