Step SF 2026: The AI & Tech Startup Festival

Luma Event Link Step returns to San Francisco on 27 August 2026 at The Midway for the third edition of Step SF - bringing founders, investors, builders, and operators building the next wave of the AI economy. From frontier models and autonomous systems to real-world applications transforming industries, this is where ambitious builders meet the people, ideas, and opportunities shaping the future of tech. Expect a dynamic day of unfiltered conversations, live product showcases, and powerful networking across the entire venue. ―――――――――― ✨ What’s Happening Each Day 📅 August 26 5–8 PM: Step SF 2026 Pitch Competition Hosted by AWS at AWS Builder Loft. Register: luma.com/SF26PITCH 📅 August 27 9 AM–5:30 PM: Step SF 2026 The Midway, San Francisco. 🌐 Additional Satellite Events August 24, 6 PM: ClawCamp Campfire Frontier Tower, 995 Market Street. August 25, 5:30–8:30 PM: The Future of Work Pitch Night + Open Demos Tesla Showroom, 999 Van Ness Avenue. Register: luma.com/yktcpve0 ―――――――――― 🎙️ Featured Lineup We’re building a speaker lineup of the people actually shaping what’s next. Here’s a sneak peek at who is taking the stage, and this is just the start! Here’s what to expect: • Inspiring Talks: Main stage panels and deep dives featuring the visionary founders, investors, and leaders shaping the tech landscape. • The Expo Floor: Get hands-on with the next generation of intelligent tools, platforms, and systems. 💡 Interested in exhibiting your product? Get in touch with the team. Step SF Is Not Your Average Tech Event Forget rigid agendas. Step runs on a completely different frequency: • Spontaneous Connections: Skip formal networking rooms, a casual chat in the courtyard easily sparks your next partnership or investment. • Tailored to You: Dive straight into the specific tracks that match your focus and leave with true momentum. ―――――――――― 🤝 Founders Meet Backers Step SF bridges the gap between raw innovation and the capital needed to scale it. • 1-on-1 Meetings: Pre-matched, face-to-face chats between founders and VCs ready to back what's next. • Demo Kiosks: Your own dedicated space on the floor to get hands-on with active investors, partners, and early adopters. • Mentorship Roundtables: Intimate, off-the-record deep dives with experienced operators who have actually scaled. • The Pitch Stage: Selected showcase startups get the mic to pitch live to a panel of top-tier investors. 🎯 Want to showcase your startup? Apply here ―――――――――― Getting to The Midway We’re taking over The Midway in the Dogpatch. Street parking is nonexistent, skip the car and keep it simple: • Public Transit: Muni Metro (T-Third Line) or Caltrain get you right nearby. • Rideshare & Bikes: Uber, Lyft, or two wheels offer the easiest direct drop-off. • From SFO: A quick 20-minute drive, or take BART followed by a short connection. location provided by event source: "The Midway, 900 Marin St, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA" ―――――――――― SF Stuff To Do