Events Roundup: Don’t miss these chances at Pittsburgh tech networking this October

Events Roundup is a Technical.ly column where we highlight events happening in the Pittsburgh area each month. Got a submission? Email us the details at pittsburgh@technical.ly so we can consider it for our next roundup.

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Tech community events are on the calendar for October, ranging from in-person meetups to online talks to hybrid youth workshops.

This month, you’ll find a chance to reconnect with old friends and colleagues at the fall return of a startup-focused happy hour, as well as learn more about civic tech initiatives for grade and high school students in Pittsburgh. Some regular events haven’t set an October date yet, so keep checking back for updates on this page throughout next month. In the meantime, be sure to reconnect with the local tech community at one of the many networking opportunities. There’s sure to be news spilled at each as we head into a fall filled with planned public offerings and more from companies here.

NASA Space Apps Challenge

This online hackathon-style event invites anyone with an interest in space-based technology to join and collaborate on project problem-solving using NASA’s open data. Software developers and engineers, as well as writers and artists are all welcome to attend and contribute.

• Saturday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 3
• Free to attend

Startup Drinks PGH

This networking event is returning for the first time this fall with a meeting of the minds and drinks in early October. Find hiring connections, business idea feedback, investment opportunities and more at this community gathering. Founders are encouraged to bring T-shirts, stickers and other startup swag for others.

• Wednesday, Oct. 6, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Alloy 26
• Free to attend

Pittsburgh Robotics Network Inaugural Member Reception

Though this event is invite-only, representatives from many of Pittsburgh’s leading robotics firms will likely be present. With an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and a chance to make some great industry connections, this reception might be worth getting a network membership for. A COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all attendees. Formal invitations will be sent out to members, partners and sponsors.

• Thursday, Oct. 21, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Cinderlands Warehouse

Member Face2Face from Pittsburgh Technology Council

This members-only event hosted by the Tech Council will include a chance to network over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, before getting a look at the Riviera — a new Class A office recently completed near the Hot Metal Bridge. Masks will be required at the indoor event when attendees are not eating or drinking. Plus, it ends early enough that you’ll still have time to catch the second half of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network member reception!

• Thursday, Oct. 21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• 350 Technology Drive
• $15 for members to attend

2021 LAUNCH program hosted by Fortyx80

Aimed at fostering STEM leadership opportunities for high school-aged girls, LAUNCH gives 10th and 11th grade students the chance to pick up career skills, meet potential mentors in the tech industry and learn how to develop an online portfolio. This year’s program will take place both in person and online over the course of one weekend and multiple evenings in the fall. The program will be hosted by the nonprofit arm of the Pittsburgh Tech Council, Fortyx80, with applications open to anyone who fits the program age and demographics.

• First weekend will take place in person on Oct. 22 to 24 at Duquesne University
• Following evenings will take place online every Tuesday evening from Nov. 2 to Dec. 14 (excluding Nov. 23) from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Free to attend

BioBreakfast

Every Tuesday morning, check out this networking session over breakfast for Pittsburgh’s life sciences sector. The hope is that in establishing regular communication across industry players, access to funding, mentorship and other business resources will become more widespread. No registration is required, and the breakfasts are on for every Tuesday that is not a holiday.

• Every Tuesday, 8 to 9:30 a.m.
• 350 Technology Drive
• Free to attend

City of Pittsburgh Tech Talks

Tech Talks are a part of the city’s Rec2Tech program — an initiative from Citiparks in collaboration with Baltimore City and the Digital Harbor Foundation meant to increase learning opportunities for young people interested in tech. The talks are held once a month on Facebook Live and hosted by program coordinator Max Dennison, with a special guest connected to the tech industry.

• Last Monday of every month, 4 to 5 p.m.
• Free to watch on Facebook Live

Sophie Burkholder is a 2021-2022 corps member for Report for America, an initiative of The Groundtruth Project that pairs young journalists with local newsrooms. This position is supported by the Heinz Endowments.