The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the five finalists competing in this year’s Pressure Chamber startup initiative on Aug. 18 during Forward Festival, a technology and entrepreneurship festival. During the competition, emerging companies will pitch to national investors, business executives, and a live audience. The winning company will receive a reserved spot in startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall. The 2021 Pressure Chamber finalists are:
- Advocate MD, Madison – A membership-based primary care model;
- eCIO, Madison – A virtual platform that allows communication between financial advisors;
- Mobile22, Madison – A community-centric shared mobility platform;
- Nano RED, Madison – A builder of precision medicine platforms; and
- Pivotal Health, Middleton – A scalable platform to deliver health care.
This year’s festival will showcase expanded events and partners. The eight-day festival aims to inspire innovation in all aspects of entrepreneurship and connect creators, entrepreneurs, investors, students, and people involved in technology fields. The 2021 event will be held Aug. 12–19 and feature over 60 in-person and virtual events. This year, the festival has expanded its footprint, with events coinciding with Jazz at Five and The Main Street Bazaar. It also will be spread out throughout Greater Madison, with events downtown, in Fitchburg, on the far west side of Madison, in Waunakee, and other locations.
