Walleye Tank | Spring 2026
Where Healthcare Innovation Meets Capital
Now powered by HealthcareMN — accelerating bold healthcare startups in Minnesota and beyond.
May 4, 2026 | Walker Art Center | 3:00 PM
The TANK is back, are you ready to pitch?
At Walleye Tank, founders don’t just pitch — they gain visibility, investor access, and a powerful platform to accelerate what’s next.
Full agenda and speaker announcements coming soon.
Applications are open from March 4–March 30. Don’t miss your chance to pitch.
Four weeks. One stage. Big opportunity.
Apply to pitch | Join the Investor Circle | Sponsor Opportunities & Benefits
Presenting Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Promotional Sponsors
10 years of accelerating innovation ----
50+ startups pitched ----
10 years of accelerating innovation ---- 50+ startups pitched ----
What is the Walleye Tank?
This isn’t your average pitch competition.
Walleye Tank is Minnesota’s premier life science stage, where founders with bold ideas compete for capital, mentorship, and the attention of the region’s top investors. It’s fast. It’s intense. And it’s where early-stage traction meets real opportunity. Finalists leave with more than prize money — they gain credibility, visibility, and direct access to the decision-makers who can fuel their next big leap. We bring together investors, industry leaders, mentors, and service providers — all focused on one thing: helping the most promising healthcare and life science startups scale. Step into the tank, and take your startup to the next level.
Why Walleye Tank?
Live Pitch Competition – showcase your innovation in front of key stakeholders.
Healthcare-Focused Startups – connect with a community driving real impact.
Curated Investors & Operators – engage with those who can fund, advise, and partner.
Community-Driven Prize Pool – reward and recognition beyond the pitch.
More Than a Pitch – a platform for visibility, networking, and growth.
“As Walleye Tank celebrates its tenth year of supporting Minnesota’s healthcare innovation ecosystem, the world is still in desperate need of rapid innovation to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare cost. ”
“We’re thrilled to bring it back with an even stronger platform to support founders, accelerate solutions, and connect innovators with the resources they need to succeed. Looking ahead, our goal is to expand Walleye Tank across the Midwest, sharing this celebration of healthcare innovation with an even broader community of founders and innovators.”
This event was originally founded in 2016 in Rochester, Minnesota. Over the years it has been organized by the University of Minnesota Venture Center and Mayo Clinic Office of Entrepreneurship. Since its founding, financial support has included contributions from University of Minnesota Medical School the Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship and Launch Minnesota and promotional sponsorship from The Medical Alley Association. Beginning in 2026, HealthcareMN is honored to steward the next chapter of Walleye Tank — preserving its mission, competitive spirit, and deep commitment to Minnesota’s innovation ecosystem while expanding its statewide reach - spotlighting bold founders, connecting them with investors and strategic partners, and accelerating the future of health innovation in Minnesota.
👉 Read the full announcement here: [Press Release]
