Chucktown Startups upcoming events

Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization - 2026 Innovation Celebration (Thu, April 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Join Us for our 2026 Innovation Celebration

Innovation at the Medical University of South Carolina happens because of the people who push ideas forward. Researchers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and collaborators who turn discoveries into real-world impact.

Next month, the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization will host our annual Innovation Celebration to recognize this year’s innovators, celebrate major achievements, and bring together the community advancing healthcare and technology.

If you are passionate about innovation, commercialization, and the impact of research, we invite you to join us as we recognize the people advancing discovery at MUSC.

We look forward to celebrating with our innovation community.

Leveling the Fields: Opening Day Launch Party for Grounds Crew (Thu, April 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

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Cost: $25

Join Leveling the Fields at Paradiso Charleston for an evening of live music, great food, and exciting raffle prizes as they celebrate something big: the launch of the Grounds Crew!

Leveling the Fields is proud to introduce the Grounds Crew, a new monthly giving program. The Grounds Crew is the foundation for operations here at Leveling the Fields. When you join the Grounds Crew, you become part of the team keeping LTF strong all year long! This monthly giving program directly helps fund their after-school sports programs.

Be a part of something meaningful. Opening Day is the perfect time to step up to the plate.

Healthy Habits, High Returns: Human-First Wellness (Featuring Shoshanna Richek) (Tue, April 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Healthy Habits, High Returns: Human-First Wellness

Burnout, disengagement, and rising healthcare costs continue to challenge HR and People & Culture leaders. Healthy Habits, High Returns is a 45-minute educational session designed to reframe workplace wellness through a practical, human-first lens—one that supports real people, not unrealistic programs.

This session explores how lifestyle factors, stress physiology, and workplace environments directly influence employee energy, focus, resilience, and performance. Drawing from current research in psychology, stress science, epigenetics, and neuroplasticity, participants will examine why many traditional, one-size-fits-all wellness initiatives fall short—and what more sustainable, flexible approaches can do differently.

Attendees will gain actionable insights that connect employee well-being to organizational outcomes such as engagement, retention, and the overall medical experience. The focus is on realistic strategies organizations can support over time, helping employees build healthier habits while delivering measurable returns for the business.

This presentation is educational and non-clinical, offering practical guidance for strengthening human capacity and creating healthier, more resilient workplaces.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify how stress, lifestyle factors, and workplace culture influence employee behavior, energy, and performance.

Recognize why traditional wellness programs often fail and how human-first, flexible approaches drive stronger engagement and long-term sustainability.

Describe practical strategies organizations can use to support employee well-being, improve the medical experience, and reduce burnout risk over time.

Presented by Shoshanna Richek

Get Tickets

CharlestonHacks Tech Happy Hour (Tue, April 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

RSVP

Join the CharlestonHacks Community for an after-work social Happy Hour at Revelry Brewery designed to connect Charleston's vibrant tech community! Whether you're a coder, designer, entrepreneur, or just passionate about all things tech, this is your chance to unwind, network, and build lasting connections.

Startup Grind: Fireside chat with JT White (AI entrepreneur + author) (Tue, April 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Startup Grind Charleston is thrilled to host JT White for an inspiring fireside chat about building, scaling, and leading AI technology ventures.

With over 20 years of experience, JT White is a rare blend of entrepreneur, product visionary, and operational leader. He doesn't just launch ideas—he turns them into sustainable, market-defining businesses. JT has co-founded and led companies across AI, media, and digital product innovation, forging partnerships with OpenAI, Adobe, Amazon, and other industry giants.

His track record includes multiple successful exits, millions raised in venture funding, and the creation of products that have reshaped industries. What sets JT apart is the combination of hands-on product and UX expertise with the discipline of a COO who knows how to scale teams, manage finances, and run organizations that last.

As a speaker, advisor, and author of Build for Better, JT brings practical insight to entrepreneurs, executives, and investors who want more than theory—he delivers proven frameworks for growth, ethical technology adoption, and operational excellence.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most versatile leaders in tech. Whether you're a founder, operator, or investor, this event will give you actionable takeaways to build better.

REGISTER

1 Million Cups (Wed, April 22, 2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Every week, 1 Million Cups gives entrepreneurs a platform to present their business to a supportive community for ideas and connections to grow it. It's not a pitch; it's a chance to learn and collaborate.

Charleston Digital's 18th Annual iFiveK Race and After-Party (Thu, April 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Since its launch in 2007, Charleston Digital’s iFiveK has grown into Charleston’s premier race and networking event for tech professionals. Proceeds from the race support Charleston Digital’s education and diversity initiatives. This weekday evening event is limited to 500 participants and kicks off at 6:30 PM at the Charleston Tech Center in downtown Charleston.

Race registration includes access to the after-party, featuring food and drinks from our partner vendors. Plus, after the celebration, participants can take advantage of exclusive food and drink specials at nearby restaurants and microbreweries.

REGISTRATION

Race + after-party registration: $47.50

After-party only: $45.00

SCRA Lowcountry Startups on Tap Celebration (Tue, April 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:30:00 GMT

RSVP

Join us for SCRA’s quarterly Startups on Tap Celebrations, hosted across the Lowcountry, Midlands, and Upstate.

These events bring together South Carolina’s innovation community to highlight the progress, achievements, and growth happening across the state. We’ll celebrate newly accepted Member Companies, recognize those awarded grant funding, and spotlight recent SC Launch Inc. investments driving impact in our ecosystem.

Startups on Tap is more than a celebration—it’s an opportunity. Founders can connect with fellow founders, build meaningful relationships, and exchange real-world experiences. Ecosystem partners and Member Company benefit providers will also be in the room to help strengthen collaborations and spark new possibilities.

Join us to raise a glass to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the incredible companies shaping South Carolina’s future.

1 Million Cups (Wed, April 29, 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

TEDx Charleston (Wed, April 29, 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:15:00 GMT

TICKETS

TEDx Charleston is an immersion experience at the intersection of science, art performance and business. It is designed to enrich the Charleston, South Carolina community through presentations and entertainment that inspires, engages and transforms.

Themed “Symphony", this event explores the convergence of many voices, ideas, and technologies that we see in our society. It celebrates the blending and bountiful – yet mysterious – factors of nature, art, culture, innovation, history and technology with human minds. Symphony recognizes that great things are often not accomplished alone.

Built for More - A Dad Day Experience (Thu, April 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In a digital-first world, it’s hard to connect. Built for More is an active, small-group experience for dads who want a lot for themselves and, in turn, their families.

This isn’t about being told how to parent. We’re not bringing in parenting experts or handing out step-by-step advice. There are plenty of books for that. This is about breaking up the routine to be around other dads who care and are setting their bars high.

Movement, time outside, new friends, good food, and straight talk.

LEARN MORE

Chucktown Startups members save $100 using promo code: CHUCKTOWN

TIDEWATER: Derby Day Social (Sat, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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Come out to TIDEWATER's Kentucky Derby Watch Party and Concert in Charleston!

Food and drink provided, live music, and all the race day excitement!

Get ready for an epic day! Join us in person for our first annual Kentucky Derby Watch Party and Concert . Watch the thrilling race live on a 20 foot LED screen, groove to multiple performances, and enjoy a sneak peak of the bar and kitchen menu at Tidewater! Bring your friends, join the hype, and dress to impress! Don't miss out on this gorgeous day of steeds, sun, and excitement!

1 Million Cups (Wed, May 06, 2026)

Wed, 06 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Chucktown Startups May Happy Hour at OTH - Sponsored by Tidewater (Tue, May 12, 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Socialize and Strategize

Let’s keep the momentum going!

Founders. Builders. Operators. Investors. Ecosystem champions.

Join us this May 12 at Over the Horizon Brewing for an evening of real conversations and real connections inside Charleston’s startup community.

Casual networking, zero pressure
Surrounded by people building what’s next in Charleston

Come early, grab a drink, and meet someone who could change the trajectory of your business.

RSVP

Chucktown U: A Founder's Guide to Dig South Tech Summit and Charleston Tech Week (Wed, May 13, 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The best week of the year for innovators in the Holy City is Charleston Tech Week, capped off by Dig South's Tech Summit.

Charleston Tech Week is the region's first and only decentralized festival celebrating tech, entrepreneurship and innovation across the Lowcountry. CTW is a mighty alliance of technology, business and creative communities uniting to champion, support and grow the regional ecosystem. We invite you to participate, attend, sponsor, speak, network, collide and collaborate with us. Celebrate innovation.

Stanfield Gray, the Founder and CEO of Dig South, will preview this year's festivities and share insider tips on how founders can get the most out of this week.

Presenter: Stanfield Gray, Founder and CEO of Dig South Tech Summit and Creator of Charleston Tech Week

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Time: 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM

Registration: Click here to register

DisruptHR Charleston (Wed, May 13, 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Tickets

DisruptHR Charleston is Back Once Again!

DisruptHR Charleston is an information exchange designed to energize, inform, and empower business leaders and HR professionals.

Join us for an information exchange designed to energize, inform and empower executives, business leaders and people in the HR field.

Catch Talent is proud to host DisruptHR Charleston: A groundbreaking Human Resources and Talent Attraction movement built on the belief that people and workplaces are constantly evolving, so the ideas and methodologies we use to engage, energize, and inspire them should adapt and change too. Now an International event with groups from New York City to London, DisruptHR is progressive thought leadership event that will change the way you approach your people and talent forever.

On Wednesday, May 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, we'll gather at the American Theater for presentations by HR professionals who’ll share their disruptive ideas on how to move our collective thinking forward when it comes to the workplace.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

DisruptHR is a high-energy idea forum designed to inform and empower leaders, business owners, founders, and people in the HR field who are passionate about talent!

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

DisruptHR takes the brilliance of TED Talks, adds a pinch of energy from Ignite/Pecha Kucha events, and finishes it with a dash of “talent” giving each speaker 5 minutes to blow your mind on topics relevant to the human experience and how we work! Each presenter will get 20 slides for 15 seconds each: That’s it! Presentations can be about anything so long as they pertain to talent and the future of work, and the audience is encouraged to interact, clap, laugh, cry, tweet, text, and share their experience with each other and the world.

Networking, showmanship, and learning are all things we all need more of in our professional lives. DisruptHR delivers all of that in a high-energy idea forum designed to inform and empower executives, business leaders, people in the HR field who are passionate about talent.

HIGH-LEVEL AGENDA

5:30 - 6:15pm Networking and Drinks

6:15 - 7:45pm DisruptHR Talks

7:45 - 8:30pm Networking

8:30 - until??? Unofficial after party at Cocktail Club

Join us for networking before and after the presentations, some libations, and plenty of opportunity to be inspired. We're pumped... and we hope you are too!

18th Chef's Potluck (Presented by Lowcountry Local First) (Sun, May 17, 2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

TICKETS

One of the most popular fundraising events of the year, the 18th annual Chef’s Potluck is set to take place at the stunning, marsh-side Porter Room at Holy City Brewing in North Charleston. With more than 20 talented local chefs teaming up with farmers, fishermen, and ranchers, this event promises to be packed with good company and the freshest local ingredients the Lowcountry has to offer.

Participating chefs from: Beautiful South, Bistronomy by NICO, Cane Pazzo, Carolima's, Cru Catering, Edmund's Original, Indaco, Jackrabbit Filly, King BBQ, Kingstide, La Cave, Lewis Barbecue, Lola Rose, Malagon, Rancho Lewis, S.N.O.B., Ted's Butcherblock, The Grocery, The Obstinate Daughter, and The Walrus Raw Bar.

Build + Brew Charleston (Wed, May 20, 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

RSVP

Coffee from Camino Caffeino.

Good conversations.

Builders, founders, operators, entrepreneurs.

New opportunities.

See you there.

Chucktown Startups upcoming events

Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization - 2026 Innovation Celebration (Thu, April 16, 2026)

Leveling the Fields: Opening Day Launch Party for Grounds Crew (Thu, April 16, 2026)

Healthy Habits, High Returns: Human-First Wellness (Featuring Shoshanna Richek) (Tue, April 21, 2026)

Healthy Habits, High Returns: Human-First Wellness

CharlestonHacks Tech Happy Hour (Tue, April 21, 2026)

Startup Grind: Fireside chat with JT White (AI entrepreneur + author) (Tue, April 21, 2026)

1 Million Cups (Wed, April 22, 2026)

Charleston Digital's 18th Annual iFiveK Race and After-Party (Thu, April 23, 2026)

SCRA Lowcountry Startups on Tap Celebration (Tue, April 28, 2026)

1 Million Cups (Wed, April 29, 2026)

TEDx Charleston (Wed, April 29, 2026)

Built for More - A Dad Day Experience (Thu, April 30, 2026)

TIDEWATER: Derby Day Social (Sat, May 02, 2026)

1 Million Cups (Wed, May 06, 2026)

Chucktown Startups May Happy Hour at OTH - Sponsored by Tidewater (Tue, May 12, 2026)

Socialize and Strategize

​Let’s keep the momentum going!

Chucktown U: A Founder's Guide to Dig South Tech Summit and Charleston Tech Week (Wed, May 13, 2026)

DisruptHR Charleston (Wed, May 13, 2026)

18th Chef's Potluck (Presented by Lowcountry Local First) (Sun, May 17, 2026)

Build + Brew Charleston (Wed, May 20, 2026)

Let’s keep the momentum going!