General
What is SDTW? An annual convening for the founders, investors, primes and government buyers rebuilding America's industrial base.
When and where is the next edition? In 2027, in Southern California. The dates and host city will be announced here.
When was the 2026 edition? September 14–18, 2026, in Long Beach. It was the third edition, after El Segundo in 2024 and 2025, and the first in Long Beach.
Who runs SDTW? An independent core team and a rotating host council of operators, investors and program leads. SDTW is a convening of the Sparrow Point Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and is partner-supported.
Attending
Is the cohort open to anyone? The summit cohort is by invitation, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. We prioritize working founders, deploying capital, program officers and operators in deep tech.
How do I apply? Applications for 2027 are coming soon, here.
Are there public events? Yes. District forums and receptions are open by application. The flagship summits and founder dinners stay cohort-only.
Is there a fee? Cohort participation is by invitation; any fee is shared at acceptance. Open events have their own ticketing, which opens closer to the week.
Can students or early-career founders attend? A limited number of cohort seats are kept for early-career founders and student teams shipping in critical-tech sectors. Say so in your application.
Program and format
What does the week look like? In 2026: an opening reception, 3 single-track summits, corridor tours, nightly VIP dinners and a closing dinner. The 2027 format and slate are published ahead of time.
What rule applies in the rooms? Chatham House Rule by default, in every session, tour, reception and dinner.
Are sessions recorded? No. In 2026 nothing was recorded: no podcasts, transcripts or clips tied to named speakers.
Will the schedule change? Possibly. The program locks a few weeks before the week, and significant changes after that go to the cohort and partners by email.
Sponsors and side events
How do I sponsor the week? Write to convene@sparrowpoint.org. We reply within 5 business days.
Can I host a side event under the SDTW banner? Yes. Approved side events are listed on the week's calendar and use a co-branded banner.
What does a side event need to qualify? A real program that fits the week's themes. We don't approve recruiting-only events or vendor pitches without a program.
Are sponsorships exclusive? Title and presenting tiers are exclusive. Track and dinner sponsors are exclusive within their track. Event partners are not exclusive.
Press and logistics
How do I get press credentials? Working journalists, accredited outlets and independent writers covering deep tech are prioritized. Write to convene@sparrowpoint.org; credentials are confirmed 2 to 3 weeks before the week.
Where should I fly into? For 2027, travel details are published with the host city. In 2026, Long Beach (LGB) was 10 minutes from downtown and LAX about 40.
Is there a hotel block? It opens with venue confirmation, roughly 90 days out, and the cohort gets the rate code first.
