top of page
Flywheel is Washington's
Meeting Place for Entrepreneurs and Investors
The Flywheel Investment Conference is more than an event—it’s a catalyst for innovation and economic growth in the Pacific Northwest. Each year, we bring together hundreds of founders, funders, and community leaders to fuel early-stage companies with capital, mentorship, and powerful connections.
Whether you’re launching your next venture or looking to invest in the future, Flywheel is where big ideas gain momentum.
Flywheel Investment Conference
May 21 - May 23
Across multiple locations in the Wenatchee Valley
Tickets are only $299 for all three days.
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
Welcome Reception
Kick off Flywheel with a guided hike in the Wenatchee Foothills, offering scenic views and networking in nature. In the evening, join us for the a winery Welcome Reception, overlooking the Columbia River. Sip local wine and socialize with investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders as they arrive in town.
THURSDAY, MAY 22
Main Conference Day
Thursday is packed! Exhibitor booths, investor panels, and industry leaders who will cover agtech, energy, aerospace, and more. A networking luncheon fuels discussions, and the day ends with Toast Around Town, our famous networking pub crawl through downtown Wenatchee with hosted food and drinks.
FRIDAY, MAY 23
Investment Competition
The Top Six Competition features live startup pitches for over $150,000 in investment, interwoven with inspiring keynotes from successful CEOs. The conference concludes with the Winner Celebration, where the grand prize recipient is announced, followed by a final networking send-off.
MEET THE TOP SIX
These finalists are vying for $200,000+ in investment awards and prizes.
Sarah Dillingham
Grace & Able empowers women with arthritis with FDA-approved, patented pain-relieving joint support that looks and feels more like apparel than a medical device.
James Joslin
MarineSitu is enabling sustainable growth in the Blue Economy by providing real-time insights about marine environments to help customers meet their performance, monitoring, and compliance needs.
Matthew de Bord
NewGem Foods is the original creator and patent holder of 100% plant-based wraps made from real vegetables and fruits, offering a low-calorie, flour-free alternative to tortillas, bread, wraps, and new innovative healthier snack products.
Aaron Huang
Transforming an ecological threat into premium seafood: land-based sea urchin ranching that regenerates kelp forests and creates scalable, high-value products for global markets.
Michael Sheehan
Pioneer Biofuels is making organic waste management into a profit center, overhauling the economics of anaerobic digestion by increasing biogas production by 50% and reducing capex by 25%.
conference SPEAKERS
Callie Christensen
Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer, Slumberkins
Callie Christensen is a passionate brand builder, educator, and creative visionary helping redefine emotional wellness for children everywhere. As the Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Slumberkins—the leading emotional wellness brand for families—Callie blends her background in special education with entrepreneurial spirit to craft meaningful stories, products, and experiences that nurture emotional development in children.
Since launching Slumberkins in 2015 from her home in Vancouver, Washington, Callie has focused on building not just a beloved brand, but a powerful community of parents and caregivers who deeply connect with Slumberkins’ mission. Under her leadership, Slumberkins has grown from hand-sewn beginnings into a trusted household name, with over 1.5 million books sold, a successful direct-to-consumer business, a school-based SEL curriculum, and a hit mixed-media preschool series produced by The Jim Henson Company, now streaming on Apple TV+. The series' first season was nominated for Best Preschool Series, further solidifying Slumberkins’ growing impact in the world of children's entertainment.
Named a 2023 Inc. 200 Female Founder and an Emmy-nominated co-executive producer, Callie continues to lead Slumberkins with heart, innovation, and purpose—making emotional wellness engaging, accessible, and transformative for families around the world.
Callie Christensen is a passionate brand builder, educator, and creative visionary helping redefine emotional wellness for children everywhere. As the Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Slumberkins—the leading emotional wellness brand for families—Callie blends her background in special education with entrepreneurial spirit to craft meaningful stories, products, and experiences that nurture emotional development in children.
Since launching Slumberkins in 2015 from her home in Vancouver, Washington, Callie has focused on building not just a beloved brand, but a powerful community of parents and caregivers who deeply connect with Slumberkins’ mission. Under her leadership, Slumberkins has grown from hand-sewn beginnings into a trusted household name, with over 1.5 million books sold, a successful direct-to-consumer business, a school-based SEL curriculum, and a hit mixed-media preschool series produced by The Jim Henson Company, now streaming on Apple TV+. The series' first season was nominated for Best Preschool Series, further solidifying Slumberkins’ growing impact in the world of children's entertainment.
Named a 2023 Inc. 200 Female Founder and an Emmy-nominated co-executive producer, Callie continues to lead Slumberkins with heart, innovation, and purpose—making emotional wellness engaging, accessible, and transformative for families around the world.
Shay Myers
Co-Founder, Carbon Robotics
Shay Myers is a third-generation farmer, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Owyhee Produce, a vertically integrated farming operation known for innovation in the fresh produce industry. With roots in the Treasure Valley of Idaho and Oregon, Shay leads a year-round farming, packing, and marketing enterprise focused on onions, asparagus, sweet corn, and watermelons.
An early adopter of agtech solutions, Shay is a vocal advocate for sustainable and efficient farming practices. His collaboration with Carbon Robotics—a pioneer in autonomous weed control—represents a new frontier in agriculture, where AI, automation, and laser technology intersect to solve labor challenges and promote regenerative practices. Shay brings firsthand experience implementing these tools in real-world farming operations.
Shay is also a nationally recognized ag influencer, using platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn to bring transparency to food production and bridge the gap between consumers and growers. His content has reached millions and sparked important conversations about food systems, labor, and sustainability.
A passionate communicator, Shay is driven by the belief that agriculture must innovate to thrive. His perspective combines deep generational knowledge with a forward-looking approach to business and technology. Whether he’s on the farm, in the packing house, or behind a camera, Shay’s mission remains the same: to elevate agriculture by doing things differently—and showing that there’s a difference when you do.
Shay Myers is a third-generation farmer, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Owyhee Produce, a vertically integrated farming operation known for innovation in the fresh produce industry. With roots in the Treasure Valley of Idaho and Oregon, Shay leads a year-round farming, packing, and marketing enterprise focused on onions, asparagus, sweet corn, and watermelons.
An early adopter of agtech solutions, Shay is a vocal advocate for sustainable and efficient farming practices. His collaboration with Carbon Robotics—a pioneer in autonomous weed control—represents a new frontier in agriculture, where AI, automation, and laser technology intersect to solve labor challenges and promote regenerative practices. Shay brings firsthand experience implementing these tools in real-world farming operations.
Shay is also a nationally recognized ag influencer, using platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn to bring transparency to food production and bridge the gap between consumers and growers. His content has reached millions and sparked important conversations about food systems, labor, and sustainability.
A passionate communicator, Shay is driven by the belief that agriculture must innovate to thrive. His perspective combines deep generational knowledge with a forward-looking approach to business and technology. Whether he’s on the farm, in the packing house, or behind a camera, Shay’s mission remains the same: to elevate agriculture by doing things differently—and showing that there’s a difference when you do.
Paul Mikesell
Co-Founder and CEO, Carbon Robotics
Paul Mikesell is the founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics. Paul has deep experience founding and building successful technology startups. Paul co-founded Isilon Systems, a distributed storage company, in 2001. Isilon went public in 2006 and was acquired by EMC for $2.5 billion in 2010. In 2006, Paul co-founded Clustrix, a distributed database startup that was acquired by MariaDB in 2018. Prior to Carbon, Paul served as Director of Infrastructure Engineering at Uber, where he grew the team and opened the company’s engineering office in Seattle, later focusing on deep learning and computer vision.
Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Washington. He was named the 2024 Foster School Of Business UW Entrepreneur of the Year and previously was recognized with the 2023 UW Alumni Impact Award.
Paul Mikesell is the founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics. Paul has deep experience founding and building successful technology startups. Paul co-founded Isilon Systems, a distributed storage company, in 2001. Isilon went public in 2006 and was acquired by EMC for $2.5 billion in 2010. In 2006, Paul co-founded Clustrix, a distributed database startup that was acquired by MariaDB in 2018. Prior to Carbon, Paul served as Director of Infrastructure Engineering at Uber, where he grew the team and opened the company’s engineering office in Seattle, later focusing on deep learning and computer vision.
Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Washington. He was named the 2024 Foster School Of Business UW Entrepreneur of the Year and previously was recognized with the 2023 UW Alumni Impact Award.
Austin Guyette
Partner, Voyager Capital
Austin joined Voyager in 2018 after working on enterprise technology investments at M12, Microsoft’s venture fund. At Voyager, Austin plays a key role in identifying new investments and supporting the growth of Voyager’s portfolio across the Pacific Northwest. Austin is a board member for Voyager Fund V portfolio company, Averlon. He is also responsbile for Voyager's pre-Seed investments in Brevy, OverlandAI, and Pictory.
Prior to Voyager, Austin was in M12’s Seattle office focused on early-stage investments across artificial intelligence, application software, and security. He started his career as a consultant for Fortune 500 financial services and healthcare clients before working at an early-stage analytic software startup that has raised over $200M to improve the cost and quality of the US healthcare system.
Austin holds a B.S. in Physics with concentrations in Applied Mathematics and Chemistry from Bates College and an MBA from the University of Washington. In his spare time, you can find him with his dog in the Cascade Mountains skiing, climbing, and mountain biking.
Austin joined Voyager in 2018 after working on enterprise technology investments at M12, Microsoft’s venture fund. At Voyager, Austin plays a key role in identifying new investments and supporting the growth of Voyager’s portfolio across the Pacific Northwest. Austin is a board member for Voyager Fund V portfolio company, Averlon. He is also responsbile for Voyager's pre-Seed investments in Brevy, OverlandAI, and Pictory.
Prior to Voyager, Austin was in M12’s Seattle office focused on early-stage investments across artificial intelligence, application software, and security. He started his career as a consultant for Fortune 500 financial services and healthcare clients before working at an early-stage analytic software startup that has raised over $200M to improve the cost and quality of the US healthcare system.
Austin holds a B.S. in Physics with concentrations in Applied Mathematics and Chemistry from Bates College and an MBA from the University of Washington. In his spare time, you can find him with his dog in the Cascade Mountains skiing, climbing, and mountain biking.
Rick Costantino
CTO & Co-Founder, Group14 Technologies
Rick Costantino is CTO and co-founder of Group14 Technologies, the world’s leading commercial manufacturer and supplier of advanced silicon battery technology for consumer electronics, electric vehicles and more. Group14 is ushering in the silicon battery era with its transformational material, SCC55™, which is bringing the power of AI to the forefront of personal computing and our increasingly mobile lives. Group14 is rapidly scaling its global manufacturing capabilities to help address the growing demand for energy.
Rick has more than 30 years of experience developing stable, high-performance products at the molecular level, spanning chemical and biopharmaceutical industries for companies such as Genentech, Alkermes, and Nastech. Rick’s efforts have culminated in numerous commercial products, from marketed therapeutics to electrode materials for advanced ultracapacitors and lead acid batteries.
Rick holds more than 60 U.S. patents and has more than 50 publications. Prior to founding Group14, he served as the VP of research and development at EnerG2. Previously, Rick served as the CSO of delivery at MDRNA Inc. and CSO at G2B Pharma. Rick holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from M.I.T. and a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
Rick Costantino is CTO and co-founder of Group14 Technologies, the world’s leading commercial manufacturer and supplier of advanced silicon battery technology for consumer electronics, electric vehicles and more. Group14 is ushering in the silicon battery era with its transformational material, SCC55™, which is bringing the power of AI to the forefront of personal computing and our increasingly mobile lives. Group14 is rapidly scaling its global manufacturing capabilities to help address the growing demand for energy.
Rick has more than 30 years of experience developing stable, high-performance products at the molecular level, spanning chemical and biopharmaceutical industries for companies such as Genentech, Alkermes, and Nastech. Rick’s efforts have culminated in numerous commercial products, from marketed therapeutics to electrode materials for advanced ultracapacitors and lead acid batteries.
Rick holds more than 60 U.S. patents and has more than 50 publications. Prior to founding Group14, he served as the VP of research and development at EnerG2. Previously, Rick served as the CSO of delivery at MDRNA Inc. and CSO at G2B Pharma. Rick holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from M.I.T. and a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
Anne Kerker
Head of HR, Stoke Space
Anne Kerker is the Head of Human Resources at Stoke Space, where she was brought on to build and scale the company’s HR function in support of its rapid growth and bold mission. She leads all people-related initiatives, with a focus on finding and developing talent, fostering culture, and driving the development and execution of Stoke’s talent strategy. She brings over two decades of HR leadership across diverse industries including environmental consulting, luxury travel, energy distribution, and manufacturing. She has served on several nonprofit boards and was honored as one of South Sound’s 40 Under 40. Outside of work, Kerker channels her energy into competitive sheepherding, where she competes in trials with her Border Collies.
Anne Kerker is the Head of Human Resources at Stoke Space, where she was brought on to build and scale the company’s HR function in support of its rapid growth and bold mission. She leads all people-related initiatives, with a focus on finding and developing talent, fostering culture, and driving the development and execution of Stoke’s talent strategy. She brings over two decades of HR leadership across diverse industries including environmental consulting, luxury travel, energy distribution, and manufacturing. She has served on several nonprofit boards and was honored as one of South Sound’s 40 Under 40. Outside of work, Kerker channels her energy into competitive sheepherding, where she competes in trials with her Border Collies.
Paul Carlisle
Innovation Ecosystem Builder, WSU and Fuse SPC
Paul is a business and community advocate, working to build sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems in eastern Washington State.
For twenty years he has worked with businesses in their digital transformation strategies. After a successful startup and exit to private equity in 2021, Paul began work to build a more supportive and sustainable atmosphere for entrepreneurs to launch and thrive in eastern Washington.
In conjunction with Washington State University and FUSE Business and Community Accelerator, he works to bring knowledge, resources, and networks to help business and organizations succeed.
Paul plays a leadership role in the Fuse Fund for startups, and the Tri-Cities Alliance of Angels.
On our event page, we will link your headshot to a website. What website should we link to? Could be your personal linkedin, business website... or none...
Paul is a business and community advocate, working to build sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems in eastern Washington State.
For twenty years he has worked with businesses in their digital transformation strategies. After a successful startup and exit to private equity in 2021, Paul began work to build a more supportive and sustainable atmosphere for entrepreneurs to launch and thrive in eastern Washington.
In conjunction with Washington State University and FUSE Business and Community Accelerator, he works to bring knowledge, resources, and networks to help business and organizations succeed.
Paul plays a leadership role in the Fuse Fund for startups, and the Tri-Cities Alliance of Angels.
On our event page, we will link your headshot to a website. What website should we link to? Could be your personal linkedin, business website... or none...
Rocco Luongo
Investor, Fuse Fund and TriCities Angel Alliance
Rocco Luongo, PE is an entrepreneur, engineer, TEDx speaker, and investor with a passion for innovation and community. As a devoted husband and father, Rocco brings a people-first perspective to everything he does—from raising his family to building companies and mentoring founders.
With a career spanning over two decades, Rocco’s technical expertise includes international engineering projects, high-precision manufacturing, and systems integration. He is named on multiple patents and has served clients across a range of industries, including aerospace, defense, energy, and food production. Rocco has founded several successful companies and led multiple exits, navigating the full arc of the entrepreneurial journey from startup to scale to sale.
Rocco is proud to have been part of a great team in establishing the Fuse Fund, one of the Pacific Northwest's early-stage venture capital initiatives aimed at supporting founders across Washington. He is also an advisor for the Tri-Cities Angel Alliance, where he helps evaluate investments, coach startup teams, and raise awareness for early-stage investment opportunities in eastern Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
Whether he’s working with startups, advising growing companies, or speaking at conferences, Rocco is known for his clarity of vision, practical insight, and ability to connect strategy with execution. He believes in building with integrity, leading with empathy, and investing in people as much as in ideas.
Rocco lives in the Tri-Cities, WA area with his wife and children. He enjoys camping, biking, skiing, weightlifting, and relaxing with friends over a glass of Washington wine on warm summer nights.
Rocco Luongo, PE is an entrepreneur, engineer, TEDx speaker, and investor with a passion for innovation and community. As a devoted husband and father, Rocco brings a people-first perspective to everything he does—from raising his family to building companies and mentoring founders.
With a career spanning over two decades, Rocco’s technical expertise includes international engineering projects, high-precision manufacturing, and systems integration. He is named on multiple patents and has served clients across a range of industries, including aerospace, defense, energy, and food production. Rocco has founded several successful companies and led multiple exits, navigating the full arc of the entrepreneurial journey from startup to scale to sale.
Rocco is proud to have been part of a great team in establishing the Fuse Fund, one of the Pacific Northwest's early-stage venture capital initiatives aimed at supporting founders across Washington. He is also an advisor for the Tri-Cities Angel Alliance, where he helps evaluate investments, coach startup teams, and raise awareness for early-stage investment opportunities in eastern Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
Whether he’s working with startups, advising growing companies, or speaking at conferences, Rocco is known for his clarity of vision, practical insight, and ability to connect strategy with execution. He believes in building with integrity, leading with empathy, and investing in people as much as in ideas.
Rocco lives in the Tri-Cities, WA area with his wife and children. He enjoys camping, biking, skiing, weightlifting, and relaxing with friends over a glass of Washington wine on warm summer nights.
Kelly Fukai
CEO, WTIA
Kelly has spent her career building and cultivating relationships with government,
education, business, and community leaders. Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer
at the Washington Technology Industry Association. She brings over 25 years of experience in leading and working with diverse groups with divergent interests in the development of collaborative and
comprehensive plans and policy that grow necessary infrastructure, enhance
economic and workforce development, and support community interests. She
also has extensive experience in government and public affairs, economic
development, communications, strategic management and planning, analysis and accounting. She has previously worked at Avista, the Pinnacle Marketing Group, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Spokane International Airport.
Kelly earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Master’s degree in Business
Administration and Management from Gonzaga University. She was appointed by Governor Inslee to the Washington State Transportation Commission, her term ends June 30, 2026. She also serves as Chair of the WSU Spokane Advisory board, Chair of Spokane’s Advisory Board for the College Success Foundation, Chair of Inland Northwest MultiCare Foundation and is the past board chair for Girls Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.
Kelly has spent her career building and cultivating relationships with government,
education, business, and community leaders. Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer
at the Washington Technology Industry Association. She brings over 25 years of experience in leading and working with diverse groups with divergent interests in the development of collaborative and
comprehensive plans and policy that grow necessary infrastructure, enhance
economic and workforce development, and support community interests. She
also has extensive experience in government and public affairs, economic
development, communications, strategic management and planning, analysis and accounting. She has previously worked at Avista, the Pinnacle Marketing Group, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Spokane International Airport.
Kelly earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Master’s degree in Business
Administration and Management from Gonzaga University. She was appointed by Governor Inslee to the Washington State Transportation Commission, her term ends June 30, 2026. She also serves as Chair of the WSU Spokane Advisory board, Chair of Spokane’s Advisory Board for the College Success Foundation, Chair of Inland Northwest MultiCare Foundation and is the past board chair for Girls Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.
Marty Conger
Managing Partner, Fuse Fund
In 2018, Marty Conger retired from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) after 42 years, the last 12 years as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In recognition of his impact at PNNL, Marty was named 2011 CFO of the Year for Large Non-Profit Organizations by the Puget Sound Business Journal. During his career Marty also supported Battelle, the company that operates PNNL, as a key participant in Battelle’s successful bids and transitions to assume operation of several other National Laboratories as well as serving on boards and sub-committees for these laboratories, continuing subsequent to his retirement.
Upon retirement, Marty embarked on a new journey supporting entrepreneurs, initially by joining the Board of Fuse, SPC, devoted to creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Tri-Cities. Fuse offers co-working space, training and education programs for fledging businesses. Shortly thereafter, Fuse tapped Marty to establish and lead Fuse Fund, the first and only startup fund focused entirely on startups in and around the Tri-Cities, ultimately raising over $2M from 30 local investors. Since launching in 2019, Fuse Fund has invested in six startups including Inno8ag, LiveGrow Bio, STARS Technology, Carbitex and Brook with several more under consideration. Marty received the Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership Award and named one of the Tri-Cities People of Influence for 2025 by the Tri-Cities Journal of Business for his work supporting startups.
Marty is a pilot and is currently building a high-performance Velocity experimental aircraft.
In 2018, Marty Conger retired from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) after 42 years, the last 12 years as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In recognition of his impact at PNNL, Marty was named 2011 CFO of the Year for Large Non-Profit Organizations by the Puget Sound Business Journal. During his career Marty also supported Battelle, the company that operates PNNL, as a key participant in Battelle’s successful bids and transitions to assume operation of several other National Laboratories as well as serving on boards and sub-committees for these laboratories, continuing subsequent to his retirement.
Upon retirement, Marty embarked on a new journey supporting entrepreneurs, initially by joining the Board of Fuse, SPC, devoted to creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Tri-Cities. Fuse offers co-working space, training and education programs for fledging businesses. Shortly thereafter, Fuse tapped Marty to establish and lead Fuse Fund, the first and only startup fund focused entirely on startups in and around the Tri-Cities, ultimately raising over $2M from 30 local investors. Since launching in 2019, Fuse Fund has invested in six startups including Inno8ag, LiveGrow Bio, STARS Technology, Carbitex and Brook with several more under consideration. Marty received the Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership Award and named one of the Tri-Cities People of Influence for 2025 by the Tri-Cities Journal of Business for his work supporting startups.
Marty is a pilot and is currently building a high-performance Velocity experimental aircraft.
Angie Parker
Executive Director, Alliance of Angels
Angie is a former Air Force aviator and Chief of Staff, bringing over a decade of experience in startup operations. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Alliance of Angels (AoA), where she actively fosters entrepreneurship in the Pacific Northwest. In her role at the AoA, Angie identifies, interviews, and coaches founders, preparing them for pitches to her nearly 200 angel investor members. The AoA evaluates about 40 applications each month, selecting only three to advance to the monthly pitch meeting.
In addition to her work at the AoA, Angie teaches a class on idea validation at Venture Mechanics, is a prolific guest lecturer for entrepreneurship courses at the University of Washington, mentors veterans, and volunteers with Culture in Sports—an organization dedicated to identifying and addressing toxic cultures within sports organizations.
Angie is a former Air Force aviator and Chief of Staff, bringing over a decade of experience in startup operations. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Alliance of Angels (AoA), where she actively fosters entrepreneurship in the Pacific Northwest. In her role at the AoA, Angie identifies, interviews, and coaches founders, preparing them for pitches to her nearly 200 angel investor members. The AoA evaluates about 40 applications each month, selecting only three to advance to the monthly pitch meeting.
In addition to her work at the AoA, Angie teaches a class on idea validation at Venture Mechanics, is a prolific guest lecturer for entrepreneurship courses at the University of Washington, mentors veterans, and volunteers with Culture in Sports—an organization dedicated to identifying and addressing toxic cultures within sports organizations.
Christina Lomasney
Chief Commercialization Officer for the Office of Collaboration and Commercialization, PNNL
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Christina Lomasney is known for leadership in technology innovation and commercialization. As Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL's) Chief Commercialization Officer she is working toward increasing U.S. economic competitiveness and national security outcomes through deployment of technology developed at PNNL.
Prior to joining PNNL, Lomasney’s efforts brought advanced materials and environmental remediation innovations to the Unites States and global markets. She is a physicist with a deep background in materials science and electrochemistry and was named one of the World’s Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs by Fortune in 2015.
In 2007, Lomasney founded Modumetal, Inc., a Seattle-based company that develops and commercializes a novel class of nanostructured materials that resist corrosion better than steel. While at Modumetal, Lomasney raised more than $100 million in equity and non-equity funding and created partnerships with several Fortune 500 companies. She served as the company’s president and CEO until 2020.
Due to her expertise, Lomasney serves by gubernatorial appointment on the board for the Joint Center for Deployment and Research in Earth Abundant Materials (JCDREAM). JCDREAM was created to support collaborative academic and industry programs, securing supply chains for critical materials in the Washington State.
Lomasney and her team are on the front lines of the innovation supply chain in the United States. To accomplish this, they identify potential industry partners and assist with transitioning the latest technology to commercial use. Amplifying this work, Lomasney leads a team involving several other national laboratories to shore up U.S. competitiveness and national security in technology development and transfer processes.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Christina Lomasney is known for leadership in technology innovation and commercialization. As Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL's) Chief Commercialization Officer she is working toward increasing U.S. economic competitiveness and national security outcomes through deployment of technology developed at PNNL.
Prior to joining PNNL, Lomasney’s efforts brought advanced materials and environmental remediation innovations to the Unites States and global markets. She is a physicist with a deep background in materials science and electrochemistry and was named one of the World’s Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs by Fortune in 2015.
In 2007, Lomasney founded Modumetal, Inc., a Seattle-based company that develops and commercializes a novel class of nanostructured materials that resist corrosion better than steel. While at Modumetal, Lomasney raised more than $100 million in equity and non-equity funding and created partnerships with several Fortune 500 companies. She served as the company’s president and CEO until 2020.
Due to her expertise, Lomasney serves by gubernatorial appointment on the board for the Joint Center for Deployment and Research in Earth Abundant Materials (JCDREAM). JCDREAM was created to support collaborative academic and industry programs, securing supply chains for critical materials in the Washington State.
Lomasney and her team are on the front lines of the innovation supply chain in the United States. To accomplish this, they identify potential industry partners and assist with transitioning the latest technology to commercial use. Amplifying this work, Lomasney leads a team involving several other national laboratories to shore up U.S. competitiveness and national security in technology development and transfer processes.
Sierra Clouse
Managing Partner, Barclo Venture Studio
As Managing Partner at Barclo Venture Studios, Sierra Clouse leads the strategic direction and operational execution of a venture studio purpose-built for the next era of computing. Barclo specializes in launching and scaling deep tech startups at the intersection of quantum technologies, advanced computing, and AI-native infrastructure. Clouse’s role spans founder-level involvement across portfolio companies, capital strategy, and ecosystem development—bringing together top-tier researchers, operators, and capital partners to de-risk breakthrough innovation and accelerate commercialization. She works hands-on with technical founders from day zero, helping to shape product-market fit, go-to-market execution, and scalable company architecture. Sierra is also a mom of three kids and loves to cook.
As Managing Partner at Barclo Venture Studios, Sierra Clouse leads the strategic direction and operational execution of a venture studio purpose-built for the next era of computing. Barclo specializes in launching and scaling deep tech startups at the intersection of quantum technologies, advanced computing, and AI-native infrastructure. Clouse’s role spans founder-level involvement across portfolio companies, capital strategy, and ecosystem development—bringing together top-tier researchers, operators, and capital partners to de-risk breakthrough innovation and accelerate commercialization. She works hands-on with technical founders from day zero, helping to shape product-market fit, go-to-market execution, and scalable company architecture. Sierra is also a mom of three kids and loves to cook.
Dr. Meg Weber
Western Washington University
Dr. Meg is a holistic entrepreneur developer and a certified coach, specializing in supporting students and fostering community growth through peer-based encouragement and support. Her expertise extends into business counseling, coaching, technology, and conducting impactful research on impostorism, neurodivergence and belonging, making her a versatile and empathetic figure in academic and entrepreneurial circles. Her leadership extends to serving as the Chair on the board of the US Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Minority and Women’s Special Interest Group (SIG), where she works to create inclusive and supportive environments for budding entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Meg is a holistic entrepreneur developer and a certified coach, specializing in supporting students and fostering community growth through peer-based encouragement and support. Her expertise extends into business counseling, coaching, technology, and conducting impactful research on impostorism, neurodivergence and belonging, making her a versatile and empathetic figure in academic and entrepreneurial circles. Her leadership extends to serving as the Chair on the board of the US Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Minority and Women’s Special Interest Group (SIG), where she works to create inclusive and supportive environments for budding entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.
Samantha Ogle
Director, University of Washington, Foster School of Business, Master of Science in Entrepreneurship
Builder of communities, developer of programs, champion of people.
Samantha is driven to help encourage and celebrate students and their pursuit to create. Having worked with startups at UW for over 15 years, she thrives on being a spark for entrepreneurship education, experiences, and opportunities. Seeking to bring higher education to founders, she helped spin out the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship at the UW Foster School of Business. Some say you don’t need a degree in entrepreneurship. Why not learn the lessons of those who have gone before you, help de-risk your ideas, and accelerate your network? Sam is scrappy, resourceful, and has been growing and iterating the program ever since.
Obsessions: Birding road trips to Skagit Valley. Digging in the garden. Building and sharing playlists (mixed tapes, anyone?) and making music—Play it again, Sam!
Builder of communities, developer of programs, champion of people.
Samantha is driven to help encourage and celebrate students and their pursuit to create. Having worked with startups at UW for over 15 years, she thrives on being a spark for entrepreneurship education, experiences, and opportunities. Seeking to bring higher education to founders, she helped spin out the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship at the UW Foster School of Business. Some say you don’t need a degree in entrepreneurship. Why not learn the lessons of those who have gone before you, help de-risk your ideas, and accelerate your network? Sam is scrappy, resourceful, and has been growing and iterating the program ever since.
Obsessions: Birding road trips to Skagit Valley. Digging in the garden. Building and sharing playlists (mixed tapes, anyone?) and making music—Play it again, Sam!
Phontel Shami
Program Management Executive Director
Phontel Shami is an accomplished executive with extensive leadership across the Aerospace and Space sectors, driving the successful delivery of multi-billion-dollar, high-stakes programs in commercial aviation, space systems, and advanced technologies. Expert in orchestrating the integration of complex technologies, global supply chains, and multidisciplinary teams under aggressive timelines and evolving customer requirements. Known for converting chaos into structure, operational discipline, and building high-trust partnerships across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and government agencies. Phontel is a results-oriented leader who excels at transforming complexity into executable strategy, aligning large-scale initiatives with business goals, technical performance, and customer success. She currently serves on the boards of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance and Seafair and holds an Executive MBA from the University of Washington. Her leadership philosophy centers on transparency, data-driven execution, and empowering talent—especially in times of transformation and uncertainty.
Phontel Shami is an accomplished executive with extensive leadership across the Aerospace and Space sectors, driving the successful delivery of multi-billion-dollar, high-stakes programs in commercial aviation, space systems, and advanced technologies. Expert in orchestrating the integration of complex technologies, global supply chains, and multidisciplinary teams under aggressive timelines and evolving customer requirements. Known for converting chaos into structure, operational discipline, and building high-trust partnerships across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and government agencies. Phontel is a results-oriented leader who excels at transforming complexity into executable strategy, aligning large-scale initiatives with business goals, technical performance, and customer success. She currently serves on the boards of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance and Seafair and holds an Executive MBA from the University of Washington. Her leadership philosophy centers on transparency, data-driven execution, and empowering talent—especially in times of transformation and uncertainty.
Rob Ogburn
Executive Director, Central Washington University
Rob is a native of Washington State. For more than 23 years before coming to CWU, he worked in management and executive positions in US-based and international companies including tech startups, midsize and Fortune 100 advanced manufacturing companies. Rob’s experience in industry ranges from specialized materials and third-party logistics for the $1B per year Boeing Raw Materials Strategy, to developing and implementing strategy, partnerships, and operational excellence for a Tier 1 supplier to Boeing (Everett, WA and Italy), specialty materials (Austria, Germany, US), lean manufacturing and tooling (Tukwila, WA and Japan), specialized machining equipment (Kent, WA, Korea, India, France), and strategic learning, development and people/culture strategies across tech and healthcare industries (Seattle, WA).
After joining CWU in 2019, Rob taught for the College of Business across two departments and thirteen different course topics including Supply Chain, Marketing, Change Leadership, Project Management, and Career/Professional Development. Rob also developed and taught the Entrepreneurship 388 / Prototyping course regarding innovation and commercializing intellectual property.
In 2023, he was asked to launch CWU’s economic development organization known as Business and Community Services (BCS), a new unit under the CWU President’s Office. The growing eight- person BCS team creates community and regional lift in central Washington and statewide through outreach-based programs and services including entrepreneurship, sustainable innovation, regionally competitive strategies, and economic analysis. BCS operates with the support and of the National Science Foundation, regional and State organizations and private donors.
Rob is a native of Washington State. For more than 23 years before coming to CWU, he worked in management and executive positions in US-based and international companies including tech startups, midsize and Fortune 100 advanced manufacturing companies. Rob’s experience in industry ranges from specialized materials and third-party logistics for the $1B per year Boeing Raw Materials Strategy, to developing and implementing strategy, partnerships, and operational excellence for a Tier 1 supplier to Boeing (Everett, WA and Italy), specialty materials (Austria, Germany, US), lean manufacturing and tooling (Tukwila, WA and Japan), specialized machining equipment (Kent, WA, Korea, India, France), and strategic learning, development and people/culture strategies across tech and healthcare industries (Seattle, WA).
After joining CWU in 2019, Rob taught for the College of Business across two departments and thirteen different course topics including Supply Chain, Marketing, Change Leadership, Project Management, and Career/Professional Development. Rob also developed and taught the Entrepreneurship 388 / Prototyping course regarding innovation and commercializing intellectual property.
In 2023, he was asked to launch CWU’s economic development organization known as Business and Community Services (BCS), a new unit under the CWU President’s Office. The growing eight- person BCS team creates community and regional lift in central Washington and statewide through outreach-based programs and services including entrepreneurship, sustainable innovation, regionally competitive strategies, and economic analysis. BCS operates with the support and of the National Science Foundation, regional and State organizations and private donors.
Melissa Hutchins
Founder, CEO, Certifi AI
Dr. Meg is a holistic entrepreneur developer and a certified coach, specializing in supporting students and fostering community growth through peer-based encouragement and support. Her expertise extends into business counseling, coaching, technology, and conducting impactful research on impostorism, neurodivergence and belonging, making her a versatile and empathetic figure in academic and entrepreneurial circles. Her leadership extends to serving as the Chair on the board of the US Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Minority and Women’s Special Interest Group (SIG), where she works to create inclusive and supportive environments for budding entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Meg is a holistic entrepreneur developer and a certified coach, specializing in supporting students and fostering community growth through peer-based encouragement and support. Her expertise extends into business counseling, coaching, technology, and conducting impactful research on impostorism, neurodivergence and belonging, making her a versatile and empathetic figure in academic and entrepreneurial circles. Her leadership extends to serving as the Chair on the board of the US Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Minority and Women’s Special Interest Group (SIG), where she works to create inclusive and supportive environments for budding entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.
Kirk Hudson
General Manager, Chelan County PUD
Kirk began serving as the General Manager of Chelan County PUD in January 2022. Kirk has 28
years of experience at Chelan County PUD and during that time has been responsible for
generation & transmission, reliability compliance, engineering, project controls, electric
distribution, warehousing, fleet services, customer service, water/wastewater, wholesale
telecommunications operations, parks, and natural resources.
Kirk is also the Chairman of the Board for the Hydropower Research Institute, a non-profit
company formed in 2018 by Chelan County PUD and Southern Company, with the mission to
ensure hydropower continues to be the premier carbon-free, electricity-generating resource by
leading the digital transformation and technological advancement.
Prior to joining Chelan County PUD, Kirk worked for three consulting firms in the Seattle and
Tri-Cities areas of Washington providing engineering and environmental consulting services
mostly for aerospace, petroleum, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy clients
from Alaska to California.
Kirk grew up in the Tri-Cities area of Eastern Washington and graduated from the University of
Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering. He and his wife, Andrea, raised 3 kids in
Wenatchee. Two of which live in Boise and one lives in Missoula.
Kirk began serving as the General Manager of Chelan County PUD in January 2022. Kirk has 28
years of experience at Chelan County PUD and during that time has been responsible for
generation & transmission, reliability compliance, engineering, project controls, electric
distribution, warehousing, fleet services, customer service, water/wastewater, wholesale
telecommunications operations, parks, and natural resources.
Kirk is also the Chairman of the Board for the Hydropower Research Institute, a non-profit
company formed in 2018 by Chelan County PUD and Southern Company, with the mission to
ensure hydropower continues to be the premier carbon-free, electricity-generating resource by
leading the digital transformation and technological advancement.
Prior to joining Chelan County PUD, Kirk worked for three consulting firms in the Seattle and
Tri-Cities areas of Washington providing engineering and environmental consulting services
mostly for aerospace, petroleum, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy clients
from Alaska to California.
Kirk grew up in the Tri-Cities area of Eastern Washington and graduated from the University of
Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering. He and his wife, Andrea, raised 3 kids in
Wenatchee. Two of which live in Boise and one lives in Missoula.
Jerrilea Crawford
Mayor, City of East Wenatchee
Gautam Nayak
Co-Founder and CEO, Coltrain
Gautam is the Co-Founder and CEO of Coltrain, a HIPAA-compliant clinical collaboration platform for doctors and other healthcare professionals. Coltrain connects clinicians in any location or healthcare system around shared patients, eliminating communication barriers and helping rural clinicians connect with specialists for advanced care. As a physician in central Washington for the past 16 years, Gautam is passionate about improving rural health outcomes, and created Coltrain to solve his communication pain points related to fragmented systems and outdated technology. With over 1500 clinicians and thousands of patient cases, Coltrain is making a difference in Washington and beyond, and is an example of how a local NCW company is creating transformative technology for the entire country.
Prior to coming to Washington in 2009, Gautam served as a physician in the US Navy for 10 years, primarily at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He is a practicing cardiologist with Kittitas Valley Healthcare in Ellensburg, WA, the immediate past president of the Washington American College of Cardiology chapter, and an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Gautam is the Co-Founder and CEO of Coltrain, a HIPAA-compliant clinical collaboration platform for doctors and other healthcare professionals. Coltrain connects clinicians in any location or healthcare system around shared patients, eliminating communication barriers and helping rural clinicians connect with specialists for advanced care. As a physician in central Washington for the past 16 years, Gautam is passionate about improving rural health outcomes, and created Coltrain to solve his communication pain points related to fragmented systems and outdated technology. With over 1500 clinicians and thousands of patient cases, Coltrain is making a difference in Washington and beyond, and is an example of how a local NCW company is creating transformative technology for the entire country.
Prior to coming to Washington in 2009, Gautam served as a physician in the US Navy for 10 years, primarily at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He is a practicing cardiologist with Kittitas Valley Healthcare in Ellensburg, WA, the immediate past president of the Washington American College of Cardiology chapter, and an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Steve Mantle
CEO, innov8.ag
Steve Mantle is the Founder and CEO of innov8.ag, a Washington-based agtech company helping growers, breeders, and advisors turn field data into real-world decisions. After nearly two decades in tech leadership at Microsoft, Steve launched innov8.ag to empower agriculture with AI, automation, and actionable insights. His team partners with innovative farms across North America on everything from yield forecasting to autonomous harvesting. A tri-citizen of Australia, Canada, and the U.S., Steve brings a global lens to local ag challenges and is a passionate advocate for the future of farming.
Steve Mantle is the Founder and CEO of innov8.ag, a Washington-based agtech company helping growers, breeders, and advisors turn field data into real-world decisions. After nearly two decades in tech leadership at Microsoft, Steve launched innov8.ag to empower agriculture with AI, automation, and actionable insights. His team partners with innovative farms across North America on everything from yield forecasting to autonomous harvesting. A tri-citizen of Australia, Canada, and the U.S., Steve brings a global lens to local ag challenges and is a passionate advocate for the future of farming.
Soo Ing-Moody
Economic Development Director, Douglas County
Soo is a passionate sociologist, former local government official, and community advocate who has worked directly with local, state, federal, and tribal governments, agencies, and community organizations to help local communities be strong, resilient, and economically vital. As Economic Development Director for Douglas County, she is excited to welcome and build strong relationships with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes to realize the wealth and beauty of contributing to the vibrancy of what makes the county and region a special and treasured place to live, work, and play. Her diverse professional background and combined love of the social and natural sciences has provided her the opportunity to study and work in various parts of Europe, Asia, and North America; including as Twisp mayor for 13 years, leading resiliency building efforts, while navigating and assisting community access to state and federal resources through challenging times following several of Washington State’s largest wildfire disasters.
Soo is a passionate sociologist, former local government official, and community advocate who has worked directly with local, state, federal, and tribal governments, agencies, and community organizations to help local communities be strong, resilient, and economically vital. As Economic Development Director for Douglas County, she is excited to welcome and build strong relationships with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes to realize the wealth and beauty of contributing to the vibrancy of what makes the county and region a special and treasured place to live, work, and play. Her diverse professional background and combined love of the social and natural sciences has provided her the opportunity to study and work in various parts of Europe, Asia, and North America; including as Twisp mayor for 13 years, leading resiliency building efforts, while navigating and assisting community access to state and federal resources through challenging times following several of Washington State’s largest wildfire disasters.
Leonard Backus
2025 Fund Manager, Flywheel Angel Network
Len’s career is the definition of a startup sales guy. He was part of over a dozen technology companies building and leading sales teams starting with the personal computer era. Two of his companies did IPOs and he has been on both sides of multiple M&A deals. Today he is an angel investor with an active fractional VP sales practice based in central Washington State. Len earned a BS and MS, respectively, from the University of Washington and the University of Southern California, where he was a Hughes Masters Fellow. He was VP International for two public companies and maintains a global network of influencers in emerging technology markets and sales channels.
Len’s career is the definition of a startup sales guy. He was part of over a dozen technology companies building and leading sales teams starting with the personal computer era. Two of his companies did IPOs and he has been on both sides of multiple M&A deals. Today he is an angel investor with an active fractional VP sales practice based in central Washington State. Len earned a BS and MS, respectively, from the University of Washington and the University of Southern California, where he was a Hughes Masters Fellow. He was VP International for two public companies and maintains a global network of influencers in emerging technology markets and sales channels.
Virginia Emery
Partner, Gliding Ant Ventures
Virginia is a founding partner of Gliding Ant Ventures, a PNW venture studio. GAV builds and invests in the companies our world needs to thrive in the year 2075, with specific interests in deep tech startups working in agtech, energy, maritime, materials science and climate tech. Prior to Gliding Ant, Virginia was founder and CEO of Beta Hatch, a FOAK sustainable waste-to-value agtech company with technology ranging from CRISPR to robotics. Beta Hatch won the Flywheel Investment Conference prize in 2019, and was a proud employer in Cashmere, WA.
Virginia is a founding partner of Gliding Ant Ventures, a PNW venture studio. GAV builds and invests in the companies our world needs to thrive in the year 2075, with specific interests in deep tech startups working in agtech, energy, maritime, materials science and climate tech. Prior to Gliding Ant, Virginia was founder and CEO of Beta Hatch, a FOAK sustainable waste-to-value agtech company with technology ranging from CRISPR to robotics. Beta Hatch won the Flywheel Investment Conference prize in 2019, and was a proud employer in Cashmere, WA.
DETAILED Agenda
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
Guided hike of Saddle Rock
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
1130 Circle St, Wenatchee, WA 98801
Enjoy scenic views during this guided hike with a local expert from Wenatchee Outdoors. This is a 3-mile hike with 900' in elevation gain.
Welcome Reception at Circle 5 Winery
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
3400 10th St SE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
Network with investors and entrepreneurs from across the Pacific Northwest while enjoying views of the Columbia River.
THURSDAY, MAY 22
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM all events are at the Wenatchee Convention Center
121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801
Recommended parking is on Columbia street.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Exhibitor Booth Viewing
Meet with startups, professional services providers, and more!
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Entrepreneur Pathways: How Universities Spark Innovation
Learn how Washington Universities fostering entrepreneurship and startup programs. Featuring: University of Washington and Western Washington University.
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Making Deals in Washington: How Investors Are Powering Startups
Meet the investors making deals for founders in Washington State, from Tri-Cities to Seattle. Featuring: Alliance of Angels, FUSE, FUSE Fund, Tri-Cities Angel Alliance.
12:00 PM - 1:10 PM
Farm to Table Luncheon: AgTech Innovators Shaping the Future, sponsored by Freestone Capital
Enjoy a buffet lunch and networking. Hear from the game-changing leaders in AgTech innovation. Featuring: Carbon Robotics, Voyager Capital, and innov8.ag
1:45 PM - 2:25 PM
Women in AI: Leading the Next Frontier
Learn about the AI ecosystem in Washington State and how that compares across the US. Enjoy a discussion on how women-led startups are pioneering the future of the AI economy. Featuring: WTIA, Certifi AI, Barclo Venture Studios and Subi.
2:25 PM - 3:05 PM
The Charge Ahead: Powering the Future of Energy
The changing landscape in the way we source and fuel our homes, cars, and businesses. Featuring: Group14 Technologies, PNNL, Chelan County PUD.
3:20 PM - 4:00 PM Markets in Aerospace: Reshoring and Resupplying for Growth
How can Washington’s aerospace startups and manufacturers scale in a shifting global landscape? Featuring: Stoke Space, PacAero, and Central Washington University.
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Toast Around Town, sponsored by AEM Movement
Network and pub crawl your way through beautiful downtown Wenatchee! We've rented three venues for your enjoyment, with free food and beverages at each location:
-
Rail Station & Ale House: 29 N Columbia, Wenatchee, WA 98801
-
Watermill Winery: 118 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801
-
Pinnacles Beerworks: 18 N Mission Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801
FRIDAY, MAY 23
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM conference events are at the Wenatchee Convention Center
121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801
Recommended parking is on Columbia street.
9:00 AM - 10:35 AM
Top Six Competition + Slumberkins Keynote
Watch the first three finalists compete: Pioneer BioFuels, NewGEM Foods, and Grace & Able. Hear keynote speech from Callie Christensen of Slumberkins. Introductions by NCW Tech Alliance, Evergreen BioScience
10:50 AM - 12:00 PM
Top Six Competition + Barclo Ventures Keynotes
Watch our second set of Top Six finalists compete: OoNee, LensBase, and MarineSitu. Hear keynote speech from Sierra Clouse of Barclo Venture Studios.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Winner Celebrations
Who will take home $200,000 in awards? Watch as the winner(s) are announced live!
Fan favorite award
Vote for your favorite company to win the $5,000 Fan Favorite Award
by clicking the VOTE NOW button below. Voting ends May 23 at 12:00 PM
THANK YOU SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSORS
TOAST AROUND TOWN SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR
EVENT SPONSORS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GRANT FUNDERS
BOOTH SPONSORS
bottom of page