Welcome and opening remarks
OpeningINAUGURAL EDITION · ALONGSIDE SEMICON WEST 2027
Where global founders meet the investors, customers and strategic partners who turn breakthrough technology into businesses that scale.
Presented by Tesoro VC in partnership with the City of Phoenix
WHENMarch 29, 2027Forum 1–5 PM · Welcome Reception 5–7 PM
Monday · Phoenix time (MST)
Monday · Phoenix time (MST)
WHEREPhoenix, ArizonaVenue details will be announced
THE FRONTIER 5050 selected startupsPre-seed to Series B · 300 attendees
01 / THE FORUM
Great technology needs a path to market.
Frontier Forum is a new annual gathering connecting emerging technology companies with venture investors and strategic industry partners to advance investment, customer relationships and commercialization.
Held in Phoenix the day before SEMICON West opens, the Forum brings global founders, investors, industry leaders and international delegations together to begin the week.
FOCUS AREAS
Frontier 50 companies comprise eight focus areas.
AI, semiconductors, robotics, quantum and biotechnology are converging, creating opportunities for a new generation of companies: chips that deliver more efficient AI computing, intelligent machines that operate in the physical world, quantum technologies that expand computing capabilities, and innovations that advance healthcare.
- Semiconductors
- Advanced packaging
- AI infrastructure & advanced computing
- Physical AI & robotics
- Quantum
- Advanced materials
- Health & biotechnology
- Dual-use & defense technologies
Founders from around the world.
Planned startup participation spans the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, the Netherlands and Germany.
USUnited StatesTWTaiwanKRKoreaJPJapanUKUnited KingdomFRFranceCACanadaNLNetherlandsDEGermany
Leading an international delegation? Get in touch ↗Phoenix is a place where entrepreneurs, industry and global partners build the future together. Through Frontier Forum, our partnership with Tesoro VC will bring founders and investors into conversations about emerging technologies, business growth, and new opportunities.
Kate GallegoMayor of Phoenix
02 / THE PROGRAM
Built for connection.
The planned program includes selected startup presentations, a VC panel and a CVC panel, a fireside conversation and curated introductions. Presenting companies will be selected from the Frontier 50.
The City of Phoenix Welcome Reception follows from 5–7 PM, welcoming founders, investors, industry leaders and international delegations to SEMICON West week.
Forum lineup
Startup presentations
PresentationsVC panel
PanelCurated introductions and networking break
NetworkingStartup presentations
PresentationsCVC panel
PanelFireside conversation
Fireside5:00–7:00 PM
City of Phoenix Welcome Reception
Times are approximate, Phoenix time (MST). Speakers and the detailed agenda will be announced.
03 / FOR FOUNDERS
Bring your technology to the conversation.
APPLY TO JOIN THE FRONTIER 50
The Frontier 50 are pre-seed through Series B companies demonstrating credible technical progress or commercial validation. Engage directly with potential customers, investors and partners to discuss adoption requirements, financing and global market access.
APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS OPENNovember 1, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINEJanuary 15, 2027
Be ready for opening day.
Prepare your company overview, technology validation and a non-confidential pitch deck.
Application instructions and selection details will be announced.
Email us for application updates ↗The convergence of AI, semiconductors, robotics, quantum and biotechnology is opening the door to a new generation of companies that can reshape industries. Frontier Forum brings these founders together with their next customers, strategic partners and investors to turn breakthrough technologies into products, partnerships and businesses that scale. We want Phoenix to be where those relationships begin and the next generation of global companies takes shape.”
Andy Lombard · Tesoro VC
WHY JOIN Frontier Forum
The right relationships for your next step.
For startups
Engage directly with potential customers, investors and partners on adoption requirements, financing and global market access.
Applications open November 1 ↗For venture investors
Access selected global founders and emerging investment opportunities, alongside industry perspectives on customer demand, technical requirements and pathways to adoption.
Express investor interest ↗For corporate leaders
Meet companies aligned with your technology roadmaps, explore potential pilots and commercial partnerships, and identify strategic investment opportunities.
Discuss industry participation ↗04 / FOR SPONSORS
Help shape what comes next.
Tesoro VC's partner approach connects pre-event technology priorities with tailored company introductions and follow-up discussions, helping participants focus their time on relationships relevant to their investment and business objectives.
01
Technology sourcing
Discuss a company shortlist and technology briefings aligned with your investment or commercial priorities.
02
Curated introductions
Explore founder, investor and industry meetings based on mutual interests and participant availability.
03
Executive visibility
Explore brand presence and opportunities to contribute expertise to relevant program themes.
04
Beyond the forum
Discuss follow-up support for potential pilots, strategic relationships and further diligence.
Partner experiences are tailored by agreement. Contact info@tesoro.vc to discuss curated meetings, sponsorship or strategic partnership.
Contact us about sponsorship ↗BEFORE YOU JOIN
A few details.
When and where is the forum?
Monday, March 29, 2027, in Phoenix, Arizona. The forum runs 1–5 PM, followed by the City of Phoenix Welcome Reception from 5–7 PM, Phoenix time (MST). Venue details will be announced. Target attendance is 300.
How does it relate to SEMICON West?
Frontier Forum takes place the day before SEMICON West opens at the Phoenix Convention Center (March 30–April 1, 2027), welcoming founders, investors, industry leaders and international delegations to begin the week.
Who should apply?
Pre-seed through Series B companies in our focus areas that demonstrate credible technical progress or commercial validation.
Will all of the Frontier 50 present on stage?
No. Presenting companies will be selected from the Frontier 50. All Frontier 50 companies take part in curated introductions and the City of Phoenix Welcome Reception.
Where are participating startups from?
Planned participation spans the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, the Netherlands and Germany.
Are dual-use and defense technologies eligible?
Yes. Dual-use and defense technologies are among our focus areas.
Who is speaking or participating?
Speakers and selected startups will be announced. Meet our participating partners.
Media inquiries?
Contact info@tesoro.vc.
STAY INFORMED
Stay tuned.
Hear about applications, speakers and the latest forum news.
Email us to stay informed ↗
Send your interest to info@tesoro.vc.
Frontier Forum 2027
See you at the frontier.
Monday, March 29, 2027 · Forum 1–5 PM · City of Phoenix Welcome Reception 5–7 PM · Phoenix, Arizona · Phoenix time (MST)
Save the date ↗