Conference Links Business Innovators with Early-Stage Funding
ARLINGTON, Texas
By Scott Nishimura
snishimura@star-telegram.com
Arlington will play host this week to 100 big dreamers, at an annual gathering of entrepreneurs, researchers and creators of intellectual property looking for early-stage funding and licensing.
The Center for Innovation, a partnership of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the University of Texas at Arlington, will host the WBT Innovation Marketplace today through Wednesday at the Arlington Convention Center and Sheraton Arlington hotel.
The 100 companies and intellectual properties were screened by a panel of seed investors, venture capitalists and corporate licensing executives, the Center for Innovation said. The panel screens applicants based on the potential for a high-growth business, or easy licensing "to solve a specific market problem." The chosen presenters typically are already supported by federal research and development programs.
During the conference, representatives will make presentations to venture inventors, entrepreneurs and corporate licensees.
Wes Jurey, chairman of the Center for Innovation and president of the Arlington Chamber, said linking the firms and owners of intellectual property to seed money and licensing opportunities is "a crucial step in the process of stimulating the innovation economy and providing economic growth by actually commercializing the discoveries."
The WBT Marketplace -- WBT stands for World's Best Technology, the group's initial name -- has presented more than 560 emerging companies and technologies representing 49 states and 19 countries since being launched in 2002, the Center for Innovation said.
To date, WBT presenters have received more than $490 million in early and seed-stage funding and licensing, the center said. The figures don't include subsequent R&D grants, government funding or licensing agreements of undisclosed amounts.
The National Association of Seed and Venture Funds will host its 18th annual International Conference Oct. 17-19 in Arlington.
Scott Nishimura, 817-390-7808
Read more: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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