powered by the Western New York Incubator Network (WIN)
Buffalo Startup Week is a 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.
Talent Track
April 15-19, 2026
43North Career Fair
WEDNEsday, April 15
Seneca One, 1 Seneca Street
The only career fair in Buffalo dedicated to connecting talent with the city’s fastest-growing startups and tech companies. Meet recruiters, hiring managers, and startup founders who are actively hiring across a wide range of roles—from engineering and product to marketing, operations, and sales.
Whether you're looking to break into tech, join a startup, or find your next big opportunity, this is the perfect way to kick off Buffalo Startup Week.
Panasci Finals
Thursday, April 16
UB Center for the Arts, Mainstage
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 WNY. 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
Fri-Sun, 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
9:00am-4:00pm – 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 - Keynote 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!
Agenda subject to change.
Interested in hosting an event during Buffalo Startup Week?
We’re encouraging community partners to host complementary events that align with Startup Week’s mission during select windows. Event formats can include happy hours, founder dinners, panels, workshops, open houses, or other experiences that serve founders, operators, investors and the broader startup ecosystem.