The 2025 Tough Tech Summit returns on October 28 at Hotel Commonwealth in Boston.
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About the Event
Join Tough Tech startups, investors, and select ecosystem leaders for a day of pitches, panels, and thoughtful discussions—plus a startup showcase and high-impact networking.
A cornerstone of Tough Tech Week (October 27–31), the Summit will feature the next generation of Tough Tech pioneers and explore how we scale solutions while supporting those just beginning their journeys.
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The Details
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Hotel Commonwealth
500 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA 02215
- Featured Companies
- 55
- Speakers
- 54
- Founder Pitches
- 32
- Annual Summit
- 9
Tough Tech Summit Host Committee
Agenda
9:00 AM | Welcome Remarks
Featuring Emily Knight, CEO & President, The Engine
9:10 AM | Fireside Chat: Tough Tech Entrepreneurship Today
Leading industry veteran reflects on the recent history of innovation and on where opportunity lies today
10:15 AM | Accelerating Tough Tech through AI and automation
The combination of AI and robotics is creating new opportunities in discovery and innovation, from molecules to materials
10:15 AM | Accelerating Tough Tech through Strategic Partnerships
A growing number of landmark agreements between corporations and startups are paving the way for industrial innovation
Four thematic sessions featuring 32 startups, each introduced by a fireside chat with a leading Tough Tech investor and founder.
11:00 AM
Energy Production, Storage, Efficiency
Health / Biotech
1:30 PM
Sustainability / Materials / Food / Agriculture
Advanced Systems / AI / Compute
12:30 PM
Engage in direct, substantive conversations with investors and funders in a focused networking format.
3:00 PM | Capital Formation for Tough Tech startups in 2025
Economic and political tailwinds shape all Tough Tech ventures. What are todays' sources of capital for discovery, derisking and delivery?
3:45 PM
A closing perspective on the resilience it takes to build Tough Tech—and the creative capital strategies that will power the next generation of breakthroughs.
4:30 PM
Explore breakthrough technologies and connect directly with startup teams during this closing exhibition showcase.
Secure Your Seat
Request to join to express interest in this by-invitation-only event.
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