September 13, 2010 09:28 AM Eastern Daylight Time

ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WBT Innovation Marketplace, formerly WBTshowcase, enthusiastically announces its ninth annual forum offering a prescreened, pre-prepped collection of undiscovered companies and intellectual property emanating from top universities, labs and research institutions from across the country. WBT2011 will be held March 22 and 23 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel and the Arlington Convention Center.

“We're excited about the submissions we've received from the US, Canada, Europe, and Latin America”
In preparation for WBT2011, WBT Innovation Marketplace is currently accepting applications for materials science, information technology, energy, life science and nanotechnology companies and technologies. In addition to presenting 100 investment-ready start ups, spin outs, and licensing opportunities the 2011 WBT Innovation Marketplace will showcase a collection of IP portfolios from companies, universities, and federal labs from around the country.

Early bird deadline submissions are being accepted through the WBT site (www.wbtshowcase.com) through September 27. Up to ten technologies will be pre-selected from the pool of early bird submissions as “Early Picks” and showcased in the months leading up to the event. In addition, early applicants will be eligible to win a Pathfinder Competitive Assessment. Provided by Development Capital Networks the Pathfinder Competitive Assessment identifies potential direct and indirect competitors, partners, acquirers, and emerging technologies. The Pathfinder optimizes R&D, patenting, partnering, and exit strategies to tell a stronger story, raise more money, and do it faster. Every application will be screened by a national panel of seed investors, venture capitalists and corporate licensing professionals experienced in commercializing new and innovative technologies.

“We're excited about the submissions we've received from the US, Canada, Europe, and Latin America,” said Paul Huleatt, CEO, WBT Innovation Marketplace. “It's truly rewarding to provide entrepreneurs and researchers alike a forum that is both friendly and widely recognized as the largest and premier event of vetted and mentored deals for institutional investors, angel investors, and corporate licensees. Undoubtedly, it's the quality of the deal flow that defines our event and keeps investors and licensees coming back.”

Nationally acclaimed WBT Innovation Marketplace expects to draw more than 600 technology professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, Fortune 1000 corporate licensees, federal agency representatives and university technology transfer managers. Attendees will experience an unparalleled forum that is both deal-focused and unbiased with regard to geography, funding source or originating research institution. One in three WBT presenters goes on to secure venture funding, license their technology, or sell their IP outright, representing over $490 million raised to date.

WBT2011 will feature a two full days of content-rich sessions, an exhibitor showcase, and inspiring speakers. Panelists and venture capitalists will seek to answer some tough questions on today’s business models, covering issues key to entrepreneurs and emerging technologies.

ABOUT WBT Innovation Marketplace

The WBT Innovation Marketplace is the world’s premier showcase converging revolutionary new energy, life science, nanotech, material science and information technologies to seed limitless solutions for current market needs. Final Application Deadline is December 13, apply at www.wbtshowcase.com.

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