Contact: Communications Manager Jess Miller, jess@madisonbiz.com, 608-443-1952
Four emerging companies to take the stage Aug. 18 for chance to pitch Silicon Valley investment firms this fall
MADISON – Today the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the four finalists that will take the stage at the 13th annual Pressure Chamber on Aug. 18 at The Sylvee. This initiative, presented by Michael Best and in partnership with Forward Fest, is a proven launchpad for area entrepreneurs and a showcase of the innovation coming out of the region. Collectively, funding raised by participating Pressure Chamber companies is approaching $1 billion.
The 2026 Pressure Chamber finalists are:
- CellTrack’s technology enables non-invasive imaging of cell therapies with 100 times greater sensitivity than existing methods — cutting development time and cost in half. This will help cell therapies reach 10 times more patients and has major implications for the next generation of treatment of solid tumors.
- CuroNow is a care coordination platform for home care agencies. Today the caregiver in the home, the agency that sent them and the family checking in from a distance rarely have the same information. CuroNow keeps all three in sync between visits, so small problems get caught early.
- FUDI Protein produces RuBisCO, the world’s most abundant, functional and sustainable protein, from the leaves of plants. With global demand for protein booming, the world’s food companies are facing a $10 billion question: Where will the protein of tomorrow come from? FUDI believes RuBisCO is the answer.
- Service ID is an AI-powered decision intelligence platform that helps water utilities understand their assets, prioritize what to fix, and identify how to fund it. Proven in lead service line inventory compliance, Service ID is expanding across water utility infrastructure.
At the event, finalists will pitch to a group of national investors and a live audience. The winner — determined by a combination of judge scoring and audience voting — will receive the “golden suitcase,” which guarantees a reserved spot in the Chamber’s exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.
”For more than a dozen years, Pressure Chamber has been a showcase of what’s next for our region’s economy,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “This year’s finalists exemplify the strength and versatility of that economy. Representing diverse industries, they are united in their approach to solving complex problems with unique, innovative solutions.”
Past Pressure Chamber winners have credited the initiative with helping their company close successful funding rounds. Additionally, Pressure Chamber has been recognized by both the International Economic Development Council and Steve Case’s Rise of the Rest Summit as an entrepreneurship and economic development best practice.
Pressure Chamber is presented by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Michael Best, with support from the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Associated Bank, Fetch, Madison College Center for Entrepreneurship, JP Cullen, The Gialamas Company, HealthX Ventures, Idea Fund, Mastercraft Ventures, FPC Live, Rock River Capital Partners, Valency Fund, Winnow Fund and Wisconsin Investment Partners.
To register for Pressure Chamber, visit madisonbiz.com/pressure-chamber. If you plan to cover the event, contact Communications Manager Jess Miller. Pressure Chamber finalists are available for interviews upon request.
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About Forward Fest: Forward Fest is a 5-day festival held annually in Madison, Wisconsin, for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs with locally organized events to connect and inspire innovation featuring all aspects of entrepreneurship. Forward Fest 2026 will run August 17-21. Visit forwardfest.org for more information.
About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 15,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at madisonbiz.com.
