Entrepreneurs representing 40 new and expanding Indiana businesses presented technologies and economic opportunities before investors and business leaders at the inaugural Indiana Innovation Showcase.

The event was sponsored by the Purdue Research Park, the Indiana Venture Club and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC).

More than 250 entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors and economic development leaders participated in the program at the Purdue Technology Center in the Purdue Research Park at AmeriPlex-Indianapolis near the Indianapolis International Airport.

"Most entrepreneurs are busy building their businesses, and it is a rare opportunity for them to spend time with each other, with business leaders and with investors at the same time," said Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and COO of the Purdue Research Foundation. "The goal of the showcase was to give entrepreneurs time to share best practices, network with potential investors and get to know business leaders in the state."

Speakers included Gary Anderson, retired managing general partner and senior adviser of TL Ventures, and the program's keynote speaker; Joseph B. Hornett; Steve Hourigan, director for the 21st Century Fund and entrepreneurship, IEDC; Faraz Abassi, president, Venture Club of Indiana; John Hanak, statewide director, Purdue Technology Centers, Purdue Research Foundation; and Bruce Kidd, senior vice president, Walker Information Inc.

"Our goal was to help entrepreneurs be a success, and we wanted them to leave the showcase with new ideas and with a renewed sense that there are people and organizations they can turn to for help and advice," Abassi said.

Participating companies included: Kylin Therapeutics Inc., West Lafayette; CMT: Comfort Motion Technologies, Anderson; First Precision LLC, Merrillville; Ikotech LLC, New Albany; Indiana Nanotech LLC, Indianapolis; Wolf Technical Services Inc., Indianapolis; OrthoPediatrics Corp., Warsaw; and Vontoo Inc., Indianapolis. A full list of participating companies can be found at: http://image.exct.net/lib/feed1178716d0c/d/1/Innovation%20Showcase%20Companies%2006-25-09.pdf

"Regardless of the potential of a new technology or product, raising enough capital in the early years of a business is one of the toughest challenges facing an entrepreneur," said Hourigan. "It is important to keep promising new companies in our state to keep our economy strong, especially when you realize that more than 90 percent of employers in Indiana are found in small businesses."