SDSW 2026 Day 5: SDSU Takeover, Pitch Competition Grand Finale & the Official Closing Celebration

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SDSW 2026 Day 5: SDSU Takeover, Pitch Competition Grand Finale & the Official Closing Celebration

Posted: November 6, 2026

By Yana Tkachenko

Five days. Countless connections. One incredible startup community.

San Diego Startup Week 2026 wraps up on Friday, November 6, at San Diego State University with a day of mentorship, startup showcases, pitch competitions, and celebration.

Day 5 brings together founders, students, investors, and entrepreneurs for one final opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the innovation happening across San Diego.

Whether you’re preparing to launch a business, looking for expert advice, or excited to see the region’s next generation of founders take the stage, the final day of SDSW 2026 has something for you.

Venue & Parking

Venue: Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center, 5250 55th Street, San Diego, CA

Parking: Free Parking is available at SDSU Parking Structure 7, located near the Alumni Center. You must reserve your parking here.

Main Programming Schedule

Time	Event
12:00 PM	SDSW Day 5 Check-In
1:00 PM	San Diego Startup Expo
1:00 PM	1:1 Mentoring Powered by SDSU
1:00 PM	Deconstruct Your Launch Workshop
1:00 PM	Grow Fast, Stay Secure: Cybersecurity for Startups
2:30 PM	Launch Moment: Tiffany Gil, Founder of Shezz
3:00 PM	SDSW26 Lightweight Intercollegiate Pitch Competition
4:00 PM	SDSW26 Heavyweight Founders Fight Club Pitch Competition
5:00 PM	SDSW Official Closing Celebration & Expo

Become a Member of Startup San Diego and Get Access to All Events

Featured Session: Launch Moment with Tiffany Gil

Join Tiffany Gil, Founder and CEO of Shezza, for a featured session focused on entrepreneurship, launching a business, and bringing ideas to life.

Startup Pitch Competitions

Get ready for an exciting afternoon as founders and student entrepreneurs take the stage.

Lightweight Intercollegiate Pitch Competition

Discover promising ideas from emerging student entrepreneurs as they present their businesses and compete for recognition.

Heavyweight Founders Fight Club Pitch Competition

Watch founders showcase their startups, share their visions, and compete in an energetic live pitching environment.

Startup Expo: Who’s Exhibiting?

The final Startup Expo of SDSW 2026 is another opportunity to meet the companies, founders, and organizations shaping San Diego’s innovation ecosystem.

Whether you’re looking for business partners, new technologies, or simply inspiration, explore the exhibition area and connect directly with participating teams.

Day 5 exhibitors include:

Featured Exhibitor: Mixlar

Meet Mixlar, one of the companies participating in the Day 5 Startup Expo.

Connect with the Mixlar team, learn more about its work, and explore the company’s approach to innovation.

Visit the booth to discover what the team is building and find opportunities to connect.

Website: mixlar.net

Community Events & Additional Activities

Before and during the final SDSW programming, attendees can participate in additional community events.

6:30 AM: SD Founders Surf, Startup Week Edition
8:00 AM: First Friday Founders Hike
11:00 AM: AI Open Office Hours
4:30 PM: Building the Future of Coffee: A Founder Conversation & Excelsa Tasting

These events offer opportunities to connect with the community in a more informal setting and explore different aspects of entrepreneurship.

Community events may require separate registration.