PTC Launches NextWave to Connect Emerging Digital Infrastructure Companies With Global Leaders

New selective program connects early-stage companies with operators, investors, and infrastructure decision-makers at PTC’27 in Honolulu.

HONOLULU, September 1, 2026 — PTC today announced PTC NextWave, a new selective program for companies building at the frontier of digital infrastructure, from AI and cloud to data centers, subsea networks, satellite, edge, cybersecurity, connectivity, sustainability, and energy.

Debuting at PTC’27, taking place 17–20 January 2027 in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, PTC NextWave is designed for early-stage companies that have moved beyond the idea stage and are showing market traction through customers, pilots, revenue, product deployments, or partnerships. The program will connect selected founders with operators, investors, infrastructure leaders, and strategic partners who can help them scale.

“Early-stage companies are helping define the next phase of digital infrastructure, but access to the right industry decision-makers remains one of their biggest challenges,” said Brian Moon, CEO, PTC. “PTC NextWave gives these companies a practical path into the PTC community, where operators, investors, and global infrastructure leaders come together to make connections and do business.”

Selected companies will receive curated introductions, structured meetings, roundtables, strategic mentorship, a pre-conference pitch coaching session, and a Lightning Talks presentation slot at PTC’27. Finalists from the cohort will also have the opportunity to compete in the Barstool Pitch, PTC’s startup competition held at the Tapa Bar stage during the Annual Conference.

“PTC NextWave was built around a simple idea: founders need access, not just exposure,” said Naaz Bax, Founder & CEO, Team Bax, and Member, PTC Board of Governors. “By bringing emerging companies directly into PTC’27, we are giving them the opportunity to test their ideas with the market, meet potential customers and partners, and build relationships that can accelerate growth.”

Companies from around the world are eligible to apply if they were founded within the last three years, are post-product, operate within the digital infrastructure ecosystem, demonstrate early traction, and can attend PTC’27 in Honolulu. Companies with a Pacific-region presence or focus are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications open September 1, 2026 and close October 31, 2026. The inaugural cohort will be announced in December 2026.

For more information, visit www.ptc.org/nextwave or contact events@ptc.org.