February 1, 2011 — Local technology and business ventures will have the opportunity to pitch their companies before an audience of investors from across the country at the University of Virginia Venture Summit, to be held March 3-4.

Three to five companies will be selected to participate in the summit's interactive showcase, jointly hosted by U.Va.'s Office of the Vice President for Research and the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, part of the Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Darden School of Business. The showcase will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on March 4.

Interactive showcase participants will present their pitches, each of which will be followed by a question-and-answer period. Presenters will then receive feedback from a panel of experienced investors.

"The third annual University of Virginia Venture Summit promises to bring together hundreds of the nation's most successful and sought-after investors," Thomas C. Skalak, U.Va.'s vice president for research, said. "To be able to pitch and receive invaluable feedback from this elite group is really a tremendous opportunity for our innovative U.Va. and community entrepreneurs."

Ventures based in the Charlottesville area or with ties to the University – for instance, with a U.Va. alumnus, faculty, staff or student founder or based on a U.Va. technology – are invited to apply online by Feb. 14.

For information, contact M.J. Toms with the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at 434-924-4408 or TomsM@darden.virginia.edu.

The summit will also feature panels and presentations on topics including "Is Sustainability a Viable Venture Capital Opportunity?" and "Social Media: Asset or Liability," as well as a talk by Jim Duffey, Virginia's secretary of technology. Several U.Va. faculty members will present their thinking on innovation, social responsibility and the  bio-economy.

Attendance is free but registration is required.