Worcester, MA — StartUp Week Worcester returns April 7–9, 2026, bringing together founders, innovators, students, investors, and community leaders for a multi-day celebration of entrepreneurship in Central Massachusetts. Hosted by Auxilium, the event will feature an Innovation Crawl, the Venture Forum’s WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown, and a series of workshops and panel discussions.
“StartUp Week Worcester is an opportunity to bring the community together and highlight the innovation happening across the region” said Zachary Dutton, Executive Director of Auxilium Worcester. “The week is about showcasing the ecosystem, creating connections, and supporting founders at every stage of their journey.”
The week showcases the organizations, ideas, and people shaping Worcester’s growing startup community while creating opportunities to learn, connect, and collaborate.
Innovation Crawl to Showcase Leading Organizations
The Innovation Crawl will kick off the week with a guided behind-the-scenes tour of organizations driving innovation in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and community development.
This year’s stops include Coghlin Companies, PracticePoint, UMass Chan Medical School, and Worcester Regional Food Hub. The tour will culminate with the Venture Forum’s WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown, where student entrepreneurs will pitch their ventures to a panel of investors for feedback, mentorship, and potential funding.
Workshops and Panels for Entrepreneurs
The week will also feature two days of complimentary workshops and conversations designed for founders, seasoned entrepreneurs, and those curious about entrepreneurship. Sessions will explore topics ranging from evaluating early-stage opportunities and understanding investor expectations to accessing capital, building products, and leveraging the region’s support network, providing practical insights and a clearer roadmap for moving from idea to execution.
For more information, event registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit startupweekworcester.com
About Auxilium
Auxilium is a new accelerator and innovation studio located in downtown Worcester, MA, committed to empowering scalable startups through capital, mentorship, and community. Backed by Rucker Investments, Auxilium supports visionary founders working to grow transformative businesses. The organization offers two programs, a 3-month Accelerator for companies ready to scale, and an Innovation Studio that provides up to 12-months of residency and support for, earlier-stage founders to focus on building and validating their ideas.
