We’re excited to open the call for submissions for Regional/Thematic Whale Tank 2025—a results-driven showcase where startups engage with investors, customers, and experts to solve real-world challenges in clinical trials. This year, we’re hosting two regionally anchored sessions, each with its own thematic focus:

📍 Boston Pod: Boston, MA (AI & Data) // June 12, 2025 (Click for more information)

Accelerating clinical research through applied AI, smarter design, and data-driven insight

📍 DC Pod: Washington D.C. // June 18, 2025 (in partnership with DIA)

Expanding access & improving the human experience in clinical trials

Even if your solution doesn’t fit perfectly into one track, we welcome novel solutions that challenge the status quo, even if they don’t fit neatly into a single category. If your product stands out and makes a difference, we want to see it.

2nd round of applications open through May 21st at 11:59 PM EST.

For any questions, please contact heejae@smithandjonesinnovation.com.

Why Join Whale Tank

The Whale Tank supports novel solutions in reaching the market faster—because patients are waiting.


By connecting startups with customers, investors, and industry experts, we create space for deep-dive feedback, align with real-world needs, surface adoption barriers early, and drive meaningful change in clinical research innovation.

“Transformative”

Angela Holmes, OmniScience

“We felt the team’s love and passion for the industry”

Brad Pruitt, Kenosha AI

“Great opportunity to pitch directly to buyers”

Hannah Sieber, Artyc

All startups selected to pitch at these events will receive:

  • High-Visibility Pitch Opportunity: Present your solution in front of a curated audience of investors, pharma leaders, and industry decision-makers.

  • In-Depth Feedback & Discussion: Participate in deep-dive roundtables with customers, advisors, and stakeholders focused on accelerating your product-market fit.

  • Nomination & Invitation (& Discounted Pass) to Innovation Network Gathering 2025: Join our by-invitation community, gain access to Main Stage Talks, networking sessions, and ecosystem partners.

Additional Perks for Winners

  • Main Stage opportunity at the full Innovation Network Gathering (ING) in October 2025

  • 2 Complimentary Passes to ING 2025 & Air Travel Voucher to assist with travel to ING 2025

  • Priority Exposure in Innovation Network and partner communications

  • Additional Perks may be added—stay tuned as we confirm!

  • Choose which session(s) you’d like to be considered for

    • June 12 (Boston – AI & Data)

    • June 19 (DC Pod)

  • Submit your application

  • We’ll review submissions and notify selected participants (*short interview may be scheduled)

  • Finalists will be invited to pitch live at one of the two events

How to Apply

Application Form

Prefer to apply by email?
To make the process easier, you’re welcome to submit your application via email. Just be sure your pitch deck or document includes answers to all the questions listed:

Please send your submission to: heejae@smithandjonesinnovation.com

  • Basic Information

    • Full Name

    • Email Address

    • Company Name

    • Your Position (Title)

    • One-liner to describe your company/solution your applying for

    • Company Website (if applicable)

    Company Stage

    • Idea / Concept

    • MVP / Beta

    • Revenue-generating

    • Growth stage

    Which area(s) do you most need support with?

    • Fundraising

    • Selling into pharma

    • Product development

    • General strategy / growth

  • Which session(s) are you applying for?

    • Boston // June 12, 2025

      (AI & Data-Driven Innovation )

    • Washington D.C. // June 19, 2025 (Access to Research)

    Top 3 categories that apply to your solution

    1. Target Identification & Early R&D Innovation

    2. Drug Discovery & Validation

    3. Translational Acceleration

    4. Readiness & Decision-Making Tools

    5. Research Access & Navigation

    6. Smart Protocol Design & Digital Study Content

    7. Platform & Adaptive Trial Infrastructure

    8. Participant-Centric Design & Access

    9. Site-Led Innovation

    10. Operational Efficiency & Execution Tools

    11. Real-World Evidence & Post-Market Data

    12. Label Expansion & Lifecycle Management

    13. [Cross-phase] Foundational & Enabling Technologies

    14. [Cross-phase] Cross-Functional Collaboration Platforms

  • Problem: Describe the problem you’re trying to solve

    Solution: Describe how your product/service is solving the problem

    Who is your target customer? Identify your target customer and their use case(s)

    Who is your target user? If the user is not the same as the customer, how are you making sure the user loves your product?

    What differentiates your solution from other solutions in the market? Why your product and not others? Why now?

    What metrics do you have to demonstrate the impact your solution is having? What’s your best ROI case for the value your product delivers?

    Any early wins or indicators of product/market fit validation? List any awards, sales, revenue, investment, etc.