WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - Aug 3, 2015) - SwitchPitch, a role-reversal event where established companies pitch funded innovation projects to qualified startups, will host its ninth reverse-pitch event in conjunction with the Department of Commerce Open for Innovation event. As America's Innovation Agency, the Department of Commerce is responsible for creating the conditions that allow entrepreneurs and startups to thrive. This event is another example of the Department's support for America's startups and presents a tangible model of how corporations can better partner with new businesses to solve complex challenges. The event is designed to showcase the wide-ranging talents of innovators from across the country.
At this year's SwitchPitch event, which is supported by Microsoft and Wilson Sonsini, large companies will present on immediate business needs to an audience of startups in the hopes of finding a partner that can manage these complex projects. Presenting companies include: American Cancer Society, Comcast, Samsung, Thales, Time and Unilever among others. Keynoting this pivotal event is the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Penny Pritzker.
"The Department of Commerce is America's Innovation Agency, working every day to create the conditions for entrepreneurs and startups to thrive," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. "From broadband deployment to the protection of intellectual property, it is our job to ensure that America's innovators have the resources that will enable their success. Our 'Open for Innovation' event is yet another example of the Department's support for America's startups and presents a tangible model of how corporations can better partner with new businesses to solve complex challenges."
Budgeted, tangible projects from companies like Comcast, Samsung and more will be presented to dozens of startups live at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Projects will also be posted online, where startups from across the country may "apply" by submitting details of how they would execute on the need on SwitchPitch Connect.
"We are extremely excited to host this year's event in coordination with the White House and give registration to startups for free. It is wonderful to play a part in helping these startups sign deals with large companies," said Michael Goldstein, Founder of SwitchPitch. "Each year the event becomes more successful, and we look forward to continuing the tradition for many years to come."
About SwitchPitch
SwitchPitch is a role-reversal event where established companies pitch funded innovation projects to qualified startups looking for great partners.
Founded in 2012, SwitchPitch plans to hold ten annual SwitchPitch events in cities ripe for forging relationships between established companies and startups in their markets. Plans for 2015/16 include events in NYC, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington and more. For more information visit the SwitchPitch events page or subscribe to the email newsletter to stay up to date.
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