VentureVets and 16 Tech host WE ARE ALL FOUNDERS event to celebrate veterans who build American companies - 16 Tech

2026-11-11 · 10:00:00 · Indianapolis

16 Tech HqO Innovation Hub

1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202

Hosted by VentureVets and 16 Tech in Indianapolis, this full-day Veterans Day summit celebrates military-connected entrepreneurs with a founder showcase, resource village, panel, and keynote ceremonies.

WE ARE ALL FOUNDERS: A Veterans Day Celebration brings together veteran and military-connected founders, community members, and resources in the 16 Tech Innovation District. The event features a founder showcase, a resource village, the “We Built This” panel, opening and closing ceremonies, and keynotes celebrating veterans who build American companies.

Founder brief

Who should attend

Military veterans, service-connected entrepreneurs, and ecosystem partners building businesses across sectors like proptech and hardware will gain the most from this gathering. Local community members who support veteran-owned businesses or seek connections to regional entrepreneurial resources should also attend.

What happens

Activities kick off at 10:00 with the Veteran Founder Showcase and Resource Village. A catered midday panel titled 'We Built This' features six veteran founders, followed by an afternoon opening ceremony with keynotes, ongoing exhibition time, and a closing ceremony that includes exhibitor recognition and a community photo.

Who's in the room

Attendees will interact with hosts Courtney Zaugg of VentureVets and Emily Krueger of 16 Tech Innovation District. The speaking roster features Senator Jim Banks, Elliot Brooks from the office of U.S. Senator Todd Young, and Brian Schutt from the Indiana Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, alongside veteran service organizations.

How to prepare

Exhibitors should arrive ready to staff demo tables and run concise product walkthroughs for foot traffic in the showcase hall. If you plan to network through the resource village, prepare a brief explanation of your venture and have contact details ready to share with civic leaders and fellow founders.

Organizer: VentureVets

Register

At a glance

Tickets
Free
Theme
A Veterans Day Celebration
Sectors
Proptech, Hardware

Agenda

  1. 10:00 · Doors open. The Veteran Founder Showcase and Veteran Service Organization Resource Village open for the day.
  2. 11:30 - 13:00 · “We Built This” founder panel — Six veteran founders on what their service taught them about building something that lasts. Lunch provided.
  3. 13:30 · Opening Ceremony, “250 Years of Founders.” — A moment of silence, the national anthem, a keynote, and the reading of Indiana veteran founder names.
  4. 14:00 - 15:30 · Showcase and Resource Village continue
  5. 15:30 · Closing Ceremony, “The Founding Continues.” — A closing keynote, recognition of exhibitors, and a community photo.

Speakers, judges and hosts

  • Courtney Zaugg — Co-Founder and Managing Partner, VentureVets (Host)
  • Emily Krueger — CEO, 16 Tech Innovation District (Host)
  • Brian Schutt — Indiana Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Speaker)
  • Elliot Brooks — Stars of Valor Fellow, U.S. Senator Todd Young (Speaker)
  • Jim Banks — Senator, U.S. Senate (Speaker)

Sponsors and partners

  • 16 Tech Community Corporation
  • Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Indiana Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Richard L. Roudebush Veterans’ Administration Medical Center
  • Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana

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