​For 9 years, MistyWest has been bringing ​FOUNDERS & FRIENDS to CES, igniting conversations between hardware industry leaders, innovators and builders who are making transformative impact with technology.

​This one-night incubator and networking event is unlike any other during CES. For 2026, we're looking towards a blue sky future, and you won't want to miss what we have in store.

​As always, ​FOUNDERS & FRIENDS is a invitation-only experience. You must have an access code in order to register.

​What to expect?

• ​Indoor & outdoor bars with multiple catered food options

• ​​A multi-room event filled with experiential activations

• ​Showcases by 2025 HardTech Award winners Near Space Labs, Pila Energy, Kalogon and Aurea Technologies

• ​Live demos from Canadian startups Miru and Haply Robotics

• ​A live musical performance by human jukebox and looping wizard Mark Woodyard (his 7th year performing with us!)

​​Take a look at the 2025 photo gallery to see what it's all about.

​AI Startup Pitch Showcase 🤖

​This year, we're kicking off the night with an NVIDIA Physical AI Startup Pitch Showcase. NVIDIA Inception startups will take the stage at ​FOUNDERS & FRIENDS to describe their visions for the future of tech. Join us from 7:15-8:15 to discover the latest innovations across robotics, healthcare, physical AI, and more.

​​'I Have A Code' Ticket Option

​​Where can you get a code? Scroll down to see our 2026 Partners and ask your contacts at one of those companies for a code.

​Enter the partner's access code when registering for this ticket option (see screenshot below).

​If you don't enter an access code with this ticket option, your request will be rejected.

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​​'Request an Invite' Ticket Option

​Use this ticket option if you don't have an access code.

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​2026 Partners

​​This event is presented by MistyWest and made possible thanks to our co-host Solidworks, Gold partners Intent and SEACOMP, and Silver partners Nordic Semiconductor, Boast AI and NVIDIA.