World's Top Startups Take Center Stage at eMerge Americas' 2015 Startup Showcase Competition

MIAMI, Feb. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all startups! eMerge Americas, a global technology conference focused on innovations transforming industries across the Americas, will host a world-class array of early and later-stage companies to highlight innovation and disruptive technology through its Startup Showcase May 1-5 in Miami Beach.

As part of the eMerge Americas 2015 program, the Startup Showcase will feature an impressive lineup of early and late-stage startups in front of hundreds of investors and industry innovators. The showcase will culminate with the top companies pitching on eMerge's Center Stage for the chance to walk away with up to $150,000 in cash and prizes. The companies selected for the Startup Showcase will also gain valuable insight from mentors in the lead up to eMerge Americas through an innovative virtual boot camp followed by an live boot camp for entrepreneurs in Miami during the event.

Last year's early-stage and late-stage competition winners Modernizing Medicine and Hair Construction, and, respectively, received global exposure and awareness along with access to key investment opportunities that have helped grow their ventures ever since. Shortly after winning, Forbes included Modernizing Medicine as one of 10 companies revolutionizing entrepreneurship, second only to Tesla Motors.

"Last year's Startup Showcase highlighted talented innovators of the highest caliber from across the U.S. and Latin America, and gave them a unique opportunity to connect with hundreds of investors and business leaders," said Xavier Gonzalez, Executive Director of eMerge Americas. "This year promises to be bigger and better as we have expanded the eligibility requirements to allow companies from across the globe to compete for a chance to take their company to the next level."

Registration is currently open. Startups interested in participating can visit www.emergeamericas.org/startups/ to apply through March 15.  Applicants have three exciting tracks to choose from in 2015—University, Early-Stage and Late-Stage.

The Showcase will take place during the second annual eMerge Americas conference, which is expected to attract more than 10,000 attendees, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

About eMerge Americas

eMerge Americas serves as the preeminent innovative thought exchange helping transform Miami into the technological hub of the Americas. By connecting global industry leaders and investors with the America's top business executives, IT decision-makers, and innovative entrepreneurs, new partnerships that will spur visionary innovation and technological advancements in the Americas for the betterment of business and society are being forged. Summits focused on healthcare, entertainment and media, finance, cities, and education address the most pressing issues of today and provide solutions and resources to continue the rapid advances of the 21st century. eMerge Americas Founding Partners are the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Miami-Dade County, Greenberg Traurig, P.A., and Medina Capital. For more information about eMerge Americas, please visit: www.emergeamericas.org.

SOURCE eMerge Americas