Refraction Innovation Hub

THE REFRACTION AI EXCHANGE™ / 
​October 8, 2026

Join Us for a Special "AI for Nature" Edition of Refraction's Free Monthly Program for AI Founders, Innovators, and Investors 

Join us at the nonprofit Refraction Innovation Hub on October 8, 2026, for a very special edition of our monthly Refraction AI Exchange — a complimentary, all-day event bringing together Northern Virginia's leading AI founders, investors, innovators, and ecosystem builders.

This month's midday and evening programs will have nature-focused themes, but everyone who is interested in AI is welcome to join us. Whether you are building or investing in applied AI, intelligent automation, enterprise AI tools, public-sector AI, or other emerging technologies, our AI Exchange offers free access to:
  • Community & Space to Innovate  —  Enjoy Refraction’s award-winning, 30,000-square-foot innovation hub and startup support community, conveniently located atop the trophy-class Valo Park complex in Tysons (9:00 am to 8:00 pm)
  • Programming & Networking  —  Take part in a full day of AI-focused networking and programming opportunities


Register now to attend our October 8 in-person event. As our midday and evening programs have limited seating, please note when signing up, whether you wish to attend our midday workshop, our evening program, or both. 

To learn more about the Refraction AI Exchange, please keep reading — or speak with a senior member of the Refraction team by clicking here.

MIDDAY AI WORKSHOP:
"Byte-Sized Lunch Lab: Nature Edition"
Brought to You by the Refraction Team
12:00 to 1:00 pm (Eastern)
FREE for Refraction Members & Nonmembers

Join the Refraction team and bring your laptop for a hands-on applied AI workshop where participants will explore practical AI tools and workflows by building something in real time. Participants will work alongside session leaders to build a functional prototype — such as a personal website, startup landing page, internal tool, or AI-native app concept — before the session ends.

For this month's program, our session leaders will develop a tool demonstrating an easy way to support nature-related causes.
EVENING AI PANEL:
"AI for Nature: Conservation, Climate Resilience & Biodiversity Intelligence" 
6:00 to 8:00 pm (Eastern)
FREE for Refraction Members & Nonmembers

Join leaders from World Wildlife Fund (WWF), NatureServe, and the Environmental Investigation Agency US (EIA US) for a timely conversation on how artificial intelligence is changing the ways we understand, monitor, and protect the natural world. Featured panelists include:
  • Shaun Martin — Vice President, Adaptation and Resilience; Deputy Lead, Climate Change, WWF
  • Lori Scott — Executive Director, NatureServe
  • Jared Mandelbaum — Data Analyst & Campaigner, EIA US

Register now to attend our October 8 in-person event. As our midday and evening programs have limited seating, please note when signing up, whether you wish to attend our midday workshop, our evening program, or both. To learn more about the Refraction AI Exchange, please keep reading — or speak with a senior member of the Refraction team by clicking here.

CLAIM YOUR FREE SPOT AT
THE OCTOBER 8 AI EXCHANGE

>
Enter the Captcha
Reload

Refraction's Trusted Ecosystem Partners

Arlington, Virginia
Citrine Angels
CONNECTpreneur
COX
County of Fairfax, Virginia
Founder Institute
Mindshare
NVTC - Northern Virginia Technology Council
Tysons Community Alliance
What Exactly Is the AI Exchange at Refraction?
Refraction's Reception & Welcome Area

Refraction's Reception & Welcome Area

A bold and modern entrance that reflects our commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and community.

Refraction Community Lounge & Workspaces

Refraction Community Lounge & Workspaces

A modern and inviting workspace where innovation meets collaboration. Relax, connect, and create at Refraction's community lounge.

Valo Park's Stunning Dining Hall

Valo Park's Stunning Dining Hall

A vibrant and dynamic space designed for casual meetings, networking, and team lunches. Fuel your ideas in a setting built for connection.

On the second Thursday of each month, invited AI founders, investors, technologists, public-sector leaders, and innovation ecosystem builders receive complimentary access to Refraction’s 30,000-square-foot community on the 8th Floor North of the Valo Park complex.

Guests can enjoy a full day of AI-focused networking and programming opportunities, along with room to innovate across Refraction’s lounges, collaborative community spaces and fully stocked kitchens — along with onsite access to the Valo Park campus, including walking trails, the koi pond, tennis and basketball courts, and the on-site dining hall.

Strategically located near many of Northern Virginia’s most influential enterprise, federal, and public-sector anchors — including Capital One, Freddie Mac, FINRA, Fannie Mae, AWS, MITRE, and the region’s major government and national security partners — Refraction is uniquely positioned to connect AI innovators with the people and institutions shaping the future of AI, digital transformation, and applied technology across the DMV and beyond.

Whether you are advancing a new AI product, exploring responsible AI adoption, building public-sector solutions, or investing in the next generation of intelligent technologies, the AI Exchange offers a unique vantage point — and a direct path into the region’s most active innovation network.

Want to Experience The Refraction AI Exchange for Yourself?

To reserve your spot at next month's event and all future editions of The AI Exchange, you only need to register once.

JOIN US

For over a decade, Refraction has provided customized support to early-stage technology startups and entrepreneurs, accelerating economic growth and innovation in Northern Virginia — and beyond.

703-712-7565

7950 Jones Branch Drive, 8th Floor North
​McLean, VA 22102

info@refraction.one

© 2026 Refraction, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thank You!

Thank you ! Your form has been submitted