BOSTON— TiE Boston announced that healthcare technology entrepreneur and AI leader Jeff Elton will deliver the midday keynote and serial entrepreneur David Friend will deliver the closing keynote at TiECON East 2026 on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, Massachusetts.
Co-hosted by TiE Boston and TiE New York, TiECON East 2026 will bring together founders, investors, operators, and innovators for a one-day conference themed “The Next Growth Playbook: Product, Market and Capital in the Age of AI.”
The conference will explore how entrepreneurs harness AI to spur growth, strengthen competitive advantage, and build sustainable businesses. It will center on practical execution and real-world company building.
Jeff Elton: The AI Opportunity in Life Sciences
Elton is Vice Chairman and former Founding CEO of ConcertAI, a leading healthcare AI company applying generative and agentic AI to accelerate drug development, optimize clinical trials, and improve patient outcomes. He also serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio).
His keynote, “The AI Opportunity in Life Sciences: What’s Real and What’s Next,” will examine where AI is creating measurable value today, the opportunities and challenges ahead, and what founders, investors, and industry leaders should be watching as AI transforms drug development, clinical research, and healthcare delivery.
David Friend: Building Companies That Hold Up Over Time
Friend is co-founder, president, and CEO of Wasabi Technologies and has founded or co-founded six technology companies spanning cloud infrastructure, software, communications, cybersecurity, and music technology.
His closing keynote, “Building Companies That Hold Up Over Time,” will explore principles that distinguish enduring companies. Drawing on decades of entrepreneurial experience, Friend will share lessons on leading through change, building relevance and trust, testing assumptions, and creating long-term value in an era defined by AI.
Building Companies in the AI Era
TiECON East 2026 will feature conversations among founders, investors, and industry leaders on AI-enabled product development, go-to-market strategy, capital efficiency, scaling organizations, and leadership.
“The most valuable lessons often come from leaders who have successfully steered multiple waves of innovation,” said Ameeta Soni, Chair of TiECON East 2026. “Jeff Elton and David Friend bring deep experience building companies, scaling innovation, and creating long-term value. We are excited to have them share their perspectives with founders, investors, and operators managing the opportunities and challenges of the AI era.”
Event Details
TiECON East 2026
October 2, 2026 | Burlington Marriott Hotel, Burlington, MA
For registration and information: TiECon East
Founded in 1997, TiE Boston connects entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and innovators through mentorship, education, networking, and community engagement programs that foster entrepreneurship and innovation. TiE New York is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs throughout the Greater New York region. As part of the global TiE network, the organization provides mentorship, education, funding connections, and resources to help founders build and scale successful companies.
