More than 50 creative, cutting-edge companies will show their innovation and preview the future of Greater Madison’s economy at neXXpo 2016 TODAY, Tuesday, Aug. 23 at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center as part of the Forward Festival, an eight-day celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in Madison.

The night kicks off with a celebration of emerging local businesses in Startup Showcase. Then, following neXXpo and the Zendesk “Make it a Double” Happy Hour, the Chamber hosts the region’s premier live pitch contest Pressure Chamber, with five startups battling for an all-expenses paid trip to meet with top investors in Silicon Valley.

NEXXPO SCHEDULE, Tuesday, AUG. 23

4:00 p.m. – Startup Showcase
An evening of startup pitches from some of Madison’s most compelling emerging companies, with a select group of rising startups will give a five-minute “demo day” style pitch showcasing their company. Co-hosted by Capital Entrepreneurs and Accelerate Madison.

5:00 p.m. – neXXpo, featuring Zendesk “Make it a Double” Happy Hour
A diverse crowd of entrepreneurs, small businesses and enterprise all in one location, featuring 35 creative, cutting-edge businesses at our “innovation hubs” competing for the first-ever Most Innovative Company (MIC) award.

7:00 p.m. – Pressure Chamber
The region’s premier pitch contest offers Greater Madison’s most promising early-stage companies exposure to the region’s business community and top investors. Contestants compete for an all-expenses paid trip to pitch to investors in Silicon Valley.