Emerging Technology Conference

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 →

500+

Innovators, founders and technology leaders

attended ETC in 2025

250+

Companies and organizations

represented across the region

1 in 4

Executives, founders and decision-makers

among ETC attendees

50%

Startup organizations

with the full innovation ecosystem represented

40%enterprise and large institutions

10%mid-market organizations

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.

EXPLORE THE 2025 SPEAKER LINEUP →

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.

AI & Data Systems

Artificial intelligence, analytics, autonomy, data infrastructure, and applied digital systems.

Industry 4.0 (AM2)

Additive manufacturing, advanced materials, automation, robotics, smart factories, and industrial transformation.

Health & Bio Innovation

Biotechnology, medtech, healthcare systems, diagnostics, and life sciences innovation.

Energy, Agriculture & Infrastructure

Energy systems, utilities, agtech, logistics, climate resilience, and infrastructure modernization.

Venture & Ecosystem

Entrepreneurship, venture capital, commercialization, policy, economic development, and innovation ecosystems.

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.

Best Value

RBTC Member

$ 200

Early Bird registration

Standard member pricing: $275

Members must request their unique member code and enter it at checkout to receive discounted pricing.

GET MEMBER CODE → REGISTER AS A MEMBER →

General Admission

Non-Member

$ 275

Early Bird registration

Standard non-member pricing: $325

Early Bird pricing ends September 24, 2026. Applicable rates are confirmed during registration checkout.

Attendees gathering at the Emerging Technology Conference

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 14, 2026

Notifications

September 11, 2026

Session Formats

Keynotes, Panels, Breakouts, Workshops, Roundtables

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL →

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

By Air

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is just 5 miles from the hotel, roughly a 10-minute drive. Find flights and car rentals →

By Car

From I-81, take exit 143 to I-581 South, then exit 5. Follow signs to Hotel Roanoke’s main entrance on Shenandoah Avenue.

Parking

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.

Presenting Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

Ken Gall

Stay tuned for more speaker and agenda updates.