Are you a small business or a start-up looking to get exposure to customers or funding sources, or seeking advisors, talent, or collaborators? Or are you looking to test your idea, product, or processes? Perhaps you are researcher from a government research lab, academia, or even industry seeking partnerships to secure additional funding? Are you an investor looking for the next 10× or 20× return on an early-stage technology investment? If you answered "yes" then the StartUp Program at IMS2025 is just what you have been looking for!
The Startup Program at IMS2025 fosters a dynamic environment where ideas meet opportunity, paving the way for fruitful collaborations and groundbreaking partnerships between visionary entrepreneurs, industry giants, and potential investors. IMS2025 brings forth a series of events curated to propel start-ups toward success. These events will be held during the course of the week and embody the excitement and passion that start-ups are known for.
Built to Last: Forming, Growing and Sustaining Enduring Businesses in the RF Industry
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
11:00 – 11:45
MicroApps Theater, Booth 5423
Abstract: In this panel, we will discuss what it takes to found, grow and sustain a successful business in the RF industry. We will focus not only on the founding and funding of fledgling ideas, but also on the winning (and losing) strategies to build successful, financially healthy businesses that are built for sustained growth over many years and decades. The panelists have all led and advised some of the most iconic and successful RF companies over the past 30 years and will share their secrets and wisdom to generate long-term prosperity in this small but dynamic industry.
Moderator: Christopher Marki, Chairman and CEO of Marki Microwave
Panelists:
- Peter Y. Chung, Managing Director and CEO of Summit Partners
- Gerhard Schoenthal, COO of Virgina Diodes, Inc
- James Morgan, Founder of MicroMetrics and Semigen
Reception to follow in the StartUp Networking Lounge
SBIR/STTR Panel Session
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
13:30 – 14:15
MicroApps Theater, Booth 5423
Abstract: Federal agencies working with Entrepreneurs to fund innovation.
Moderator:
- David Vieira, Vieira High Frequency Design
Panelists:
- Marco Romani, NAVALX
- Tony Williams, NAVALX
- Paul Scott, Matrix Information Services
Reception to follow in the StartUp Networking Lounge
The Next Top Startup Competition: Paving Paths to Financial Success
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
17:00 – 18:00
MicroApps Theater, Booth 5423
A perennial highlight of IMS, the Top Start-Up Competition in 2025 offers an exhilarating opportunity for prominent entrepreneurs to pitch their ventures to seasoned judges and an audience deeply entrenched in the RF/microwave technology ecosystem and new venture creation. Leveraging their wealth of experience, the judges will provide valuable insights, enabling participants to spotlight their products and ideas before the diverse audience at the IMS Exhibition. Here, their pitches undergo rigorous evaluation, and outstanding contributions are duly recognized with well deserved prizes.
Venture Capital in Wireless and Hardware Innovation – Bridging the Gap Between Vision and Viability
Thursday, 19 June 2025
14:00 – 14:45
MicroApps Theater, Booth 5423
Abstract: Hardware development, critical to advancements in wireless RF and microwave technology, faces unique challenges in securing investment due to high initial costs, complex development cycles, and extended time-to-return. A select group of Silicon Valley venture capitalists are defying the norm, betting on the transformative potential of these fields. This panel brings together leading investors who are actively funding hardware startups, with a focus on wireless systems, RF technologies, and next-generation connectivity. Moderated by David Witkowski, Founder & CEO of Oku Solutions, the panel discussion will explore why these VCs are drawn to hardware despite the risks, what they look for in a startup, and how their investments are shaping the future of wireless innovation. Attendees will gain insights into emerging trends, funding strategies, and the intersection of venture capital and technical breakthroughs, offering a rare glimpse into the financial engines driving tomorrow’s wireless ecosystem.
Moderator: David Witkowski, Oku Solutions
Panelists:
- Laura Swan, Silicon Catalyst Ventures
- Steve Goldberg, Finistere Ventures
- Ray Taylor, CARAT Venture Partners
StartUp Pavilion
Tuesday, 17 June – Thursday, 19 June 2025
Open all IMS Exhibition Hours
Situated on the exhibition floor, the Start-Up Pavilion emerges as a mini-ecosystem pulsating with interactive demonstrations and open dialogs. This year’s diverse lineup spans multiple sectors, from biological and environmental science to space/aerospace endeavors, such as CubeSats, remote sensors, and satellites (including low-Earth orbit satellites), and emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and sensing. The pavilion is not just an exhibition; it’s a convergence of innovation that transcends boundaries.
Company List Coming Soon!