WBT is committed to serving and integrating the talent and technology of the academic community into the WBT Marketplace.

University Square@WBT offers business and engineering students, faculty, tech transfer directors, and research administrators opportunities to connect with investors, showcase their technology, and collaborate with federal agencies and other universities.

The academic community participates in the WBT in a number of ways.

The Showcase

Whether you are a research scientist or technology transfer manager, the Showcase@WBT provides a unique opportunity to showcase your technology and network with leading seed investors, venture capitalists and corporate licensing partners. The Showcase is designed for Proof-of-Concept stage technologies, who are looking for private funding or licensing opportunities, and preparing to spin-out of the university environment.

All selected Showcase presenters receive:

A 6 minute presentation slot on the Main Stage at the WBT.
A teleconference dress rehearsal of your presentation prior to the event.
A dedicated 2 person Mentor Team to assist your preparation.
Contact information and technology description in the WBT Deal Book.
Participation in the Pre-WBT Networking system allowing you to schedule meetings before arriving on-site.
A booth in the exhibit hall, or a shared booth with other representatives from your university in the University Square area of the exhibit hall.

There is no cost to apply. If selected to present, the registration fee is $620 per person. To learn more about the Showcase, and to apply, visit here.

Universities represented in the 2010 Showcase: Case Western Reserve University, Cornell, Louisiana State University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas Arlington, University of Idaho, North Dakota State University, Oklahoma State University, University of Pittsburgh, Washington University - St. Louis, MIT, University of Texas Pan American, University of Southern Mississippi, Tufts University, Universite de Sherbrooke, Ramot University. For a full list of past presenters visit the Alumni page.

Poster Session

For the 5th year, a research Poster Session will provide the opportunity for researchers to discuss their discoveries with the WBT audience. The Poster is designed for very-early stage researchers or research teams, who are still a few years away from seeking private funding. The Poster Session will be collocated in University Square in the WBT exhibit hall, and Poster presenters will have the opportunity to participate in all WBT activities, and present their poster during the Opening Reception on Tuesday, March 22.

For more information, and to apply for the Poster Session, click here.

Poster Presenter Pranesh Aswath from University of Texas at Arlington.

Sponsorship and Participation Packages

The WBT offers unprecedented access to Fortune 500 licensing professionals, venture investors, and federal funding decision-makers. Universities can heighten their visibility before, during and after the WBT through sponsorship. WBT has been strongly supported by the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas State University, and Texas Tech University.

Group participation packages are available to encourage full participation by the entire innovation community at your university, ensuring that research departments, MBA programs, and tech transfer offices can participate. Contact Wiley Larsen, Director of Strategic Partnerships, for more information, at wlarsen@wbtshowcase.com or 480-477-6410.