What is the Southeast Venture Showcase?
The Southeast Venture Showcase is a transformational event that empowers research universities and federal laboratories across the Southeast to showcase their most promising technology ventures for the nation’s venture community. This exclusive showcase is where investors and early-stage technology ventures come together to accelerate the productization of cutting-edge research outcomes that drive real-world impact and create stakeholder value.
Who is attending the Southeast Venture Showcase?
Attendees will include:
- 22 research institutions
- 100+ angel, venture, and strategic investors from around the world
- Selected guests, including serial entrepreneurs from throughout the nation
Who are the participating research institutions?
When and where is the event?
April 20-21, 2026, in Nashville, TN at Renaissance Nashville Hotel
What is the format of the event?
The showcase will be a two-day event, split into two tracks: Life Sciences (Healthcare/Bio) and Physical Sciences (Engineering, Computer Sciences, Clean Tech/Sustainability). Teams selected to present will give a live pitch, and the event will feature investor panels along with many opportunities to network with investors from the around the nation.
Who organizes the event?
A coalition of the Southeast’s most prestigious research universities organizes the Showcase. Vanderbilt served as the host city in 2025 and will host again in 2026, after which the host city will rotate each year.
How many startups will participate?
Approximately 40 presenting companies will be selected by an independent committee composed of investors and serial entrepreneurs. The number of presentations per track will depend on the strength of completed applications.
What are the eligibility requirements for the startup applicants?
Final eligibility will be determined by the academic committee. The target company is one that is investible; attributes of an investible company include:
- Secured a license or option with the affiliated university, or is in negotiations for a license or option
- Has at least one non-university-employed employee (aka, a business lead beyond the PI)
- Has a business concept that has received and survived external vetting (from TTO or from outside the university)
- Has the start of a business pitch/presentation
What is the timeline for the application process?
All important dates for the application, review, and selection process are available here.
Important Dates (2026)
Call for Submissions - Applications Open
Deadline for submission of Applications
Team Selection
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
How will startups be selected?
Startups will be scored by 6 to 8 independent judges. Each startup’s blended score will be compared to all others, and the top scorers will be selected to participate (which will include alternates).
What is required of each startup participating?
- Engagement with the pitch coach
- Engagement with selected mentors
- Multiple practices of the pitch
- Timely copy of the pitch deck
- Recorded pitch practice
- Short write-up/description of company for web posting and marketing
- Short video summary of the company and the opportunity
- Attendance at the Showcase
What is the cost to attend the Showcase?
There is no application fee or charge to register or attend for startups. Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and other associated costs.
