Step SF 2026: The AI & Tech Startup Festival

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: https://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: https://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.

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.