Start-up companies descended on Santa Clara, Calif. this week for DEMO, a conference that gives emerging companies a platform to show off the "next big thing" - presenters have six minutes in the ballroom to convince the masses, as well as some one-on-one time in the ballroom. What technologies caught our eye? Here are some top picks:

3DreamTeam is one of 70 companies chosen by VentureBeat to launch at the DEMO Fall 2010 event taking place this week in Silicon Valley. After our selection, the companies pay a fee to present. Our coverage of them remains objective.

Russian 3D software creator Vizerra raised $6 million last week in its first round of funding. The finances came primarily from venture firm Solway Investment Group, which focuses on Central and Eastern Europe investments.