Technology Industry News | NC TECH News | NC TECH Monthly Newsletter

September was a busy month for NC TECH, from bringing more than 300 women together in Asheville for our 7th Annual Summit for Women in Tech to connecting cybersecurity leaders at our Charlotte Cyber Security Network event. We also announced the finalists for the 2026 NC TECH Awards — congratulations to all of this year’s finalists!

And we are keeping the momentum going in October. This month, we are bringing the tech community together across the state with the 5th Annual Digital Drive, Brews + Bytes events in Charlotte, the Triangle and the Triad, Meet the Employer sessions, and more opportunities to connect, learn and grow.

Keep reading for what is coming up this month and join us at an upcoming NC TECH event!

Featured Programming

NC TECH Awards Banner

Recently Announced: The NC TECH Awards Corporate Finalists!

NC TECH recently released its list of finalist for the 2026 NC TECH Awards, hosted on November 16!

NC TECH is excited to announce the finalists for the 2026 NC TECH Awards, North Carolina’s statewide technology awards program recognizing achievement, innovation, and leadership across the state’s technology community.

Following a nomination and application period earlier this year, finalists and winners were selected through a two-stage review process led by presenting sponsor Cherry Bekaert, in partnership with a selection committee.

These finalists and winners will be celebrated on November 16, 2026, at the Sheraton Imperial RTP in Durham, where this year’s winners will be announced during the NC TECH Awards Celebration.

View the Finalists Learn About the Celebration

Digital Drive Banner

Next Week: Our Annual Digital Drive is back, this time in Raleigh AND Charlotte!

Donate unused devices to help bridge the digital divide in NC

Have unused computers or technology sitting around your office? Give them a second life at NC TECH’s Digital Drive on October 9. In partnership with Kramden Institute and E2D, we’re collecting surplus technology in both Raleigh and Charlotte to help expand access to devices and bridge the digital divide across North Carolina.

he event is free and open to the community. Clean out your old tech, make an impact, and help us see which city can collect the most!

Learn More

Fall Meet the Employers

Learn about two large NC tech employers at these virtual sessions!

Meet the Employer Webinars are designed to give job seekers a closer look at leading employers in North Carolina’s tech sector. Each session features company representatives who share insights into their culture, technology teams, career paths, and open roles. You’ll also hear directly from employees about their experiences, professional development opportunities, and what it’s really like to work there. Whether you’re exploring your next step or actively seeking new opportunities, these webinars provide valuable connections and inside knowledge to help you advance your career.

MetLife - 10/14 Deutsche Bank 10/15

Upcoming Events

Get2Know NC TECH

Get2Know NC TECH is our monthly informal virtual gathering meant for people thinking of joining NC TECH, or members who want a refresher on how to get involved in the tech community. Join us for this virtual event and meet other tech professionals and see how NC TECH plans to help advance our state’s robust tech eco system. This event is free and available to both members and non-members.

October 2

Brews + Bytes (Triad)

Join NC TECH for a Brews + Bytes in the Triad! This event aims to bring together our network in a casual, intimate setting to connect. Light bites and drinks will be provided.

October 7

Brews + Bytes (Triangle)

Join NC TECH for a Brews + Bytes in the Triangle! This event aims to bring together our network in a casual, intimate setting to connect. Light bites and drinks will be provided.

October 8

Digital Drive: Technology Donation Event (Triangle + Charlotte)

Do you or your organization have unused computer equipment ready for a second life? Your retired technology can help bridge the digital divide and expand access to essential digital resources across North Carolina.

On October 9 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., NC TECH, together with members Kramden Institute and E2D, will host a Digital Drive in both Raleigh and Charlotte, expanding our impact and helping more individuals gain access to refurbished technology.

Gather your computers, laptops, tablets, and cell phones and make plans to donate them at this year's Digital Drive. View the complete list of Items Accepted below and note that equipment of any age/make/condition will be accepted. Both organizations do DOD-level 3-pass wipe to sanitize devices for data security.

October 9

Meet the Employer - MetLife (Virtual)

Join MetLife's early-career professionals for an interactive discussion designed for students and emerging technology talent interested in launching their careers in the industry. Learn about career opportunities within our Global Technology organization, professional development, and what it's like to begin your career at MetLife.

Moderated by a senior technology leader, the panel will feature employees at different stages of their early-career journey, including individuals who began as interns and successfully transitioned into full-time roles. Hear firsthand about their career paths, experiences, mentorship opportunities, and the skills that have helped them succeed, while gaining insight into the innovative work being done across our organization.

Whether you're exploring internship opportunities, preparing for your first full-time role, or looking to learn more about careers in technology, this session will provide practical advice and perspectives from professionals who have recently navigated those same transitions.

A live Q&A session will follow the panel discussion.

October 14

Meet the Employer - Deutsche Bank (Virtual)

Meet representatives from Deutsche Bank and learn about the organization, the tech-focused Cary campus, the company culture and current opportunities.

For more about the local facility, visit Cary - Our Technology Hub in the Americas. Learn about career opportunities and view an interactive brochure featuring an overview of the Cary technology center, business areas, life at Deutsche Bank, and open roles.

October 15

Q4 Leadership Poll Briefing (Virtual)

NC TECH will poll roughly 400 leaders in the state's tech sector during the last month of each quarter (comprised of the NC TECH Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, Tech CEOs, and site leaders of major non-headquartered tech hubs). A live web briefing on the results will be held shortly after each poll is conducted. Polls will be archived on the NC TECH Pulse page.

This polling is made possible through the support of Stearns Financial. Dennis Stearns, the firm's founder, will join NC TECH Interim CEO Michelle Calton during these live briefings to discuss the results and trends.

October 20

Q4 Government Vendor Network Meeting (Triangle + Virtual)

The Government Vendor Network is a forum for member companies who have an interest in doing business with state government to hear from North Carolina's leaders in state government.

Meetings are held quarterly. Join NC TECH for our quarterly meeting with in-person and virtual meeting options available.

October 20

NC TECH Digital 101 (Virtual)

This monthly webinar is for new (and long-term) members interested in leveraging resources and plugging into our dynamic member community. Learn how to navigate Member InfoHub and engage with NC TECH Connect, our virtual community. We will showcase online resources such as the Marketing Toolkit and Member Directory. Tune in to become ‘savvy’ on how to make the most of your membership.

October 21

Brews + Bytes (Charlotte)

Join NC TECH for a Brews + Bytes in Charlotte! This event aims to bring together our network in a casual, intimate setting to connect. Light bites and drinks will be provided.

October 28

Events Calendar

Learn More

One of the most impactful ways to get engaged is through events and activities. With 75+ offerings per year, there’s something for everyone. From peer roundtables, networking options and talent attraction activities to informative programs, online auctions and larger annual events. Viewers may search the calendar below in chronological order, sort by filters, or use key words in the search field.

View all of our scheduled events to date.

Talent + Research

Meet the Employer

Learn More

TTX Tile

Triangle Tech X

MetLife’s 8th Triangle Tech X (TTX) conference will take place virtually on October 27 and 28, bringing together bringing together innovators, technologists and business leaders to explore how rapidly evolving technologies are transforming the way we work, solve problems and create impact. The event is free and open to all.

This year's theme, The Future Is Now: Democratizing Tech to Reimagine What's Possible, is a call to action. As technology becomes more accessible, it empowers people to create, innovate and drive meaningful change.

Learn More

Young Tech Professionals Network (YTPN)

NC TECH’s Young Tech Professionals Network (YTPN) provides a platform for early-career professionals eager to build connections, sharpen their skills, and grow as future leaders in North Carolina’s tech sector.

The network offers opportunities to engage with peers across the state, access professional and leadership development resources, and take part in conversations around innovation, career advancement, and the future of technology.

Open to professionals from early career through mid-30s, the YTPN features exclusive programming, special discounts, and a pathway to greater involvement in North Carolina’s thriving tech community.

Learn More

Membership

Welcome September New Members

Member Companies

Amanda Cohen

Applied Visions

Cabin Consulting

CentrixIQ

Children's Home Society of North Carolina

Christine Soberon

CWC

Druva

Instantiations

Keiter

Leverage AI Solutions

Live Oak Bank

Meridian IT

Oracle Netsuite

ProcellaRx

R+M

Raiven Services

The Still Points Works

The U.S. Cyber Range of Virginia Tech

Board of Advisors

Seth Berman | CEO | Instantiations

Michelle Coviello | Senior Director, Business Development | Cabin Consulting

Dori Gonzalez-Acevedo | CEO & Founder | ProcellaRx

To view a complete list of our Board of Advisors or to learn more about joining, click here. Reach out to Ben Tramontana with any questions.

Member Directory Membership Benefits

If you're not a member, we encourage you to join our network of 600+ member companies, organizations and institutions and take advantage of all membership has to offer. View our 2026 Membership Brochure for an overview of NC TECH.

SPECIAL OFFER: New members get a complimentary registration to the NC TECH Awards Celebration (November 16, Durham).

Click the member benefits button below to learn more about membership and how to join. To learn more about membership, contact our Membership Team at Membership@nctech.org or 919.856.0393.

Partner Events

From time to time, NC TECH will partner with organizations to connect members with local events and share perks such as free or discounted registration. Are you an NC TECH member with an event to share with fellow members? To submit an event, complete the form at the link below.

Submit Your Event View All Partner Events

NC TECH Blog

Coastal Innovation in Action: Meet the 910's Game Changers

Written By: Alex Taylor, Marketing + Communications Manager at NC TECH

The 910 is home to more than beaches and coastal charm. From technology and entrepreneurship to healthcare, clean energy and innovation, Southeast North Carolina is building a growing tech ecosystem. Explore the people, companies and ideas shaping the region in our latest blog celebrating 910 Day.

Read Full Blog

You're An Athlete Who Trains to Sit

Written by: Lindsay McGraw, Founder of Marka Health

What if we thought about desk work like training for a sport? In this guest blog, Dr. Lindsay McGraw of Marka Health explores the hidden physical toll of sitting all day and shares simple, practical ways to build better movement and ergonomic habits into the workday

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Take 5 with Lavonne McLean, CEO at Apparo

Get to know Lavonne McLean, CEO of Apparo, in our latest Take 5! Learn what drives her work, why she believes technology can help nonprofits do more with less, her favorite NC hidden gem, and what is on her bucket list.

Read Full Blog

Member + Tech News

Check out the stories coming from our state's thriving tech ecosystem:

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