THE NEXT WAVE OF HARDTECH: Founders, physical AI & dual-use, and frontier systems. An Austin Hardtech official event.

Come meet some of the most forward-thinking hardtech startups and hear how AI is beginning to reshape the physical world through robotics, manufacturing, autonomous systems, and real-world infrastructure.

Austin Hardtech is returning to Q-Branch for a focused evening at the intersection of hardtech, dual-use innovation, and physical AI.

The evening will include short presentations from companies participating in the Q-Branch Israel Dual-Use 2026 accelerator cohort, with teams working across autonomous systems, advanced sensing, UAV/UAS platforms, infrastructure resilience, manufacturing, optical systems, and related frontier technologies.

Austin Hardtech will also spotlight a select group of builders working at the intersection of AI and the physical world, including robotics, automation, manufacturing, industrial systems, infrastructure, and other hardtech categories.

Austin and Texas are rapidly becoming one of the most important places in the world to build hardtech. This event is about bringing together the founders, engineers, investors, and operators who want to help shape where that movement goes next.

What to Expect

Q-Branch Israel Dual-Use 2026 Accelerator Presentations

Founders from Q-Branch’s dual-use accelerator ecosystem will give short presentations on the technologies they are building and where they are looking to connect.

Presenting companies include:

• Black Rover: AI video-intelligence software that turns existing camera, drone, bodycam, and surveillance feeds into searchable, near-real-time monitoring systems for faster detection, investigation, and response.

• SkyPulse Technologies: Agile, mission-flexible UAV platforms for dual-use and industrial applications, combining precise control, flexible deployment, and affordability for medium-size drone operations.

• SkySapience: Tethered aerial systems designed for continuous, ground-powered airborne operations across public safety, critical infrastructure, homeland security, and commercial applications.

• CopterPIX Pro: Autonomous drone platforms and end-to-end UAV solutions, including modular UAV systems, drone-in-a-box capabilities, fleet and mission-management software, and tailored hardware/software integrations.

• Future Optek: Lightweight augmented and mixed-reality sighting and visualization technology for training, situational awareness, and human-machine teaming applications.

• Eagle X: A stealth-stage company developing autonomous aerial systems for advanced security, monitoring, and UAV/UAS-related operational needs.

Austin Hardtech Physical AI Builder Showcase

Austin Hardtech will spotlight a small group of pre-qualified builders working at the intersection of AI and the physical world, including robotics, automation, manufacturing, industrial systems, infrastructure, and other hardtech categories.

Networking + Community Connections

There will be plenty of time to meet founders, operators, investors, engineers, manufacturers, and ecosystem partners helping shape the future of hardtech in Austin, all inside one of downtown’s most unique spaces.

Food + Drinks

Food and beverages will be provided courtesy of Jardum.

Schedule

5:00 PM Doors open + networking6:00 PM – 6:15 PM Q-Branch Israel Dual-Use 2026 accelerator presentations6:15 PM – 6:45 PM Austin Hardtech Physical AI Builder Showcase6:45 PM – 8:00 PM Networking + drinks8:00 PM Wrap

Who Should Attend

• Hardtech and deeptech founders• Robotics, aerospace, and autonomous systems builders• AI founders working with physical systems• Investors interested in hardtech, dual-use, and frontier technologies• Operators, engineers, and product leaders• Banks, advisors, and ecosystem partners supporting company growth• Founders currently raising or preparing to raise capital

About Austin Hardtech

Austin Hardtech is building the connective tissue for the next generation of hardtech and deeptech companies.

Our mission is to help make Austin one of the best places in the world to start and scale companies working in robotics, manufacturing, infrastructure, climate, industrial systems, advanced sensing, autonomous systems, and other forms of physical technology.

We bring together founders, engineers, investors, manufacturers, operators, universities, and ecosystem partners to help technologies move faster from idea to real-world deployment.

Through events, introductions, and strategic partnerships, Austin Hardtech is creating an unfair advantage for builders working at the intersection of software and the physical world.

About Q-Branch

Q-Branch is a downtown Austin innovation hub focused on hardtech, dual-use, and frontier technologies. Through its space, programming, and accelerator relationships, Q-Branch supports founders and organizations building technologies with real-world impact.

Food & Beverage Sponsor

Jardum

Thank you to Jardum for supporting the Austin Hardtech ecosystem.

Jardum is a full-lifecycle electronics systems integrator for specialty vehicle and equipment manufacturers — from product concept through engineering, manufacturing, and support.

Learn more at:www.jardum.com

RSVP Note

Space is limited. Attendees will be asked a few short questions during RSVP so we can better understand who is building, who is raising, and how to make the room more useful.