The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) today announced the 27 companies, from the more than 185 applicants, that will move on as semifinalists in the Spring 2013 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC). Four of the semifinalists are located out of state – two from California and two from New York City – and, if awarded, will be required to relocate operations to Arizona.
“Arizona is fast becoming the hotspot for early stage, inventive entrepreneurs to incubate their ideas and bring the most promising technologies to market,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. “Our state is committed to advancing this innovation ecosystem, and we support that commitment with a suite of programs and services to propel success, including the highly competitive Arizona Innovation Challenge.”
The Arizona Innovation Challenge awards qualified, innovative startups and early stage companies capital to grow their business, ultimately advancing innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona. Of the more than 185 applicants this round, nine companies were from outside of Arizona, one from Bremen, Germany. The 27 semifinalists represent targeted industries including clean tech/renewable energy, bio/life sciences, information technology, aerospace and defense, and advanced manufacturing:
Anthem, AZ
TiFinity Oral Care
Chandler, AZ
Gamma Dynamics
Flagstaff, AZ
SenesTech
Glendale, AZ
Desert Silicon, Inc.
Paradise Valley, AZ
Tresóna Multimedia, LLC
Peoria,AZ
Yolia Health
Phoenix, AZ
Alert GPS Holdings, Corp.
Excelsius Surgical
NanoVoltaics
SaveOnCouriers.com
SchoolCues
Viomics
Scottsdale, AZ
CellTrust Corportion
Clear Demand
Picmonic
Stealth Software, LLC ReplyBuy.com
Tempe, AZ
Gingerbread Shed Corporation
Vizzda
Tucson, AZ
Nano Materials International Corporation (NMIC)
Salutaris Medical Devices, Inc
Strongwatch Corporation
San Diego, CA
Nasseo, Inc.
San Francisco, CA
OnRelay
New York, NY
Provista Diagnostics, Inc.
A panel of expert judges evaluated all applications, assessing each on a set of criteria including technology potential, marketing strategy, management team, and economic impact. The six to 10 winning companies will receive anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000. Those companies receiving awards will be required to commercialize their technology in Arizona and generate revenue within the following 12 months.
“Winning the Innovation Challenge last fall has not only drawn national attention to our organization but has also allowed us to accelerate our mobile strategy and improve the care that we offer our patients,” said Dr. Alan Roga, Stat Doctors, fall 2012 award recipient.
The ACA conducts the Arizona Innovation Challenge twice per year, committing $3 million annually to the competition—$1.5 million in the spring and $1.5 million in the fall.
“What’s incredibly exciting this round is that 13 of our semifinalists are first-time applicants,” added Watson. “Not only is the Innovation Challenge drawing from all corners of the country, we’re resonating with companies that have yet to apply, adding to the number of entrepreneurs we can assist with a host of ACA programs and services, ultimately driving wealth and job creation for the state of Arizona.”
Every applicant that meets the competition’s eligibility requirements will be provided the opportunity to meet with the ACA’s Innovation Team to discuss their specific application and additional resources that may further their success. Additionally, all 27 semi-finalists will be invited to participate in Venture Ready, the ACA’s mentor program that connects companies with high-level CEOs and serial entrepreneurs to further refine business plan models and propel individual success.
The ACA anticipates announcing this round’s award recipients in June.