I just spent a few days watching the Techcrunch 50 conference, where a number of startups present their ideas for cash, prizes and review from both a panel of judges, VCs, media and the public. Supposedly, these companies are supposed to be the “cream of the crop” when it comes to new, interesting and profitable ideas.

As I was watching startup after startup take to the stage and present themselves, I really saw nothing really new, disruptive and innovative. Now you are probably saying, dude, who are you to do this? I’ve worked in innovation most of my life, and I make it my business to blody go and seek new, disruptive ideas. Nothing I saw at Techcrunch 50 was like that.

A few came close, but the reality is, a lot of what was presented had been done before, and unsuccessfully. Maybe the time right right now for a barter exchange for startups (theswop.com), or a way to find a decent local service provider (redbeacon.com) or a online therapist (breakthrough.com). But I had this sense of deja vu. Nothing I saw was really cool, interesting, or even all that exciting.

Is the real innovation hidden away in the meeting rooms of VCs? Is the real disruptive stuff so wildly innovative that they won’t go to a public forum like Techcrunch 50? If that were the case, you’d think maybe 1 or 2 would have founders bold enough to expose it there.

I guess not. While I saw myself saying “I’d use that” I don’t think I ever said “I’d pay for that”. And that’s the key, right there, don’t you think?