The Innovation Showcase is one of the rare opportunities we have as entrepreneurs to lift our focus from the everyday, take pause, and remind ourselves why we love what we do. On July 11th, over 600 entrepreneurs, investors, and professional service providers came together to celebrate problem solvers, connect with inspiration, and (hopefully) find the right funding for young companies. Attendees were united by a shared pursuit of excellence and innovation, and the entrepreneurial energy at The Innovation Showcase was strong and apparent.

Welcome from Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann

The Dallara Indycar Factory was chock full of game changers. Companies and investors from Indianapolis, the Midwest, and the coasts were there to validate innovation across different markets and understand new approaches to familiar challenges. Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann and Venture Club of Indianapolis President John Hanak officially opened the event at 2:00.

We’re at The Innovation Showcase where @SueEllspermann tells entrepreneurs “we need you every step of the way.” #InnoShow13

— TechPoint (@TechPointInd) July 11, 2013

Verge’s Bright Future

Then, just before the day’s first panel, Matt made the announcement that I am Verge’s new executive director from The Innovation Showcase’s stage. It’s a responsibility I am honored to take on, and I can’t wait to grow our amazing community with you.

New @VergeIndy executive director just one more example of Indiana tech momentum. #IIB @TechPointInd @developertown

— Gerry Dick (@GerryDick) July 11, 2013

Entrepreneurial Hotspots Panel

The Entrepreneurial Hostpots panelists provided great insights into what Indiana’s startups can do to leverage great local resources like coworking spaces and accelerators. Anecdotes from the excellent panel packed plenty of humor into actionable info for entrepreneurs.

Startup Pitch Competition

The startup pitch lightning round was fast-paced and hard-hitting. 60 seconds wasn’t enough for some entrepreneurs, but it was just enough for many. Keep an eye out for more from the pitches hitting the Verge blog soon!

Pitching for @GoBlueBridge is founder @santiagojara before a packed house at #InnoShow13 pic.twitter.com/WlnAua8DTa

— Jonathon Perrelli (@perrelli) July 11, 2013

The Investor Roundup Panel

The Investor Roundup panel yielded excellent discussion and plenty of takeaways for the audience. A few soundbites:

“Ed tech, healthcare, P2P sharing, and mobile (duh)” –@perrelli on positive market trends

— Verge (@VergeIndy) July 11, 2013

“We need to demystify the process of angel investing.” –@kristianindy #InnoShow13

— Verge (@VergeIndy) July 11, 2013

“Build the relationship now for the long term. Don’t wait until you’re desperate for cash.” – @daveknox #InnoShow13

— Verge (@VergeIndy) July 11, 2013

“The majority of companies raising money these days, could probably accomplish more with less.” –@jakeDVP #InnoShow13

— Verge (@VergeIndy) July 11, 2013

The Winners

Thanks to our amazing sponsors, many companies walked away as winners of opportunities to pitch for Elevate, Stepstone, P3 Alliance, Gravity, Allos, xCAP and Halo.

Best Seed Pitch: Emphymab Biotech

Best Startup Pitch: Revive Electronics

Best First Round Pitch: BlueBridge Digital

Elevate Pitch invitations: Revive Electronics, Enfront

Halo Diligence Interest: BoxFox, IP Software, CloudOne

Grand Prize Honorable Mention (Formstack Max plan for one year, Executive coaching & pitch review with Eric Anderson of Scientifically Speaking, one month consulting services with Ryan Pfenniger): Revive Electronics

2013 Innovation Showcase Company of the Year: Emphymab Biotech

See you next year!

Next year’s Innovation Showcase promises to be even bigger and better. See you for the next one on July 10th, 2014!