A student-led conference for entrepreneurial Aggies.
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2nd Annual Aggie Startup Summit
Friday, April 3 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center
This one-day, student-led conference, now in partnership with the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship, aims to bring together entrepreneurial Aggies from across campus to learn, explore, engage and connect.
The Aggie Startup Summit Vision:
It all starts with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a startup. Maybe you’re figuring out your first steps. Or maybe you just want to meet the right people to help you turn a vision into reality.
Wherever you are in the journey, having the right insights, connections, and mindset can make all the difference. This event is built by students, for students to help you take that next step with confidence.
Who Should Attend:
Student Founders: You’ve launched your side hustle or startup and now need real traction. This event will help you learn how to attract customers, secure funding, and scale while avoiding costly mistakes.
Pre-Founders: You have an idea, but you haven’t pulled the trigger just yet. Validate your concept with expert feedback, connect with potential co-founders and mentors, learn essential startup fundamentals, and build the confidence to finally launch!
Entrepreneurial Explorers: You’re intrigued by entrepreneurship but haven’t committed to a specific idea yet. This event offers you a firsthand look into startup culture, introduces you to diverse founders at various stages, and provides practical knowledge about the entrepreneurial journey.
The 2026 Aggie Startup Summit is led by students of Dr. John Sanchez’s strategy courses:
Andrew Alexander, Kayla Bui, Luke Castro, Patrick Churchill, Danielle Djuandi, Corbin Fanning, Alonda Gomez, Ava Howard, Gran Mahlmann, Gloria Nguyen, Luke Read, Pooja Suresh and John Wyer.
Registration is now open!
Friday, April 3
- 8:30 a.m. | Registration
- 9 a.m. | Welcome
- 9:15 a.m. | Welcome Keynote
- “Finding Joy in the Valley: A Shark Tank Story” with Jacob Robinson ’11, founder of Dig World
- 10 a.m. | BREAK
- 10:15 a.m. | Breakout Sessions
- “Let’s Find the Right Opportunity” with Chris Buckner ’07 and Aaron Knape ’01
- “Being a Student Founder” with Katie Calderon ’25 and Malachi Hernandez ’25
- 11 a.m. | BREAK
- 11:15 a.m. | Roundtable Discussions
- 12:30 p.m. | Networking Lunch
- 1:15 p.m. | Panel Discussion
- “How to Finance Your Startup” with John Claybrook ’13, Andrew Kazlow ’17, Andrew Smith ’07 and Ben Wiggins ’07
- 2:15 p.m. | BREAK
- 2:30 p.m. | Closing Keynote
- “Recognizing Execution: How Life Is Quietly Shaped, One Week at a Time” with Preston Atkinson, former CEO of Whataburger and former president/CEO of Las Aguilas Enterprises
- 3 p.m. | Networking Reception / Resource Showcase
- 4 p.m. | Event Concludes
Jacob Robinson ’11
Preston Atkinson
Aaron Knape ’01
Chris Buckner ’07
Katie Calderon ’25
Malachi Hernandez ’23
Roundtable Discussion Hosts:
- Landon Alford ’07
- Levi Belnap
- Kasey Briggs
- John Paul Gutierrez
- Jenny Hanlon ’89
- Caleb Holt ’07
- Joel Justiss
- Cale Kobza ’97
- Nicole Peele
- Jose Quintana ’86
- Steve Sutton
- Mike Wilkinson ’86
- Allen Wortham ’27
- Rob Youker
Thank you to our 2026 Aggie Startup Summit sponsors!
Ideally, yes. We have phenomenal speakers coming in from all over the state, so please make your best effort to be there for the full duration of the conference. We get it if you absolutely need to arrive late or leave early- just let us know in an email so we can plan accordingly.
There’s no dress code- wear whatever makes you feel best! Whether that’s jeans and a t-shirt or a full suit, we care more about you being comfortable and authentic.
If you have a friend who’d like to attend, please have them fill out the sign-up form ASAP as space is very limited!
Just your authentic self, some curiosity, something to take notes with, and some questions you’d like to ask speakers/panelists!
This is a one-day conference (Friday, April 3 – Reading Day) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The schedule is designed to be high-value and respectful of your time.
The Summit was created by students, for students, so come as you are! There’s no dress code — wear whatever makes you feel best. Whether that’s jeans and a t-shirt, business casual, or a full suit, we care more about you being comfortable and authentic.
Not at all! Whether you’re just curious about entrepreneurship, actively working on a startup, or simply want to learn more about innovation and business-building, there’s something for you at the Startup Summit.
Yes! We’ll provide lunch for those who register by the deadline.
Nope! The day is designed for people at all stages.
Real-world insights from people who’ve built successful companies, practical knowledge about starting and growing ventures, connections with mentors and fellow entrepreneurial-minded students, and inspiration to take your next steps — whatever those might be.