Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Finalists in the Fall 2014 Arizona Innovation Challenge

PHOENIX, AZ (January 20, 2015) — The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) today announced 10 finalists in the Fall 2014 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), its bi-annual business plan competition that awards talented entrepreneurs who are solving today’s most challenging problems with technology-based solutions.

Each year in the spring and fall, the ACA awards to the most qualified, innovative startups and early stage companies capital to grow their businesses, advancing innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona.

The 10 Fall 2014 Arizona Innovation Challenge finalists include:

COMPANY                                        INDUSTRY                                         CITY

• CampusLogic                               IT – Software                                    Gilbert, AZ
• Dermspectra LLC                         Bio & Life Sciences                             Tucson, AZ
• Energy Conservation Mgmt.          Cleantech/Renewable Energy               Scottsdale, AZ
• Iris PR Management                     IT – Software                                    Phoenix, AZ
• Iron Horse Diagnostics, Inc.          Bio & Life Sciences                             Scottsdale, AZ
• NuvOx Pharma                            Bio & Life Sciences                             Tucson, AZ
• Park Genius                                 IT – Software                                    Tucson, AZ
• Pure Chat                                    IT – Software                                    Scottsdale, AZ
• RightBio Metrics                           Bio & Life Sciences                             Scottsdale, AZ
• Spotlight Software                        IT – Software                                    Peoria, AZ

A panel of expert judges evaluated 154 applications from the Fall 2014 AIC, assessing each on a set of criteria including technology potential, marketing strategy, quality of management team and economic impact. These companies represent high-value industry sectors that include IT software, IT hardware, bio and life sciences, cleantech/renewable energy, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace and defense.

Every applying company that meets the AIC’s eligibility requirements will receive constructive feedback generated from the rigorous online evaluation and scoring process. Last December, a total of 25 semifinalists were named and 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 their business plans and investor pitches.

The ACA will name its Fall 2014 Arizona Innovation Challenge winning companies later this month.

Media Contact

Susan Marie, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]

Joseph Valdez, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1234 or [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.