TechCon SoCal Startup Semi-Final brings together the top 14 startups selected through a meticulous, extensive process from 150+ applicants. These companies will pitch live and virtually for the final seven spots.

The seven finalists will then be invited to pitch live on stage at TechCon SoCal 2026, May 21–23, at SDSU. The winner will then go to San Francisco for a chance to win $1M at Startup World Cup.

TechCon SoCal Startup Semi-Final

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2026
4:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST

Location: Mintz 3580 Carmel Mountain Rd, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92130

Event Agenda

4:30 – 5:00 PM — Attendee Arrival + Networking

5:00 – 5:30 PM — Fireside chat with Dr. Irwin Jacobs

5:30 – 5:40 PM — TechCon Fellows Award Ceremony

5:40 – 6:00 PM — Networking + Hors d’oeuvres

6:00 – 8:00 PM — Live and Virtual Pitches

8:00 – 8:15 PM — Judges Deliberation + Networking

8:15 – 8:30 PM — Announcement of Finalists + Closing

Shortlisted Startups

• MetaNeural– MetaNeural is developing an AI-XR platform to help industries train more safely with no-code, AI-built simulations.
• Bairitone Health– Bairitone Health removes the guesswork from sleep apnea care by bringing anatomy imaging to the home environment.
• MVI Medical– MVI Medical is transforming women’s healthcare with Rosa Spec™, a patented device redefining the pelvic exam market.
• BioMetal Health– BioMetal Health delivers unique, patented resorbable metal implants to accelerate bone and tissue growth with less pain.
• EZ-Robot – EZ-Robot is a unified robotics & AI platform that engages 10x more students and slashes prototyping time by up to 90%
• Joy of Wine Company – Joy of Wine Company automates winery compliance filings with AI-driven reporting to save time and reduce costs.
• Ascender Systems – Ascender Systems is developing robotic climbers to help utilities restore awareness with modular, solar-powered sensors.
• OxyLo – OxyLo is developing a therapeutic to treat liver cancer patients by starving their tumors from the inside out.
• Time Machine – AI Native Onboarding & Training Platform for Sales Teams
• RitualAds – Ritual Ads is an AI commercial studio producing faster, cost-efficient brand campaigns for major brands.
• Visicell – GPS for Cell Therapy: Data-driven measurement of therapeutic cell behavior to accelerate development and outcomes
• TR11– TRL11 offers telepresence to space so operators can control, monitor, protect & defend space assets with real-time video.
• HyIvy Health—HyIvy Health develops a data-driven device platform to m Opportunity to attend an intimate fireside chat with Dr. Irwin Jacobs, the co-founder and CEO Emeritus of Qualcomm, where he helped pioneer CDMA technology and shape the modern wireless communications industry.easure, monitor, and treat gynecological and pelvic conditions.
• ReRoute Americas—ReRoute Americas is a wholesaler, distributor and inventory manager for sustainable disposables powered by AI.

 Fireside Chat with Dr. Irwin Jacobs

Opportunity to attend an intimate fireside chat with Dr. Irwin Jacobs, the co-founder and CEO Emeritus of Qualcomm, where he helped pioneer CDMA technology and shape the modern wireless communications industry.

He was also a founding faculty member at UC San Diego and has had a lasting impact on engineering education and innovation in the region. Beyond his technology leadership, Dr. Jacobs is widely recognized for his philanthropy, including landmark support for the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering.