Destination Startup®

How Destination Startup® Works

Applying to Destination Startup® helps innovative researchers and faculty prepare for fundraising and the commercialization of their technology. All applicants will have the opportunity to have their pitch reviewed by multiple investors, with detailed feedback.

Those selected to present at the showcase will participate in one or more “pitch practices,” getting expert coaching from serial entrepreneurs and investors who are there to help you perfect your value proposition.

Destination Startup® will have hundreds of investors, entrepreneurs and fellow innovators in attendance, giving you the opportunity to showcase your unique innovation to the world.

The results from Destination Startup® 2019-2020:

Grant Funding (NSF/NIH SBIR; STTR; DOE ARPA-E; State): $4,231,000
Seed, Angel, Series A Venture Funding: $26,585,000

Watch the video below to hear from past winners about their LVC experience:

Any startup that is commercializing an innovation from, or in formal partnership with, one of the participating university research institutions or federal laboratories is eligible to apply.

A competitive, independent selection process will determine which applicants will be invited to showcase at the virtual event from February 16-18, 2021.

The Call for Submissions opens on September 10, 2020, and closes on October 23, 2020.
Pitch Practices (TBD) and advising for teams participating in the showcase will occur throughout the fall of 2020 and in January 2021.
Destination Startup® will be a VIRTUAL event over three days: February 16-18, 2021.

Produce a brief 1-3 page summary of your innovation/technology and team, which will be featured on the Destination Startup® website and distributed to investors prior to the showcase in February 2021.
Participation in one or more virtual Pitch Practices in front of live investor/coaches to fine-tune your presentation.
Submission of a video presentation that will be showcased to investors online over the 3-day event.
Attendance at an exclusive, virtual VIP Investor/Founder Happy Hour the week of Destination Startup® .