WashU Startups Take the National Stage at Midwest Deep Tech Demo Day

Several Washington University in St. Louis-affiliated startups will represent the university at the 2026 Midwest Deep Tech Demo Day in San Francisco, joining 40 ventures from leading research institutions across the Midwest to showcase breakthrough technologies to investors, industry leaders, and venture capital firms. The event, held during San Francisco’s Deep Tech Week, highlights startups working across artificial intelligence, energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, robotics, and other emerging technology sectors.

The Midwest Deep Tech Demo Day brings together startups from member institutions of Third Coast Foundry, a new initiative designed to strengthen the Midwest’s presence within one of the world’s most active venture ecosystems. Participating universities include Washington University in St. Louis, Carnegie Mellon University, Northwestern University, Purdue University, The Ohio State University, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Showcasing WashU Innovation

Among the WashU ventures selected to participate is Reference Point, formerly known as NeuroMap, a startup led by founder Eli Abdou. The company is developing technology that leverages artificial intelligence and neuroscience to better understand brain function and support neurological health.

Reference Point is also a recipient of support through the Skandalaris Center’s partnership with the The Mayfield AI Garage. As a Mayfield AI-supported venture, the company represents the growing number of WashU founders applying artificial intelligence to solve complex challenges in healthcare and human performance.

Selection for the Midwest Deep Tech Demo Day provides Reference Point with an opportunity to present its technology directly to investors and industry leaders from across the country while gaining visibility within the broader deep tech ecosystem.

Connecting Midwest Innovation with Coastal Capital

The event is designed to bridge the gap between groundbreaking university-based innovation and the investors who help bring those technologies to market. Participating startups will present their ventures to a curated audience of venture capital firms and technology investors during Deep Tech Week, one of the largest gatherings focused on frontier technologies and scientific innovation.

For WashU founders, opportunities like the Midwest Deep Tech Demo Day provide valuable exposure, investor feedback and relationship-building opportunities that can accelerate venture growth.