2026 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Racial Equity in Technology Entrepreneurship (RETE) Workshop
May 27-29, 2026, NYU Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
The Racial Equity in Technology Entrepreneurship (RETE) Workshop is a premier gathering of researchers, thought leaders, and practitioners dedicated to advancing research on the intersection of race, technology, and entrepreneurship, and translating knowledge into actionable strategies that dismantle racial barriers for marginalized innovators.
Our 2026 theme, "Entrepreneuring in Times of Turbulence: Collaborating to Build Community and Equitable Access," aims to foster dialogue, share cutting-edge research, showcase research-to-practice translation, and inspire collaborative efforts for building resilient and racially equitable technology and entrepreneurial systems during times of uncertainty and systemic change.
We invite scholars, researchers, practitioners, and community leaders to submit abstracts for papers or panels addressing this theme. Selected presenters will be invited to participate in paper presentation sessions at the workshop. Accepted presenters will receive full accommodations, including:
- · Round-trip travel to Tulsa, OK
- · Hotel accommodations for the duration of the workshop
- · Meals provided throughout the event
We welcome submissions with a focus on (but not limited to) the following topics:
- · AI & Ethical, Equitable Innovation – Strategies for navigating the assumptions of AI and mitigating bias in high-stakes sectors.
- · Resilience Amidst Backlash – Frameworks for maintaining equity goals and institutional commitment in the face of anti-DEI policy shifts and emerging systemic threats.
- · New Capital Horizons – Analyzing investment flows and aligning venture capital preferences to ensure equitable access during times of market turbulence.
- · Supporting Founder Resilience and Social Capital – Building robust mentorship networks that connect underrepresented founders to high-value industry partnerships and education models that develop psychological and operational resilience.
- · Strategic Collaboration –Designing cross-sector coalitions between ESOs, local agencies, and national networks to foster community-led innovation.
- · Research Translation – Showcasing evidence-based case studies that bridge the gap between academic theory and actionable ecosystem impact.
Submission Deadline: March 13, 2026
Decisions: March 27, 2026
How to Submit:
Visit the submission portal
For questions, contact: Katherine A. Costello at reteworkshop@gmail.com
We look forward to your insightful contributions and a vibrant discussion in Tulsa!
Sincerely,
RETE Workshop Planning Committee
------------------------------
Mauricio Mercado, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Business & Information Technology
Missouri S&T
------------------------------