WASHINGTON, DC – October 27, 2024 – In a significant milestone for cannabis industry legitimacy and technological innovation, Upling successfully led the Cannabis Track at this year’s DC Startup & Tech Week, marking a turning point for cannabis entrepreneurship in the nation’s capital.
The specialized track, a first for the renamed and expanded conference (formerly DC Startup Week), brought together industry leaders, investors, and innovators to explore the intersection of technology, policy, and cannabis enterprise in a region poised for substantial growth.
“We did it cannabis!” declared Upling’s founder following the event. “Seeing so many passionate people united by the drive to expand this industry in impactful ways reminds us why we do what we do.”
The Cannabis Track featured panel discussions addressing crucial industry challenges, including banking limitations, social equity frameworks, interstate commerce preparation, and technological solutions for regulatory compliance. Participants engaged with leading experts on topics ranging from seed-to-sale tracking systems to consumer-facing delivery technologies—an area where Upling has established particular expertise.
DC Startup & Tech Week, now in its seventh year, has evolved into the region’s premier gathering for entrepreneurs and technology innovators. The inclusion of a dedicated Cannabis Track signals growing recognition of the industry’s economic potential and technological sophistication.
“The cannabis industry is increasingly becoming a technology industry,” noted William Chen, technology analyst at Emerging Sectors Group. “Companies like Upling aren’t just participating in cannabis commerce—they’re creating entirely new technology frameworks to address the unique challenges this regulated market presents.”
Event co-organizers Seema Alexander and Rachel Koretsky received special recognition for their vision in creating space for cannabis innovation within the broader technology ecosystem. Their leadership helped facilitate connections between cannabis entrepreneurs and the wider technology community, potentially opening new partnership and investment opportunities.
“We’re especially grateful to Seema Alexander, Rachel Koretsky, and fellow entrepreneurs for creating a space to explore growth and innovation in cannabis,” stated Upling’s founder. “To everyone who attended and supported us: thank you for helping build a brighter future for cannabis in DC and beyond.”
Following this successful debut, discussions are already underway to expand the Cannabis Track for next year’s conference, with Upling positioned to play a continuing leadership role in this growing intersection of technology and cannabis entrepreneurship.
For more information about Upling’s technology solutions or DC Startup & Tech Week, visit www.upling.com or www.dcstartupweek.org.
About Upling: Upling is a technology-forward cannabis platform operating at the intersection of innovation and social impact. The company develops solutions that address industry-specific challenges while creating opportunities for communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.
About DC Startup & Tech Week: Formerly known as DC Startup Week, DC Startup & Tech Week has evolved into the capital region’s premier event for entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders. The conference features specialized tracks addressing emerging industries and technological innovations.
