Entrepreneurs, investors, business owners and students from across the region gathered in Reno this fall for Reno Startup Week. Five days of programming focused on innovation, company growth and community building. Held from Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, 2026, the week featured events at venues throughout Reno, giving participants opportunities to share insights, build connections and explore new ideas. The Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship has been a sponsor since the first Reno Startup Week in 2023. This year marked the center’s fourth year of support.  

Beyond sponsoring, the Ozmen Center also contributes directly to programming.

“We believe Reno Startup Week plays a vital role in building an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive, especially for the next generation of innovators growing up in Northern Nevada,” said Saf Elmansour, senior coordinator at the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship and adjunct professor of marketing.  

Aerospace and defense, and the founder’s journey 

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Michael Jiru, director of the Aerospace and Defense Academy, hosted “The Next Era of Aerospace and Defense” at Kiln, Reno’s new workspace. Jiru led a panel of industry leaders in a conversation about Reno’s future as an industry hub and how coming changes can become opportunities. 

Later that day, also at Kiln, Saf Elmansour led a panel called “Grow Fast or Grow Roots.” Elmansour spoke with three local technology founders who each took a different approach to growing their startup. The founders reflected on how those choices shaped their paths as entrepreneurs and that of their companies. 

Meeting the community and launching the pitch competition 

At the Build Better Exposition, organized by the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development, Ozmen Center staff spoke with business owners about everything from accessing startup resources to navigating growth challenges. The conversations offered a snapshot of opportunities and obstacles facing small businesses across the region. 

The Startup World Cup was introduced by Mehmet Tosun, director of the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship, who welcomed attendees, participants and judges. Reno was the last stop before the global finals where five startups competed for a spot in the Startup World Cup finals, taking place this November in San Francisco, where a $1,000,000 investment is awarded to the finalists.

Closing out the week 

The Aerospace and Defense Academy hosted its first Connect Networking Meeting, hosted by Jiru. The event shared important resources about the future of the aerospace industry in Reno and gave participants a chance to build professional relationships, exchange knowledge and create a community-based support system for the Aerospace and Defense field. 

Matt Westfield, entrepreneur-in-residence at the Ozmen Center, wrapped up Reno Startup Week with a talk on “The Do’s and Don’ts of International Scaling.” Matt shared stories and practical advice from his years on the road conducting global business. 

While Reno Startup Week has concluded, entrepreneurial programming continues throughout the academic year. The Ozmen Center's workshops, competitions and events are open to students from all University of Nevada, Reno colleges and degree programs, providing opportunities to explore current ideas, develop business concepts and connect with the broader startup community. 

Information about upcoming initiatives is available through the center's newsletter.