28th Annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium to Highlight Innovation in Clean Tech, Life Science and Technology Industries

Preview of Select Presenting Companies Announced for Midwest's Premier Equity Event

ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Reflecting the region's record research spending and aggressive entrepreneurial pursuits, particularly innovation in growth sectors such as clean tech, energy, life sciences and high tech, organizers of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) today unveiled select presenting companies for its 29th Annual event.  The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is the premier equity event for leaders in the venture capital investment world to connect with the entrepreneurs, startups and emerging growth companies that are actively searching for partners and funding.  The Symposium, which will be held May 11-12, 2010 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich., will host over 400 attendees and 65 investment firms.  

During the symposium companies from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, New Jersey and Indiana will comprise the 32 emerging and growth business ventures slated to present.  The symposium represents an important networking event for companies, and has served as a launching point for many startups.

A rigorous screening process was implemented to evaluate 65 applications.  The review committee poured over applications to identify those companies who would represent the "Best of the Midwest."   Companies will present in concurrent industry tracks, including the life sciences, energy, IT and technology.  Below is a partial list of companies that will present at MGCS.  The complete list will be announced on Tuesday, May 4.

• Ambiq Micro, a Michigan-based fables semi-conductor company which has developed battery electrode technology
• RealBio Technology, Inc., a Michigan-based company commercializing a 3-D tissue and cell culture system
• Airway Therapeutics, Inc., an Ohio-based company focusing on the development of products for the treatment of respiratory diseases
• Heat Transfer International, a Michigan-based company specializing in gasification and heat exchanging technologies
• Vestaron Corporation, a Michigan-based company developing innovative insecticides
• Svelte Medical Systems, Inc., a New Jersey-based medical device company innovating in the cardiovascular stent market

The Michigan Capital Growth Symposium helped Milwaukee-based startup, and 2009 presenting company, HarQen establish key partnerships as part of its financing strategy.  "Our funding experience demonstrates that there is capital available for really good ideas.  If you can prove there is a marketplace available and revenue in what you're doing, you will get venture investors," said Kelly Fitzsimmons, co-founder and CEO of HarQen.

As evidence of the region's commitment to innovation and economic development, 2009 proved to be a record year for research spending according to the University of Michigan.  In an annual report to the school's Board of Regents, the University revealed that over one billion dollars was spent on research, scholarship and creative activity.  University researchers also received over $218 million in federal stimulus grants — the highest amount given to a university — and the school's faculty logged a record 350 inventions.  

According to Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) Founder David J. Brophy, Director and Professor of Finance at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, this astounding level of activity helps highlight the Midwest's reputation as a leading research hub.  "People have to realize that the Midwest accounts for about one third of all the money that goes into venture capital funds every year," he said. "Venture capital tends to follow the award of federal government research contracts through universities."

The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is hosted by the Zell Lurie Institute at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in partnership with the Michigan Venture Capital Association and with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  For more information, please visit www.michigangcs.com. For sponsorship information or questions regarding presenting company details, please contact Mary Nickson, the symposium manager, at 734-615-4424 or [email protected].

About the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium

Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is the original university-based venture fair, which was first held in 1979.  This nationally attended two-day event provides an opportunity for financiers to connect with up-and-coming Midwest businesses and learn about emerging technologies.  The Symposium offers the opportunity to build relationships with an unparalleled business network of distinguished private equity industry leaders, leading university research faculty, and entrepreneurial business professionals.  Entering its 29th year, the Symposium continues to draw top investors from coast to coast.  The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium is presented by the Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan with support from the Michigan Venture Capital Association and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

SOURCE Michigan Growth Capital Symposium