Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition

Sponsored by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Pitch Competition Winners

Healthcare/Biohealth: Vocadian (Massachusetts) – predictive voice AI empowering frontline workers’ safety and health.

Energy & Sustainability: ncrspt (California) – biotech-deeptech startup that stores digital data in living cells for long term storage/data archiving.

Advanced Manufacturing: LOTZA (Wisconsin) – a modern beverage company specializing in sparkling citrus punch; products are crafted with all-natural ingredients, real fruit, and functional benefits like adaptogens, electrolytes, and antioxidants.

Fin/InsurTech: Polygraf AI (Texas) – offers advanced AI-native solutions to combat AI-driven fraud, data leaks, and compliance risks.

When

June 23-26, 2025

Where

Milwaukee, WI

Category Details:

Healthcare/Biohealth, sponsored by Inflect

Dive deep into the revolutionary technologies reshaping medical science, from AI-driven diagnostics and personalized medicine to breakthrough digital health platforms and genomic research. Clinicians, biotech innovators, and technology experts will explore how machine learning, telemedicine, wearable devices, and advanced biotechnology are transforming patient care, medical research, and healthcare delivery. Understand the emerging trends that are increasing medical precision, improving patient outcomes, accelerating drug discovery, and fundamentally reimagining the future of healthcare.

Finalists: Coda, EpiWatch, U.P.Oncolytics, Vocadian

Alternates: LyraVet, Okkanti

Energy & Sustainability, sponsored by Generac Power Systems

Explore groundbreaking technologies and innovative solutions shaping the future of energy—spanning clean, renewable sources and advancements in smart, efficient power management. This track will highlight the latest developments in renewable energy, smart grid systems, energy storage, and sustainable infrastructure while also recognizing the role of hybrid solutions, intelligent energy management, and next-generation internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies in a resilient energy future. Discover how artificial intelligence, advanced materials, decentralized energy systems, and hybrid power solutions—including cleaner-burning natural gas engines and battery integrations—are driving more sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy ecosystems. Additionally, learn how innovation in energy resilience is critical for disaster response and grid outages, ensuring access to power when it’s needed most.

Finalists: CubeNexus, Maxwave, ncrspt, Skyline Nav AI

Alternates: Induction Technologies

Advanced Manufacturing, sponsored by Molson Coors

Explore cutting-edge technologies transforming industrial production, including artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, additive manufacturing, and smart factory integration. Presenters will showcase innovative case studies and disruptive solutions that are driving unprecedented efficiency, precision, and sustainability in manufacturing processes across Food & Beverage and other growing industries. Gain insights into how emerging technologies from machine learning and digital twins to edge computing and augmented reality are reshaping traditional manufacturing paradigms and creating new opportunities for intelligent automation and digital transformation.

Finalists: lotza, IMPRESSORA., SixLine Semiconductor, workscore.ai

Alternate: ShotHawk

Fin/Insurtech

Illuminate the rapidly evolving landscape of financial technology and insurance innovation, and learn how digital transformation, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are disrupting traditional financial services and insurance models. Speakers will share expert insights into emerging trends such as decentralized finance, predictive risk assessment, personalized insurance products, automated claims processing, and machine-learning technologies that are creating more efficient, transparent, and customer-centric financial ecosystems. Analyze how groundbreaking technologies are not only streamlining operations and reducing costs but also fundamentally reimagining risk management, investment strategies, and the entire customer experience in finance and insurance.

Finalists: backstage.ai, Counter., Gale, Polygraf AI

Alternates: Brightfin, Requisor

Summerfest Tech Pitch Coaches 2025

Andrew Schmitz, Managing Director, gener8tor
Clayton Cluster, Program Manager, gener8tor
Grady Buchanan, Managing Director, NVNG Investment Advisors
Graham Klemme, Independent
Ken Doyle, Executive Director, Tech-Access
Sam Davidson, CEO, Nashville Entrepreneur Center
Scott Gillespie, Founder, Jigsaw Group
Stefan Pagacik, Executive Advisor and Startup Coach, 528Connect
Todd Cullen, Senior Director - Technology Strategy, Northwestern Mutual