Event Details
TWO DAYS. ONE FEST.
Celebrating and Elevating the Entrepreneurial Spirit in the North State.
Join us for two days of inspiring keynotes and expert-led sessions. Experience the North State’s community of founders, investors, and innovators.
This isn’t just an event; it’s a toolkit for success, packed with strategic networking and hands-on workshops to scale your vision.
Come prepared to make your own creative collisions.
JOIN US FOR THE SEVENTH ANNUAL
October 8 & 9 in Chico, CA
Celebrating and Elevating the Entrepreneurial Spirit in the North State.
Join us for two days of keynotes, idea generators, workshops, and community —
an inspiring event packed with networking, expert talks, and hands-on sessions.
Connect with founders, investors, and innovators shaping the future of the
North State startup scene, and spark your own entrepreneurial journey.
Don’t miss out — your future starts here.
Day 1—Thursday, October 8
Sierra Nevada Big Room
Day 1 brings big ideas to the Big Room
Keynotes, founder stories, industry experts, and the region’s top innovators + an GTF After Party and Startup Pitch Showcase in Downtown Chico.
Startup Pitch Showcase
October 8th
Where North State founders take the stage to pitch the next big idea at GrowTECH FEST.
Apply to Pitch Open Until July 31st @ 5 p.m.!
NEXTGEN Lightning Round
October 8th
Hear from NEXTGEN pitches as they showcase their current ventures and future business ideas.
Apply to Pitch period opens August 2026
Day 2—Friday, October 9
Downtown Chico
Day 2 dives into hands-on learning with workshops, luncheon + panel discussion, and local Founder Field Trip.
About Chico
Chico, California is the home of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and other North State startups such as ChicoBag, Klean Kanteen and Lundberg Farms!
For more about Chico, Butte County, and where to stay and visit Explore Butte County!
- Explore Butte County: Explore Butte County | Explorers Welcome
- Chico Chamber: Home - Chico Chamber of Commerce
- DCBA (Downtown Chico Business Association): Downtown Chico, CA | Official Downtown Chico Website
- Oxford Suites (Special Rate): Book A Room
- Katerina (Special Rate): Book A Room
SPONSOR GTF
Our partners are recognized throughout GrowTECH FEST, with exclusive benefits and brand exposure connected to the event.
GrowTECH FEST is Presented by ChicoSTART
ChicoSTART empowers entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and
space to grow ideas into thriving businesses. Discover opportunities, connections,
and resources that fuel innovation and growth across Northern California.
START. GROW. THRIVE.
GrowTECH is Northern California's Entrepreneurial Community, a thriving network of
entrepreneurs, partners, and innovators shaping the future of the North State.
CAREERS. CULTURE. COMMUNITY.