Tesoro VC, Phoenix set Frontier Forum for March 2027 alongside SEMICON West

Tesoro VC and the City of Phoenix will launch Frontier Forum on March 29, 2027, as a new annual gathering for startups, investors and industry leaders focused on AI chips, robotics, quantum, biotech and defense technologies. The event aims to connect 50 selected startups with 300 tech leaders in Phoenix ahead of SEMICON West.

Why it matters: - Frontier Forum is designed to link emerging technology startups with venture capital, corporate buyers and strategic partners in one place. - The event could help early-stage companies secure funding, customers and commercialization pathways across semiconductors, AI, robotics, quantum, biotech and dual-use technologies. - Phoenix is using the forum to position itself as a hub for next-generation technology and global business connections.

What happened: - Tesoro VC, in partnership with the City of Phoenix, announced Frontier Forum on October 13, 2026. - The forum is scheduled for March 29, 2027, in Phoenix, alongside SEMICON West. - The planned gathering is expected to bring together 300 tech leaders. - The event will run from 1–5 p.m. Phoenix time, the day before SEMICON West opens. - A City of Phoenix welcome reception is planned from 5–7 p.m. after the forum. - Venue details have not been announced.

The details: - Frontier Forum will select 50 startups from pre-seed through Series B. - Selected companies must show credible technical progress or commercial validation. - Planned startup participation includes companies from the United States, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, the Netherlands and Germany. - Focus areas include semiconductors, advanced packaging, AI infrastructure, advanced computing, physical AI and robotics, quantum, advanced materials, health and biotechnology, and dual-use and defense technologies. - The program will include selected startup presentations, two executive panels, a fireside conversation and curated introductions. - Presenting companies will come from the 50 invited startups. - Speakers and the full agenda will be announced later. - Startup applications open Nov. 1, 2026, and close Dec. 31, 2026. - Application instructions and selection details will be announced. - Venture investors and corporate leaders can express interest at info@tesoro.vc. - Startup participation and sponsorship inquiries also go to info@tesoro.vc. - Additional event information is available at the event site.

Between the lines: - The format is built around curated meetings, which suggests Tesoro VC wants to move beyond a standard conference and into deal-making and commercial matchmaking. - The emphasis on pre-event technology priorities and follow-up discussions points to a more targeted approach for investors and corporate partners. - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego framed the partnership as part of a broader effort to strengthen America’s economic competitiveness. - Andy Lombard of Tesoro VC said the forum is intended to help founders turn breakthrough technologies into products, partnerships and businesses that scale.

What's next: - Tesoro VC will announce venue details, speakers, the detailed agenda and application instructions. - Startup applications will open in November and close at the end of December 2026. - The forum will take place the day before SEMICON West begins in Phoenix. - Investors, corporate leaders and startups can continue submitting interest and sponsorship inquiries by email.

The bottom line: - Frontier Forum is a curated attempt to turn Phoenix into a launch point for global deep-tech deal flow, with startups, investors and corporate partners converging ahead of one of the semiconductor industry’s biggest weeks.