Youth in Technology

The Youth in Technology Convention is a one-day event for college-age women interested in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Join us for a day of inspiration and connection, led by women shaping the future of tech.

Hosted by the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, Global Ties Sacramento, and the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State University, Youth in Technology brings together students, innovators, policymakers, and community leaders.

Together, we’ll explore how young women can create a safe, inclusive, and forward-looking digital future. This dynamic event is designed to inspire the next generation of women leaders at the intersection of technology, innovation, and global engagement. It features interactive sessions, youth-led tech idea pitching with mentorship and coaching, and a Tech Pitch Competition where participants compete for awards, including a Judges’ Award to support future tech development and an Audience Choice Award voted on by attendees.  

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Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Location: Aggie Square (Building 300), 4480 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817

Time: 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Cost: Free (Lunch included!)  

Parking: $20 daily max and lost ticket

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Register!

Register for the Youth in Technology convention. Space is limited, so reserve your spot. Participants will connect with technology leaders, listen to pitches for the next innovative idea, and vote on a winner!

Have an idea for an app, platform, marketplace, or tech hardware? Register for the Tech Pitch Competition, where participants compete for awards and prizes. If you plan to attend the convention and pitch a technology idea, register for both so we can reserve your spot. The last day to register to participate in the Tech Pitch Competition is April 13, 2026. Registration for the Youth in Technology Convention closes on April 28, 2026.

We’re inviting college-age women (18-25) to submit original app, platform, marketplace, or tech hardware ideas focused on:

• online safety,
• youth and civic engagement,
• health and well-being, or
• other idea.

Selected applicants will pitch their ideas in front of technology innovators, industry leaders, and changemakers, gaining real-world experience, feedback, and visibility. This is your chance to showcase your creativity, problem-solving skills, and vision for how technology can drive positive social impact.

Your voice. Your idea. Your impact.

Selected applicants will receive mentorship and coaching as they prepare for the Tech Pitch Competition, where a panel of judges will evaluate each idea. Selected finalist will pitch their concept. Judges will select winners, but the attendees will also participate by voting for the Audience Choice Award. Winners will be announced during the Award Presentation. Stay tuned for information about the prizes for the winners!

Help us spread the word! Share the flyer with youth organizations, potential applicants, and youth participants!

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Inspiring Speakers

Hear from women in tech and entrepreneurship, seasoned industry leaders, and youth innovators.  

Choose Your Experience

Select between a dynamic panel session or small-group fireside conversations with industry professionals. Fireside conversations are limited in capacity to encourage meaningful discussion.  

Tech Pitch Competition

Have a tech idea? Pitch it and receive feedback from mentors and peers. Prefer to listen? Attend as an audience member and learn from others’ ideas and vote for a winner. Live pitch slots are limited.  

Networking Lunch & Aggie Square Tours

Enjoy lunch while connecting with industry partners, exploring vendor tables, and participating in guided Aggie Square tours.  

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Tech Pitch Competition

Have an idea for an app, platform, marketplace, or tech hardware? Register for the Tech Pitch Competition, where participants compete for awards and prizes. If you plan to attend the convention and pitch an idea, register for both so we can reserve your spot. The last day to register for the Tech Pitch Competition is April 13, 2026. Registration for the Youth in Technology Convention closes on April 28, 2026.