SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In October 2012 San Diego will take center stage as the nation’s leading innovators, VC’s and licensees convene at the 2012 WBT Innovation Marketplace. San Diego was chosen for the tenth 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. 2012 WBT Innovation Marketplace will be held October 24-26 at the San Diego Convention Center.
WBT 2012 will be hosted by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and CONNECT, a regional program that catalyzes the creation of innovative technology and life sciences products in San Diego County.
“We are very excited to bring WBT to San Diego and to welcome the leading entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, and investors from around the world to the perfect climate for technology and innovation," said Mark Cafferty, President & CEO, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation.
The only event of its kind in North America, 2012 WBT Innovation Marketplace will present 100 investment-ready start ups, spin outs, and licensing opportunities and showcase a collection of IP portfolios from companies, universities, and federal labs from around the country. WBT expects a record event with attendees representing some of the country's leading venture capital firms, Fortune 1000 corporate licensees, federal agency representatives and university technology transfer managers.
“Our main consideration when evaluating potential partnering cities was the ability to host a world-class event,” said Paul Huleatt, CEO, WBT Innovation Marketplace. “Holding the 2012 WBT Innovation Marketplace in San Diego will enable us to showcase the beauty and hospitality of the city to a worldwide audience of science, technology and investment professionals. San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and CONNECT are valued partners who have committed to work with us, hand in hand, as we continue to raise the bar for WBT events.”
Applications are currently being accepted through the WBT site (www.wbtshowcase.com) for materials science, information technology, energy, life science and nanotechnology companies and technologies. Those interested in submitting their technology by April 27th will enter into the pool of early bird submissions. Ten “Early Picks” will be chosen and showcased in the months leading up to the event.
“CONNECT is thrilled to be a co-host, along with the San Diego Regional EDC, of this prestigious event in San Diego,” said Duane Roth, CEO, CONNECT. “I think it is a great fit with our local innovation economy and our top tier research institutions. We look forward to a great conference and an opportunity to showcase what San Diego has to offer.”
The WBT 2012 will feature FedMarketPlace supporting the White House’s “Lab to Market” initiative and University Square showcasing IP portfolios, university supported startups, and university R&D capabilities. In 2012 WBT will shine the spotlight on open innovation best practices and the thriving regional high tech industry sectors in San Diego.
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. Attendees will experience an unparalleled forum that is both deal-focused and unbiased with regard to geography, funding source or originating research institution.
Additional information can be found by visiting www.wbtshowcase.com