Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Semifinalists in the Spring 2016 Arizona Innovation Challenge
PHOENIX, AZ (April 12, 2016) — The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) today announced 25 semifinalists in the Spring 2016 round of the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), a bi-annual business plan competition for promising early-stage companies in high-growth industries.
The ACA provides $3 million in grants – $1.5 million in the spring and $1.5 million in the fall – to the most qualified, innovative startups and early-stage companies. Recipients receive up to $250,000 each in capital to grow their businesses, advancing innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona.
“Arizona’s investment in talented entrepreneurs and high growth-potential startup companies contributes to a dynamic, thriving innovation ecosystem, one that will continue to strengthen and diversify our state’s economy long term. Congratulations to all our semifinalists in this round.” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority.
The 25 Spring 2016 Arizona Innovation Challenge Semifinalists are as follows:
| COMPANY | INDUSTRY | CITY |
|---|---|---|
| Allbound | IT - Software | Phoenix, AZ |
| Altos Digital | IT - Software | Scottsdale, AZ |
| AniCell BioTech | Bio & Life Sciences | Chandler, AZ |
| Aquatricity | Cleantech/Renewable Energy | Louisville, CO |
| Aseptica, Inc. | Bio & Life Sciences | Surprise, AZ |
| Breezing Co | Bio & Life Sciences | Tempe, AZ |
| Clean Router | IT - Software | Gilbert, AZ |
| Crystal Clear Technologies | Cleantech/Renewable Energy | Sedona, AZ |
| Exsomed | Bio & Life Sciences | Phoenix, AZ |
| Lightsense Technology | Advanced Materials | Tucson, AZ |
| LocalWork.com | IT - Software | Scottsdale, AZ |
| MeadowStar | Aerospace/Defense | Goodyear, AZ |
| MWI | Aerospace/Defense | Tempe, AZ |
| Omedix | IT - Software | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Omica | Bio & Life Sciences | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Omni Bioceutical Innovations | Bio & Life Sciences | Phoenix, AZ |
| PerioEndoscopy | Bio & Life Sciences | Scottsdale, AZ |
| SalesTalk Technologies | IT - Software | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Salutaris Medical Devices | Bio & Life Sciences | Tempe, AZ |
| Smart Armor | IT - Software | Tempe, AZ |
| SMART Brain Aging | Bio & Life Sciences | Phoenix, AZ |
| Solera Health | IT - Software | Phoenix, AZ |
| SunSweep | Cleantech/Renewable Energy | Tucson, AZ |
| TBI Diagnostics | IT - Software | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Tellspec USA | Bio & Life Sciences |
Surprise, AZ |
A total of 97 applications were received for the Spring 2016 round from companies in Arizona, California, Colorado and Switzerland. The judges assessed each company application on a set of criteria including technology potential, marketing strategy, quality of management team and economic impact.
The Spring 2016 semifinalist companies represent the following high-value industry sectors by percentage:
- Bio & Life Sciences: 40%
- IT – Software: 36%
- Cleantech/Renewable Energy: 12%
- Aerospace & Defense: 8%
- Advanced Materials: 4%
Every applying company that meets the AIC’s eligibility requirements will receive constructive feedback generated from the rigorous online evaluation and scoring process. All semifinalists also will be considered for participation in Venture Ready, the ACA’s mentor program that connects early stage companies with high-level CEOs to further refine business plans and investor pitches.
Media Contact
Susan Marie, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]
About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.