Innovation & Startup Events in Bali You Can’t Miss in 2026

When I'm in Bali with a laptop, a notebook, and a head full of ideas, I was eager but unsure how to plug into the local tech and startup scene. My first breakthrough came when I attended a startup weekend in Bali, suddenly I was in a room full of founders, mentors, and energy I had only imagined. From that moment, I committed to exploring every innovation event Bali had to offer. Over time I’ve seen how these events transform ideas into collaborations, ambitions into action, and strangers into cofounders. In this post, I’ll take you through the must-attend gatherings across 2026, what to expect, and how you can maximize them powered by ORA eSIM.

The Biggest Tech and Startup Events in Bali in 2026

Bali is increasingly hosting significant regional and international summits. One upcoming highlight is the International Conference on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management (ICIESM), scheduled for July 15–16, 2026 in Bali. Another is the International Conference on Recent Innovations in Engineering and Technology (ICRIET 2026) happening March 30–31, 2026 in Bali. You’ll also find local venues such as Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center hosting large-scale conferences and events. These gatherings bring together government, academia, corporates, and startups, making them prime for networking, exposure, and learning.

What to Expect from Startup Weekend Bali

Startup Weekend Bali is a fast-paced, 54-hour hackathon-style event where entrepreneurs, designers, and developers form teams around startup ideas, build MVPs, get feedback, and pitch to judges. You’ll find workshops, mentor check-ins, pitch coaching, and high-energy deadlines. It’s one of the most hands-on startup mentorship Bali experiences in the local ecosystem.

Green Innovation Conferences Making Waves in Ubud

Ubud, with its reputation for sustainability and culture, is a natural host for eco-tech and environmental innovation events. In recent years, green conferences Ubud have combined discussions on climate tech, regenerative design, and circular economy models. These are perfect for founders working in cleantech, agritech, or sustainable tourism.
Expect panel sessions, case study showcases, networking with impact investors, and field visits to eco-initiatives in Bali’s rural communities.

Bali’s Role in Southeast Asian Startup and Tech Events

Though Bali is often seen as a retreat or lifestyle hub, it’s steadily earning recognition in Southeast Asia’s event circuit. International conferences are increasingly choosing Bali as their venue thanks to its scenic appeal, growing infrastructure, and vibrant creative-tech culture. Events like GPC 2026 are slated for the last week of February 2026 in Bali. By hosting regional summits, Bali links local founders to ASEAN networks, accelerators, and investors, elevating its position from fringe startup island to a regional hub.

Networking Nights Every Entrepreneur Should Attend

Sometimes the most valuable moments happen not on stage, but in hallways, lounges, or coworking spaces. Networking nights Bali, whether informal meetups, “Founder Fridays,” or themed socials, give you the chance to build relationships outside structured agendas. One standout is Startup Grind Bali, which hosts monthly fireside chats, panels, and meetups connecting founders, investors, and mentors.
Pro tip: Bring business cards (or digital ones), prepare an elevator pitch, and follow up quickly after over coffee.

Retreat-Style Startup Events in Bali

Combining relaxation with productivity, retreat-style startup events Bali often blend workshops, brainstorming sessions, and wellness activities in rural or coastal settings. These immersive events might last 3–5 days and focus on deep work, reflection, and small-group mentoring. They’re ideal when you want to unplug from daily distractions and accelerate your startup progress in a focused, intentional environment.

Female-Entrepreneurship Events Empowering Bali Founders

Supporting women founders is gaining traction in Bali’s event calendar. Female entrepreneurship events Bali bring tailored panels, pitching forums, and peer networks specifically for women. These are powerful for visibility, community building, and access to women-focused funds and mentors. Look out for local chapters or sessions at larger tech festivals that spotlight female-led innovation.

Creative Festivals in Bali with Business Innovation Tracks

Bali is famed for its arts and culture festivals, many of which now incorporate innovation or business tracks. These can include creative technology, design entrepreneurship, and digital art showcases. You’ll find talks, installations, and startup demos integrated within music, arts, or wellness festivals, giving exposure to broader and non-tech audiences.

How to Network Effectively at Startup Events in Bali

To get the most from innovation events Bali, your networking approach matters:

• Pre-event prep: Study the speaker list, attendee list (if available), and highlight 3 people you want to meet.
• Elevator pitch ready: A concise 30–60 second introduction to your startup, traction, and ask.
• Be helpful: Ask questions, offer introductions, or share resources. Reciprocity builds connection.
• Follow-up fast: Within 24–48 hours send connection notes or next-step ideas to stay top-of-mind.
• Leverage event apps: Many events now include matchmaking features or apps to schedule one-on-one meetings.

These tactics help turn casual connections into meaningful collaboration.

Future Trends in Bali’s Innovation and Tech Events

Looking ahead, here are trends expected in Bali’s 2026-2027 event landscape:

• Hybrid virtual & in-person formats to include virtual incubators Bali or remote participants.
• More green tech and climate innovation summits as Bali markets itself globally as a sustainability and regenerative destination.
• Theming around Web3, AI, wellness tech, and creative economies.
• Gender equity tracks and female entrepreneurship events Bali as inclusivity becomes integral.
• Micro-events and popups, shorter sessions in unique venues (coffeeshops, beaches, rice fields) for more experimental formats.

Reflecting on my early days in Bali, I can still picture that first startup weekend Bali pitch night, the fear, the optimism, the connections I didn’t even realize I was making. Over time, attending innovation events Bali transformed how I built, scaled, and connected. If you’re planning your calendar for 2026, I encourage you to pick a few events above, dive in, and let those moments change your trajectory.

Ready to build your network and grow in Bali’s startup ecosystem? Stay seamlessly connected with ORA eSIM today and let your Bali startup journey run without interruptions, so you never miss a pitch, a meeting, or a chance encounter at an innovation event.

FAQs

When does Startup Weekend Bali usually take place?
It varies, but expect it to be quarterly or semi-annually. Check the official social or event pages for announcements.

Are green innovation conferences Ubud open to non-locals?
Yes, many are open internationally, though some may have local pricing or offers for Bali-based founders.

What is the role of Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center in tech events?
It’s a prominent large venue that hosts major conferences and exhibitions, often chosen for scale, infrastructure, and prestige.

How far in advance should I register for Bali’s innovation events?
At least 2–3 months ahead is ideal. Many events open early bird tickets and mentorship slots.

How do I find retreat-style startup events in Bali?
Monitor Bali startup & coworking communities, subscribe to local tech newsletters, and follow organizers who specialize in immersive innovation retreats.