The room carried a low hum of anticipation: founders rehearsing final lines, investors scanning pitch decks, and just beneath it all, the sense that something consequential was about to happen. At The Southeast Venture Showcase, that feeling is by design.

Developed as a high-impact platform for research universities and federal labs, the showcase brings together the Southeast’s most promising deep tech ventures with investors ready to move ideas out of the lab and into the world. Featuring representation from 11 of the nation’s top 50 research universities (and 22 of the top 100), the event reflects both the scale and ambition of the region’s innovation ecosystem.With more than 150 startups launched annually and $18 billion in collective research and development expenditures, the showcase is where serious momentum begins.

This year, NC State didn’t just participate – it led.

The Power of the Pack

Nine NC State-affiliated startups took the stage, representing the largest cohort from any participating institution and marking a milestone moment for the university’s commercialization pipeline.

Each pitch was focused and grounded in real-world application. The technologies spanned a wide range: medical breakthroughs aimed at improving patient outcomes, sustainable materials poised to reshape industries, and advanced AI platforms tackling complex environmental challenges. Across the board, Wolfpack founders demonstrated technical depth, market fit, and a clear roadmap for scalability.

Investors responded in kind. Conversations extended beyond the stage, with follow-up meetings and deeper discussions signaling strong interest in what NC State teams brought to the table.

“Seeing nine of our startups take the stage at an event of this caliber is a testament to the strength of our innovation ecosystem,” said Tim Martin, interim assistant vice chancellor for new ventures and investments at NC State. “Our teams are not only developing groundbreaking technologies, they’re building companies that are ready to compete and succeed on a national stage.”

“Our teams are not only developing groundbreaking technologies, they’re building companies that are ready to compete and succeed on a national stage.”

Startups to Watch

The nine ventures representing NC State showcased a powerful cross-section of innovation:

• Cervu Health is building the first comprehensive pelvic health system designed specifically for female cancer survivors experiencing chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia. Learn more: https://www.cervuhealth.com/
• DermiSense is developing a low-cost, zero-power microneedle patch platform for dermal biomarker extraction. Learn more: https://www.dermisensehealth.com/
• Fathom Science harnesses AI and ocean-weather modeling to enable smarter, safer, and more sustainable maritime decision-making. Learn more: https://fathomscience.com/
• PolyPV is creating lightweight, flexible solar modules for reliable power in remote and off-grid environments. Learn more: https://polymerpv.com/
• SelSym Biotech is advancing trauma care with SymClot, a platelet-mimetic therapy designed to rapidly stop bleeding. Learn more: https://www.selsymbio.com/
• SonoVascular has developed an ultrasound-facilitated catheter system for safer, more effective blood clot treatment. Learn more: https://www.sonovascular.com/
• Soteria Formulations is innovating biodegradable, microplastic-free delivery platforms for agrobiologicals and agrochemicals. Learn more: https://soteriaformulations.com/
• TNT Eco Materials is redefining construction with sustainable, 3D-printed materials like Fiber Grow™ for stronger, more efficient builds. Learn more: https://tntdevelopers.com/tnt-eco-materials-company/
• Vibrapower is enabling self-sustaining smart factories by harvesting machine vibrations to power AI-driven sensors. Learn more: https://www.vibrapower.technology/

Momentum Beyond the Stage

What stood out most wasn’t just the number of NC State startups, but their readiness. Founders handled tough investor questions in real time, adjusted their messaging on the fly and made clear they weren’t just presenting research – they were building viable companies. The Southeast Venture Showcase continues to prove that when the right people, ideas and capital converge, innovation accelerates. For NC State, this year’s record-setting presence signals something bigger than a strong showing; it points to a sustained trajectory of leadership in the region.

As these nine startups return from the Showcase with new connections, insights and opportunities, the work doesn’t end when the pitches do. For the Wolfpack, the pitch is just the beginning.