About 1,000 people are expected at the fourth annual Innovation Showcase where 65 high-potential startups and more than 500 venture capitalists, angel investors, business executives and other entrepreneurs will present new technologies that are poised to move to the market.
The technologies to be presented at the July 12 event are from a variety of sectors including life sciences, alternative energy, information technology and industrial products.
The event, presented by Venture Club of Indiana and Verge, provides a venue for companies to present their business ideas to prospective investors. The program will be held 3 to 7 p.m. at DeveloperTown, 5255 Winthrop Ave., in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis.
"This is the fourth year for the Innovation Showcase and to date the showcase has created a significant amount of interest in, and supporting capital for startups and entrepreneurial companies," said Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and COO of the Purdue Research Foundation, which is a sponsor of the program. "Investment in startups is a strong indicator of the success Indiana has experienced in diversifying its economy and how the state has become a national leader in startups, capital formation and job growth."
John Hanak, statewide director of the Purdue Technology Centers and president-elect of the Venture Club of Indiana, agreed.
"The combination of entrepreneurs, investors and community members who are registered indicates this will be our best year since beginning the program in 2008," Hanak said. "We expect a cross-section of participation from throughout the entrepreneurial community."
The goal of the event is evident by the list of attendees.
"Our goal is to connect new companies with potential investors," said Matt Hunckler, founder of Verge, an Indianapolis-based network for entrepreneurs, software developers and startup investors. "Based on the list of registered attendees, we expect record participation for this year's event."
Sponsors include Venture Club of Indiana, Verge, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Purdue Research Foundation, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, IU Kelley School of Business, Carmen Commercial Real Estate Services, Slane Capital Partners, Allos Ventures, Triton Brewing Co., DeveloperTown and SpeakEasy.