On the weekend, Funding Post announced the winners of the "Third Annual Pitching Across America" competition. They claim that it is the largest venture capital competition ever held. Think "The Dragon's Den" to the power of 10 and you'll have an idea of their process.

Over 100 venture capital funds and angel investors judged the pitches of some 300 businesses in the United States. Rated on a scale of 1 to 10 of venture worthiness, the emerging companies vied for top place in the competition. Who won? Was it a Web 2.0 company? Nope. It was, drum roll... a glass manufacturer. SPD Control System produces a controllable window that enhances energy conservation. Sounds like a worthy product.

Who was second? Surely a social-networking firm. No, again. Graft Solutions Inc. grabbed the runner-up spot. They make surgical grafts.

O.K. Third? No Internet company again. This time it is a nanotechnology company, NanoPolyQ of California.

Here is the top ten list:

SPD Control Systems Corp. NY
Digital Media Research FL
Graft Solutions, Inc. GA
WebWire GA
NanoPolyQ CA
Amyxa Pharmaceuticals MA
Shield Technology Group FL
Celldonate Inc. CA
Declude MA
MarColl International Corp. NE