From BioTech to Robotics: Exploring the Full Spectrum of Innovation at SBW2025

Startup Boston Week 2025 is your front-row seat to the innovation shaping tomorrow - and this year, we’re making it easier than ever to dive deep into the industries that matter most to you. Whether you're exploring the future of healthtech, fintech, robotics, climate, biotech or real estate, SBW2025 offers dedicated sessions designed to connect you with the people, insights, and opportunities driving each space forward.

With in-person programming at Suffolk University and virtual access available for every session, SBW2025 makes it easy to plug into Boston’s vibrant startup scene, wherever you are.

Explore all industry sessions by clicking “Topic” and selecting “Hot Industries." Check it out here.

Here’s your guide to industry deep dives happening throughout the week: 

Tech Meets Property: How PropTech is Shaping the Future of Real Estate 

Date: Monday, September 8 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm | View Session 

Real estate is being redefined by Proptech, as innovation becomes just as important as location. This fireside chat explores how founders and investors are transforming the built world through emerging tech, from smarter operations to data-driven platforms. Topics include integration with legacy systems, data privacy, and what investors want in the next wave of real estate innovation.

No Meltdowns Required: Mastering Hardware-Software Integration

Date: Tuesday, September 9 from 9:30am - 10:30am | View Session 

Building integrated hardware and software products - like IoT devices and medical hardware - requires tight coordination, but aligning these teams is rarely straightforward. This panel brings together experienced engineering leaders to share practical strategies for cross-functional collaboration, scalable architecture, and managing development challenges unique to the physical-digital intersection.

Building the Future: How Robotics and Automation are Changing Everything 

Date: Tuesday, September 9 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm | View Session 

Robotics and automation are transforming industries from manufacturing to healthcare, and startups are at the forefront of this shift. This panel dives into Boston’s role in robotics innovation, exploring technical hurdles, ethical considerations, and how founders are pushing the boundaries of what robots can do.

Biology Really Bytes: Scaling Life Science Software Right

Date: Tuesday, September 9 from 2:30pm - 3:30pm | View Session 

As life sciences become increasingly data-driven, software now plays a vital role in everything from research to clinical workflows. This panel features engineers and technical leaders developing scientific applications at scale, tackling the complexities of building software for biology. You'll gain insights on designing for messy data, balancing usability with scientific rigor, and navigating regulated environments.

HealthTech Unplugged: How Technology is Revolutionizing Patient Care

Date: Wednesday, September 10 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm | View Session 

Healthtech is revolutionizing patient care and healthcare operations, but breaking into this regulated, complex industry comes with major challenges. This fireside chat features leaders in the space sharing how they’re navigating data privacy, AI integration, and adoption hurdles while scaling impactful solutions.

Smart, Safe and Sound: Building Wearable Health Tech That Works 

Date: Wednesday, September 10 from 4:00pm - 5:00pm | View Session 

Designing healthcare devices requires more than just innovative tech - it means creating tools that truly work for both patients and providers. This session brings together experts to discuss the challenges of building wearable health tech, from regulatory constraints to designing for dual user groups.

Innovations in Life Sciences: From Lab to Market 

Date: Thursday, September 11 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm | View Session 

Boston leads in biotech innovation, but turning research into real-world impact is no easy feat. This session explores how startups can navigate the journey from discovery to commercialization, with insights on funding, partnerships, and tech translation.

Standing Out in the AI Crowd: Strategies for Real Product Differentiation

Date: Thursday, September 11 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm | View Session

Building an AI product today requires more than just technical excellence - it demands strategic differentiation. This panel dives into how startups can create AI solutions that stand out through unique value, smart positioning, and effective go-to-market strategies. You’ll gain insights on avoiding common pitfalls, monetization tactics, and how investors view different types of AI companies to better navigate the competitive landscape.

Massachusetts Climatech Studio Final Showcase

Date: Thursday September 11; Part One is 5:30pm - 6:45pm and Part Two is 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us for the final pitch event of the 2025 Massachusetts Climatetech Studio, where nine startups will showcase their innovative solutions for a chance to win grant funding.

After an intensive 16-week program, these teams have turned cutting-edge technologies from universities and national labs into promising ventures. Their projects tackle urgent climate challenges in areas like batteries, renewable energy, agriculture, and carbon sequestration across Massachusetts.

AI Gold Rush or Bubble? Investing in AI in 2026 

Date: Friday, September 12 from 9:30am – 10:30am | View Session 

AI is transforming industries, but distinguishing real opportunities from hype can be challenging. This session unpacks the AI investment landscape, covering valuation metrics, technical differentiation, and emerging market niches. You’ll learn how to evaluate AI startups effectively, spot red flags, and build a strategy focused on sustainable competitive advantage.

Feeding the Future: How FoodTech is Changing What (and How) We Eat

Date: Friday, September 12 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm | View Session 

Foodtech is revolutionizing how we produce and consume food, from sustainable agriculture to alternative proteins. This session explores the key challenges and opportunities startups face, including scaling, consumer trends, and the power of partnerships. You’ll gain insights to help your company thrive in the fast-changing Foodtech landscape.

Venture Capital Crystal Ball: What 2026 Holds for Startups and Investors 

Date: Friday, September 12 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm | View Session 

The venture capital landscape is rapidly evolving, are you ready for what’s ahead? This session offers a deep dive into 2025’s key VC trends, from macroeconomic impacts to sector-specific funding dynamics. Featuring insights from investors and startup leaders, you’ll learn how to adapt your fundraising strategy and navigate the shifting landscape of venture capital, IPOs, and M&A activity.

SBW2025: A Front Row Seat to the Future

Startup Boston Week is more than a conference - it’s your gateway to one of the nation’s most dynamic startup ecosystems. From cutting-edge AI and biotech breakthroughs to transformative healthtech, robotics, and foodtech innovations, SBW2025 covers the full spectrum of industry disruption. Whether you’re joining virtually or in person at Suffolk University, you’ll gain exclusive insights from founders, investors, and experts driving change across tech, life sciences, real estate, and more.

Mark your calendar. Rally your crew. Bring your questions. Leave with clarity, confidence, and momentum. Grab your free ticket now.

About the author: Joe D'Agostino is a startup founder, developer, advisor, and active security practitioner. Today, he manages the product and application security team at an AI startup in Boston, MA. When he is not securing or building products, he enjoys spending time with his wife, their newborn daughter, and their dog, Josie.