RAMP

Morning Jolt with WoTech
2026-01-21 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-03-18 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-04-15 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-05-20 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-06-17 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-07-15 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-08-19 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-09-16 08:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | Virginia
Come join your village of women in technology for a morning jolt of real talk. We’re hosting these every month to help us make connections and have casual conversations covering various topics about jobs, mentor requests, and everything in between. There is no judgment, come as you are, liquids in the cup are optional, jump in when you can.
Morning Jolt is being held online until further notice. Register once to get the zoom link.
This meeting occurs on the third Wednesday of the month. Networking from 8 AM – 8:15 AM. Programming begins at 8:15 AM.

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RBTC's AI Decoded
2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00 | QCowork Coworking Space, 105 Roanoke Street East, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24060-3909, United States
Get ready to dive headfirst into the world of artificial intelligence at RBTC’s AI Decoded—where innovation meets inspiration. This isn’t your average tech talk—we’re breaking down AI in a way that’s exciting, approachable, and packed with practical insights.
It’s no secret that AI is imperfect: models hallucinate incorrect facts, perpetuate historical bias, and can even make decisions with disastrous real-world consequences. Yet the sheer power of AI for interpreting the world around us demands a way to extract real insight from systems we know will sometimes be wrong.
As it turns out, we’ve solved this problem before. Humans—imperfect, biased, and error-prone—have long been embedded in systems that nonetheless produce reliable outcomes. In this talk, Eric Pauley will explore why AI models make mistakes, why they won’t be perfect any time soon, and how the same principles that make human-centered systems safe can help us build secure, reliable AI-powered systems.
Whether you’re AI-curious or already in the game, you’ll be in great company with a community of forward-thinkers who are just as fired up as you are.
Let’s decode the hype—and the opportunity—together.

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Ecosystem Navigator Office Hours
2026-03-10 00:00 - 23:59, 2026-03-24 00:00 - 23:59, 2026-04-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Virginia
Book a 30 minute 1-on-1 session for any tech or life sciences innovators that would like support in the region or would like to learn more about the entrepreneur support resources available across the region.
You can book a 1-on-1 meeting to get guidance and introductions.
These sessions are available on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.
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RBTC's AI Decoded
2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:00 | QCowork Coworking Space, 105 Roanoke Street East, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24060-3909, United States
Get ready to dive headfirst into the world of artificial intelligence at RBTC’s AI Decoded—where innovation meets inspiration. This isn’t your average tech talk—we’re breaking down AI in a way that’s exciting, approachable, and packed with practical insights.
This month, join Doug Turpin as he discusses “Where Physical Security Meets Cybersecurity.”Discover how AI is changing the way organizations protect people, places, and business operations.
Whether you’re AI-curious or already in the game, you’ll be in great company with a community of forward-thinkers who are just as fired up as you are.
Let’s decode the hype—and the opportunity—together.
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Beer & Biotech at Big Lick Brewing Company
2026-03-18 16:30 - 18:30 | Big Lick Brewing Company, 409 Salem Avenue Southwest, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016-3613, United States
Beer & Biotech is an RBTC signature series which pairs in-depth, technical conversation with delicious, locally-brewed beverages. Join us at Big Lick Brewing Company in downtown Roanoke.
Beer & Biotech takes place on the third Wednesday of each month. Come enjoy a beer and biotech conversation. Free parking is available on-site. Enjoy networking from 4:30 to 5:15p and the speaker will begin at 5:15p.
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IT Security Forum: Hands on Security Capture The Flag
2026-03-31 17:00 - 21:00 | New River Community College S.T.E.M. Campus, 782 New River Road Northwest, Christiansburg, Virginia, 24073, United States
IT-Security Professionals Capture the Flag!

This year, the RBTC IT-Security Forum CTF is on Tuesday, March 31st, after work from 5:30 – 9pm!
Are you ready to hack?!?

Whether you’re a gray-beard IT-Professional, a read-team Cyber Pentester, or a green IT-Security n00b — if you love hands on IT-Security, then this Capture the Flag event is for you! Our Jeopardy -Style CTF is the #1 professional Cybersecurity in the ROA/NRV area that attracts the hottest regional Sys-Admin/IT/Network-security and Pentester professionals, and is created and run by the Virginia Cyber Range.

Agenda:
5:00 – Arrivals, food, networking
5:30 – Official start time, announcements, agenda
5:45 – Sponsor microphone
6pm – CTF start time
9pm – CTF end time
9:15 – awards, photos

This year we’re moving the event to the Christiansburg New River Community College (mall) STEM campus. Our CTF features tongue-in-cheek “Hollywood-hacker” style mood lighting, pumping electronica background music, food, drinks and $1,000 in IT-Professional themed IT-Security prizes. You don’t want to miss this once-a-year regional IT-Pro event! A GREAT place to network with IT-Security professionals in a fun environment.

Our Jeopardy-style, 3hr, hands on hacking CTF itself is loaded with brand-new challenges from classic cybersecurity categories such as Cryptography, Recon, Reverse Engineering, and cool new Web challenges!.. as well as our super fun “IRL” (in-real-life) challenges that includes physical RFID/RF sniffing, network/portscan challenges and more!

Gear To Bring:
We provide the tables and power strips, but you need to minimally bring your laptop and power supply. We also have a number of high-point-value “IRL” (in real life) physical challenges.. but if you want to solve these hands-on challenges, it will benefit you bring/acquire any of the following to really rack up some big-time points.

Flipper Zero/RTL-SDR(or equiv) RFID/RF sniffers,
WiFi sniffing adapters (sniffing only, no attacks or brute force/WiFi Pineapple type devices please)
USB/UART adapter (for sniffing physical devices (with wires! :))
USB Logic Analyzers (moar wires!)

You can solve most of these challenges on Windows/Mac based laptops, but Linux or a pentesting distro like Kali Linux or Parrot OS will come in super handy.

Our Favorite Networking Challenge Returns!
The infamous Portscan LED Matrix is back!

(will be a different pattern this year)

Our LED Matrix, port scanning challenge, is always a high stress crowd pleaser. Jump through some hoops to get ssh’d in to connect and get whitelisted, then port scan only the blue LEDs (no red) and that pops the main flag and sets off spinning red lights, getting you some BIG points on the scoreboard!.. To prepare, you really need to know how to work with ssh keys, and beef up on your port scans kung-fu (see this live successful scan video here).

To RSVP, watch for our event listing on the RBTC site here: https://www.rbtc.tech/calendar/category/rbtc-events/it-security-forum/

Come join us, play the CTF, have fun and learn something new!

P.S. For a itemized listing of the $1,000 in IT-Security prizes, stay tuned to the RBTC [Security-Announce] mail list here.

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners

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Meet the Cohort
2026-04-02 17:00 - 19:30 | Shenandoah Club, 24 Franklin Road Southeast, Roanoke, Virginia, 24011, United States
RAMP will host a “Meet the Cohort,” open to the public, on April 2 at 5 p.m. at The Shenandoah Club in Roanoke for members of the community to meet the RAMP In Residence participants. The Spring 2026 Cohort will conclude their RAMP In Residence experience with “Demo Day,” at the end of the program, when the entrepreneurs will present their companies to the region’s business leaders and investors.
Meet the Cohort is presented by Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and National Bank of Blacksburg.
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RBTC's AI Decoded
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | QCowork Coworking Space, 105 Roanoke Street East, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24060-3909, United States
Get ready to dive headfirst into the world of artificial intelligence at RBTC’s AI Decoded—where innovation meets inspiration. This isn’t your average tech talk—we’re breaking down AI in a way that’s exciting, approachable, and packed with practical insights.
This month, join us for a conversation with Uma Marques, Director of Information Technology for Roanoke County, as she presents “How Local Governments Are Using AI to Improve Public Services.” Uma will explore how local governments are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance public services, strengthen cybersecurity efforts, and support the development of smarter, more connected communities. She will also discuss how AI is shaping the future of Smart Cities and transforming how local governments serve their residents.
Whether you’re AI-curious or already in the game, you’ll be in great company with a community of forward-thinkers who are just as fired up as you are.
Let’s decode the hype—and the opportunity—together.
REGISTER NOW

Beer & Biotech at Big Lick Brewing Company
2026-04-15 16:30 - 18:30 | Big Lick Brewing Company, 409 Salem Avenue Southwest, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016-3613, United States
Beer & Biotech is an RBTC signature series which pairs in-depth, technical conversation with delicious, locally-brewed beverages. Join us at Big Lick Brewing Company in downtown Roanoke for our next Beer & Biotech as we welcome Shannon Allen Whiles, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Lytic Biotechnologies.
Dr. Allen is leading groundbreaking work to transform how biologic medicines are delivered. Her company is developing an innovative platform that engineers bacteriophages to produce therapeutic proteins directly in the gut, opening the door for biologic treatments that can be taken orally instead of through injections.
Dr. Allen will share insights into the science behind this emerging technology, the challenges of translating cutting-edge research into real-world therapies, and the journey of building a biotech startup from the lab to the clinic.
Come grab a drink, connect with the local innovation community, and hear how biotechnology breakthroughs happening right here in Roanoke could change the future of medicine.
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Beer & Biotech takes place on the third Wednesday of each month. Come enjoy a beer and biotech conversation. Free parking is available on-site. Enjoy networking from 4:30 to 5:15p and the speaker will begin at 5:15p.
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WoTech Power Hour: Recovery & Networking
2026-04-20 16:30 - 18:30 | Renew & Restore Wellness, 2401 S Main St., Blacksburg, Virginia, 24060, United States
Looking for a networking event that’s actually good for you? Join your WoTech community at Renew & Restore Wellness for an evening that prioritizes both professional connections and personal well-being. Experience three recovery therapies used by pro athletes (normally $120) for just $25, while connecting with other incredible women in tech. It’s networking, elevated.
Limited spots available, so secure your spot now!
Register Here

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RAMP Pitch & Polish
2026-04-28 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Virginia
Pitch & Polish clinics provide a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a team of regional mentors who want to help them polish their presentation, provide feedback on their business model, and connect them with the resources they need to grow.
These are private events with one company at a time pitching their business idea to a regional group of mentors with expertise ranging anywhere from banking, legal services, entrepreneurship, and more. Each participant receives a 25 minute time slot – the first 10-15 minutes to pitch and the remaining time for questions and feedback.
Participants will have the opportunity to:

Have a private pitch session with regional, industry-expert mentors
Receive feedback on business idea
Polish presentation
Connect to resources in the region

Spots will fill up, so register ASAP!
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TechNite 2026
2026-05-07 17:00 - 22:00 | Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Avenue Northeast, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016-2025, United States
TechNite, powered by Woods Rogers, is the annual celebration of the Roanoke-Blacksburg region’s technology community. The evening brings together 500+ attendees to celebrate leaders, innovators, and companies driving the region’s tech-based economy forward. This year we celebrate 26 years of this incredible event. Attendees can expect an evening like never before, with a special program recognizing award winners and innovators in the ecosystem from the past 26 years!
Here’s what to expect:

Special evening at the exclusive Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke
Dinner and drinks provided by Hotel Roanoke
26th Anniversary Hall of Fame inductions
Hart of the Entrepreneur Endowment Honoree
Live entertainment and more!
Attire: Semi-Formal

Award Categories Include:

RBTC Hall of Fame
Hart of the Entrepreneur Impact Award & Endowment
STEM-H Educator Award
K-12 STEM-H Educator Award
Rising Star in Technology Award
Rising Star in Biotechnology Award
Innovator Award
Regional Leadership Award
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Leading Small Tech Company
Leading Large Tech Company

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RBTC's AI Decoded
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 | QCowork Coworking Space, 105 Roanoke Street East, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24060-3909, United States
Get ready to dive headfirst into the world of artificial intelligence at RBTC’s AI Decoded—where innovation meets inspiration. This isn’t your average tech talk—we’re breaking down AI in a way that’s exciting, approachable, and packed with practical insights.

This month, our featured speaker, Dayal Bhagat, will present on “Phishing Awareness in the Age of AI-Generated Attacks.”

Whether you’re AI-curious or already in the game, you’ll be in great company with a community of forward-thinkers who are just as fired up as you are.
Let’s decode the hype—and the opportunity—together.
REGISTER NOW

Beer & Biotech at Roanoke Biotech Hub
2026-05-20 16:30 - 18:30 | Roanoke Biotech Hub, 1030 South Jefferson Street, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016-4418, United States
Join the region’s biotech community for an exclusive sneak peek inside the NEW Roanoke Biotech Hub in downtown Roanoke. This special event will feature guided tours of the Innovation Studio, giving you a firsthand look at the cutting-edge lab and collaboration spaces where the next wave of innovation will be born.
This is more than just a new building—it’s a launchpad for researchers, startups, and industry partners working to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. The Roanoke Biotech Hub is designed to support and accelerate commercialization while building a strong, vibrant talent pipeline for emerging and growing life sciences companies.
RBIA’s Innovation Studio was thoughtfully created to spark deep collaboration among life sciences entrepreneurs and commercialization partners, making it the beating heart of our region’s biotech ecosystem. By bringing innovators together under one roof, the Hub is poised to become the epicenter of transformative ideas, breakthrough conversations, and game-changing discoveries.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be among the first to step inside—and see where Roanoke’s biotech future is taking shape.
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Beer & Biotech takes place on the third Wednesday of each month. Come enjoy Schaals Catering and great conversation in the NEW Roanoke Biotech Hub in downtown Roanoke. Free parking is available on-site. Enjoy networking from 4:30 to 5:15p and the speakers will begin at 5:15p.
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RAMP Spring Demo Day
2026-06-04 17:00 - 20:00 | The Highlander Hotel, 604 Tyler Avenue, Radford, Virginia, 24141-5311, United States
Join us for an exciting night of networking, pitching, and celebrating our Spring 2026 Cohort!
Hear from each of our RAMP Spring 2026 Cohort startups as they share their pitch live on stage. Doors will open at 5:00 pm and programming is to begin at 5:30 pm.
RAMP Spring 2026 Cohort:

AdaptivXR – Developing extended reality (XR) software to measure and improve operational readiness for universities and public safety organizations.
Helix Hydrogen, Inc. – Working to optimize clean hydrogen production by solving problems of efficiency, affordability and scalability.
Randao.net – Creating a secure, cost-efficient random number generator through a decentralized randomness protocol.
S1P Therapeutics – Cultivating a small-molecule therapy that can modulate immune signaling pathways with the intent to treat chronic kidney diseases and other serious conditions.
Vectorial Corporation – Developing brand new gene therapies for restoring heart function and vitality to heart failure patients.

In celebration of Demo Day and this cohort’s completion of the RAMP Program, we invite you to stay for our reception immediately following the cohort pitches.
The Spring 2026 Demo Day is supported thanks to the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation’s (VIPC) Regional Innovation Fund (RIF), a GO Virginia Strengthening Entrepreneurs’ Impact Grant, and an EDA Economic Adjustment Grant.

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RBTC's AI Decoded
2026-06-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-10 18:00 - 20:00 | QCowork Coworking Space, 105 Roanoke Street East, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24060-3909, United States
Get ready to dive headfirst into the world of artificial intelligence at RBTC’s AI Decoded—where innovation meets inspiration. This isn’t your average tech talk—we’re breaking down AI in a way that’s exciting, approachable, and packed with practical insights.
Whether you’re AI-curious or already in the game, you’ll be in great company with a community of forward-thinkers who are just as fired up as you are.
Let’s decode the hype—and the opportunity—together.
REGISTER NOW

Beer & Biotech at Roanoke Biotech Hub
2026-06-17 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-08-19 16:30 - 18:30 | Roanoke Biotech Hub, 1030 South Jefferson Street, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016-4418, United States
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Beer & Biotech takes place on the third Wednesday of each month. Come enjoy Schaals Catering and great conversation in the NEW Roanoke Biotech Hub in downtown Roanoke. Free parking is available on-site. Enjoy networking from 4:30 to 5:15p and the speakers will begin at 5:15p.
REGISTER NOW
