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
Join leading founders, investors, and healthcare innovators for an afternoon of high-impact pitches and curated connections.
Full agenda and speaker announcements coming soon.
Apply to pitch | register as an investor | become a sponsor
What is the Walleye Tank?
Minnesota’s Premier Life Science Pitch Competition
Empowering healthcare and life science startups to grow, connect, and secure the resources they need to succeed. We curate an audience of investors, subject matter experts, service providers, mentors, and talent — all committed to helping your business accelerate.
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.
Click here to read more about the Walleye Tank.
“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]
