The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce will host TechTopia 2026 Summit, an immersive half-day gathering celebrating the South Coast’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Scheduled for March 18 at OASIS, the summit will spotlight emerging technologies, industry trends, and collaboration across research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
What began as the chamber’s annual science, technology and business summit featuring guided tours of local tech companies has evolved into TechTopia — a hub of high-performing startups, advanced manufacturers, and global industry leaders building world-changing products through cutting-edge technology, the chamber said.
Attendees will take guided facility tours, participate in curated breakout sessions, and hear from leading voices during a keynote address and panel discussion focused on the region’s rapidly growing tech economy.
Hands-on technology demonstrations will provide an up-close look at advanced tools, prototypes, and real-world applications developed locally.
The half-day program concludes with a networking reception designed to foster connections among business leaders, innovators, educators, and community partners.
Umesh Mishra, dean of the College of Engineering at UC Santa Barbara, will serve as the keynote speaker for the summit. Mishra is a leader in semiconductor innovation and pioneer in gallium nitride technology, which has enabled more energy-efficient electronics used in applications ranging from LED lighting to electric vehicles.
He has co-founded multiple successful technology companies and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
The summit will highlight the South Coast’s unique position during a panel discussion with speakers representing such companies aas Amazon, AppFolio, Google, Curvature, and SpaceX.
“TechTopia Summit brings together the people and ideas shaping the future of our region’s technology community,” said Kristen Miller, president/CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce.
“This event highlights not only innovation, but the deep collaboration between industry, academia, and the broader business ecosystem that makes the South Coast a standout hub for tech growth,” she said.