The future of St. Louis innovation starts this week! From January 26 to February 1, 2026, entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and marketing experts can engage with events that spark ideas and forge partnerships. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has mapped out the opportunities you need to know about.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities at LaunchCode
LaunchCode is seeking volunteers for upcoming virtual opportunities supporting data analysis students and early-career technologists. Opportunities include mock interviews, capstone project evaluations, demo day facilitation, and Lunch & Learn speaking engagements on topics like software development, AI, cybersecurity, and professional growth. Volunteers receive guidance and help learners prepare for careers in tech. (Volunteer)
- Data Analysis Mock Interview
- Data Analysis In-Class Project Demos
- Data Analysis Demo Day (Public Event)
- Lunch N Learn Speaking Engagements
Speaking Opportunities with TechSTL
TechSTL is seeking trainers to lead 45-minute, hands-on workshops across two programs: DevLAB and BuildIT. DevLAB focuses on intermediate developers building real portfolio projects with in-demand tools at T-REX, while BuildIT delivers practical AI workshops for small businesses, startups, and nonprofits at CIC @ Cortex, helping teams move from AI experimentation to real-world execution.
Applications Open // Inc 5000
This annual recognition honors the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, highlighting exceptional revenue growth and entrepreneurial success. Honorees gain national visibility through editorial coverage, a permanent company profile, and association with past industry-defining businesses. January 30th is the Early Rate Deadline. (Industry Award)
Due January 26 // Launchpad 725 | TechArtista Foundation
This six-month accelerator supports early-stage founders from underrepresented backgrounds or those building social or environmental impact ventures in St. Louis County. Participants receive free coworking, workshops, one-on-one mentorship, peer support, a cash stipend, and extended coworking access to help move their businesses forward. (Accelerator)
Due February 3 // IDEA Fund | Missouri Technology Corporation
The IDEA Fund makes direct equity-based investments in Missouri’s most promising emerging companies to promote growth and encourage additional future investment. They have 4 programs: Proof of Concept for early-stage entrepreneurs, the TechLaunch for pre-seed, Seed Capital for the Seed stage, and the Venture Capital Program, which supports technology startups through matching equity or convertible debt investments up to $2,000,000. (Funding)
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
January 26
“Let Them” – A Conversation on Letting Go | Women Empowering Women
Dive into a supportive space designed for women to discuss letting go as a path to clarity and freedom. Experience heartfelt sharing, learn practical strategies for boundary-setting, and connect with others committed to uplifting each other’s growth. (In-Person | Bella Milano O’fallon)
How to Get Unstuck When Telling Your Story | CreativeMorning
Absorb essential storytelling strategies during this interactive online session, where participants explore ways to start telling their stories effectively. Gain insights into which details matter most and learn to share what you do and who you are with renewed confidence and ease. (Virtual)
January 27
From Idea to Sustainable Digital Business | Digital Boost
Engage in a comprehensive online masterclass covering essential business strategies, including reducing customer churn, scalable system development, understanding unit economics, and growth-driven product decisions to enhance digital startups. (Virtual)
AI at Work: Empowering Marketing | Microsoft
Explore a dynamic gathering where innovation meets collaboration, featuring thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking occasions designed to foster meaningful relationships and professional development. (Virtual)
Adobe on AI: Navigating AI Adoption Across the Enterprise | American Marketing Association (Adobe-sponsored)
Understand the complexities of AI implementation through expert guidance on change management foundations, real-world challenges such as resistance and bottlenecks, and actionable steps to translate AI adoption into measurable enterprise value. (Virtual)
From SEO to GEO: What the Shift Means For Your Site | Search Engine Land
Immerse yourself in a live session that explores the crucial transition from SEO to GEO. Gain practical guidance on adjusting your content, reorganizing your marketing efforts, anticipating future changes, and ensuring AI reflects your brand accurately. (Virtual)
Architecting AI: Building and Orchestrating Agents | Google Cloud
Kickstart your journey into AI architecture by diving into the principles of creating and managing autonomous agents, understanding their roles in modern technology landscapes, and how they interact within complex environments. (Virtual)
2026 Trends That Will Shape Your Advertising Strategy | Emarketer
Take in expert perspectives on navigating fragmented audiences and evolving budget priorities through emerging advertising strategies. The webinar highlights performance TV’s expanded role, AI-powered rapid testing, and new accountability standards for multi-channel campaigns. (Virtual)
Network-A-Thon St. Louis
Soak up the energy of one of the city’s premier networking events where businesses converge for quality connections. Attendees receive personalized introductions to enhance their referral networks while enjoying the exciting environment of a popular entertainment venue. (In-Person | Dave & Buster’s)
January 28
Speak with Impact and Influence in a Global Career | Talaera
Take part in an interactive session led by Paola Pascual that helps ambitious professionals refine their English communication skills. Gain insights on delivering clear, nuanced messages, handling high-pressure situations smoothly, and adapting to diverse cultural audiences. (Virtual)
Best of AWS re:Invent 2025 (Virtual Edition) | Amazon Web Services
Experience key moments from AWS re:Invent with exclusive access to sessions on agentic workflows, cloud database resilience, modern developer tools, and container technologies. Participate at your convenience across three time zones for maximum flexibility. (Virtual)
AI in 2026: 10 Disruptive Shifts Every Business Must Prepare For | NetCom Learning
Attend a deep dive into the ten most significant AI advancements expected by 2026 that will disrupt standard operational practices, pushing enterprises towards novel approaches for growth and sustainability. (Virtual)
ChatGPT at Work: What Top Performers are Doing Differently | OpenAI Academy
Ignite your potential with insights into the daily routines of high-performing ChatGPT users, and learn practical strategies for identifying recurring tasks and compounding workflows to enhance productivity and long-term success. (Virtual)
AI-Assisted SQL Joins | DataCamp
Gain insight into one of data analysis’s most vital yet complex topics, joining datasets. This webinar blends foundational theory with AI-driven coding guidance, offering practical solutions to real-world analytics challenges through structured exercises and expert instruction. (Virtual)
GRIT January Luncheon | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Unveil the secrets of metabolic health at this dynamic luncheon, where participants will learn how boosting metabolism supports overall performance through informative discussions and networking opportunities. (Virtual)
AI Crash Course for Small Business | BiGAUSTIN
Explore how AI can transform your small business through a dynamic online session led by a seasoned tech innovator. Gain insights on everyday AI applications for content creation, customer understanding, automation, and more, complete with live Q&A. (Virtual)
Escaping the Prototype Trap: How to Scale AI | Fmr. TikTok AI Product Leader | Product School
Discover how to bridge the gap between AI prototypes and scalable products with insights from a former TikTok AI leader. Gain practical strategies for evaluating AI features, defining success metrics, and making data-driven decisions to avoid costly development pitfalls. (Virtual)
How IMB Bank is building for AEO success at scale | Webflow
Join IMB Bank’s journey as they rebuilt over 1,200 pages using structured AEO workflows. Uncover insights on scaling web components efficiently and improving cross-functional teamwork to elevate AI-driven search presence and site optimization. (Virtual)
Prototype to Production: What it Takes to Build AI Enterprise Applications | Data Science Connect
Learn from leading experts about the latest breakthroughs in Generative AI for visual data processing, exploring real-world applications and future trends that drive enterprise-grade AI solutions tailored for data executives focused on impactful analytics. (Virtual)
Secret LinkedIn Algorithm Hacks to Dominate in 2026! | Network After Work
Embrace strategies to master LinkedIn’s latest algorithm updates by identifying key engagement signals and leveraging optimal posting formats, such as polls and videos, for maximum visibility and growth. (Virtual)
The 2026 Performance Model: Your Playbook for Marketing Growth | Amsive
Network with Amsive marketing experts during a candid fireside chat on evolving performance models. Discover how to leverage AI workflows, unify audience data across channels, and build resilient measurement strategies for impactful marketing growth. (Virtual)
Schema Made Simple: The Secret to Being the AI Answer | HubSpot / Nextiny
Venture into the world of AI understanding with a hands-on guide to implementing essential schema markups for marketers. Learn why these structures are vital in making your content rank better as AI models increasingly rely on them. (Virtual)
Defense & National Security: Acquisition Insights from the Inside | Founder Institute
Connect with accomplished defense acquisition professionals who reveal insider perspectives on breaking into this guarded market. Learn key tactics for navigating budget constraints and evolving demands while building credibility that fosters real consideration and eventual procurement. (Virtual)
Choosing the Right Legal Structure for Your Business | Start Small Think Big
Attend an insightful session where attorneys from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett guide you through the pros and cons of various business entities. Learn about proper formation techniques, recordkeeping practices, and how current trends influence your company’s structure. (Virtual)
M/WBE Certification Webinar | NYC Department of Small Business Services
Explore the city’s M/WBE Certification Webinar, which guides participants through key processes such as registering in the Payee Information Portal and using NIGP codes. Gain valuable knowledge about beginning their MWBE applications and discovering other helpful city business resources. (Virtual)
Strictly Social | T-REX
Kick off your evening with a vibrant social happy hour featuring David Lemon, a well-known realtor and local influencer. Enjoy drinks, casual conversations, and great company in T-REX’s inviting 5th-floor bar space from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. (In-Person | T-REX)
January 29
The AI tools small businesses need to scale now | Enterprise Nation
Take in a focused breakdown of the most effective AI tools small businesses can deploy immediately. From streamlining communications to automating marketing and customer support, this session simplifies adoption for resource-conscious entrepreneurs. (Virtual)
Manufacturing Predicts 2026: Digital Twins, AI Agents, and the Race to Autonomous Operations | Gartner
Appreciate a forward-looking view into manufacturing’s digital future, where AI agents, software-defined products, and digital twins converge to drive autonomy. Explore Gartner’s 2026 predictions and discover how to balance innovation with IT cost control and governance. (Virtual)
AI in Health Sciences: Regulatory and IP Considerations | Gearhart Law
Join experts as they explore AI’s impact on health sciences, covering regulatory oversight, IP ownership, and ethical considerations. Attendees will gain strategies for protecting innovations while navigating compliance challenges in this evolving field. (Virtual)
CEO Series: Federica Marchionni, Envisioning the Unobvious | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Engage with cutting-edge ideas on future-proofing your career and transforming businesses during this dynamic session led by a global leader in sustainable fashion, offering practical advice to expand impact without burnout. (Virtual)
Kickstart Your Business with AI | General Assembly
Embark on a beginner-friendly session designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners eager to learn how AI can streamline and scale their work. Explore practical applications of generative AI tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming, drafting plans, and creating pitch decks. (Virtual)
2026 Hottest Business Ideas, Trends & Markets | SCORE
Participate in an engaging online session that unveils key business trends for 2026. Explore shifting consumer behaviors, hottest retail concepts, and strategies to reach today’s customers effectively while learning practical tips for adapting in a dynamic marketplace. (Virtual)
January Networking Mixer 2026 | African Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis
Thrive at an engaging mixer set to strengthen community ties and professional networks while promoting innovative educational initiatives for East African refugees. This event offers great opportunities to connect, learn, and support meaningful scholarship programs. (In-Person | Brouster Hall)
Agentic Workflow Readiness: Building Scalable AI-First Businesses | Founder Institute
Unite with industry leaders and visionaries for an in-depth discussion on building AI-powered workflows ready for scalable growth. Discover practical methods to assess readiness, move from pilots to production, and design orchestration layers that maximize AI’s impact on business processes. (Virtual)
From Insight to Action: Designing Your Next Career Chapter | Women.NYC
Witness a dynamic online experience designed for mid-career professionals ready to pivot or progress. Learn how to identify critical skill gaps, establish low-risk exploration opportunities like fellowships, and implement simple yet effective systems to showcase your professional value. (Virtual)
Innovators Hour: Speakers – Stephen Von Rump & Amiad Fredman, MD, SweetSpot (Aegis Digital Health) | Biogenerator
Immerse yourself in a dynamic event hosted by Sweetspot from Aegis Digital Health, where you can join thought-provoking conversations and connect with industry peers after the main discussion concludes. (In-Person | BioSTL)
Founders Lounge Global | Powered by Metis Analytics
Thrive alongside ambitious peers in a global community built to accelerate entrepreneurial success. With curated programming focused on collaboration and innovation, this space supports growth through real-time connection and actionable learning. (In-Person | Spark Coworking – St. Louis)
January 30
XEO and the Future of Search | MarketingProfs & Search Engine Journal
Dive into the future of search with free expert training that demystifies XEO, cross-engine optimization, and combining SEO and GEO alongside AI-enhanced tools. Learn actionable tactics to adapt content for powerful AI-driven discovery. (Virtual)
Marketing Strategy for Startups | Stu Clark Centre (U. of Manitoba)
Discover practical marketing techniques tailored for startups aiming to build strong brands and attract the right customers. This event offers a clear framework and expert guidance for maximizing limited resources to drive meaningful business growth. (Virtual)
Designing Better Decisions: Behavioral Science and Real-World Impact | Olin Business School
Venture into a series of forward-thinking engagements at Washington University’s Olin Business School, where education meets real-world business challenges through interactive sessions and expert-led discussions. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday
Uncover the vibrant St. Louis startup scene through mingling opportunities paired with premium bourbon tastings. Hosted at TechArtista UCity, this weekly social promises enriching interactions and flavorful drinks. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Code til Dawn | TechSTL
Enjoy a focused, late-night working session where developers, designers, and tech builders collaborate on projects from 5 PM to 11 PM. Mentorship is available alongside food, creating a supportive and productive environment for tackling complex technical challenges. (In-Person | CIC St. Louis @ 20 S Sarah)
Global Game Jam 2026 | St. Louis Game Developers
Participate in a dynamic weekend of creativity and innovation, teaming up with local and remote game developers to design and build games from scratch. The event encourages collaboration, provides access to an open workspace, and culminates in a showcase of created games. (In-Person | UMSL Millennium Student Center)
February 1
St. Louis Code and Coffee
Explore an informal co-working session where tech enthusiasts of all skill levels gather to work on projects or socialize. This event offers a welcoming environment to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge in the heart of University City. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
What’s getting you through the week with a smile? Share your positivity in the comments! We’re committed to the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem and would love your thoughts on its future. Email event announcements to [email protected].
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