2010 WBTshowcase Recap

Since 2002, the World’s Best Technologies Showcase has served as the world’s largest forum of pre-screened emerging technologies. The WBTshowcase, held every year in Arlington, Texas, features emerging technologies from top universities, laboratories, research institutions, and the private sector. The WBT has become a gem in the innovation ecosystem in Texas, as leaders from across the globe flock to Arlington to discuss key technology commercialization issues and collaboration opportunities. Last week, Innovate Texas Foundation traveled to Arlington to participate in the discussions and seek out collaboration opportunities.

The 2010 WBTshowcase, held on March 16 and 17 was a much-anticipated event. The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC), along with various FLC Laboratories were on hand to discuss topics from collaboration to technology transfer.

The National Association of Seed and Ventures Funds, the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, and a variety of venture funds and angel organizations attended and discussed technology funding and value in early-stage technology ventures.

Up to 100 presenters, including deals funded by the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, were chosen to present their technology companies during the event. The Showcase has helped WBT presenters raise in excess of $450 million since 2002.

Commercialization Competition

In addition to the pre-screened technology company presentations, the WBT is home of the IC2 & WBT University Technology Commercialization Competition. Technology commercialization experts representing Innovate Texas Foundation accounted for four of the twenty judges on hand for the competition. The 2010 business plan competition featured 13 student teams from across the world competing for a cash prize and an opportunity to compete at the 2010 Global MOOT Corp business plan competition.

Two of the last three winners of the IC2 & WBT University Technology Commercialization Competition have gone on to raise funding through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. The 2010 competition featured teams from five universities in the state of Texas, but it was Brigham Young University that came out on top.

If the 2010 WBTshowcase is any indication of what is in store of the WBT in the future, then we are already excited for the 2011 WBTshowcase.