Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Finalists In the Spring 2019 Arizona Innovation Challenge
PHOENIX, AZ (June 10th, 2019) — The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) today announced the finalists of the Spring 2019 round of the Arizona Innovation Challenge.
The bi-annual business plan competition for promising early-stage companies in high-growth industries selected 15 finalists from among 25 semifinalists. Up to ten companies will ultimately be chosen for awards up to $150,000 in capital to grow their businesses, advancing innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona. Awardees will also receive extensive mentoring and coaching through the ACA’s Venture Ready program.
“Companies that are advancing life-changing technologies continue to scale in Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Congratulations to the Spring 2019 finalists on advancing to this stage of the competition!”
The 15 Spring 2019 Arizona Innovation Challenge Finalists include:
Additive Implants Inc.
Admiral Instruments
AdviNOW
BrightGuest
CATS Tonometer, LLC
Digitile
EnPower, Inc.
Heads Up Health
Innovative Construction Technology
LIGHTHOUSE
OptimumHQ
OraVu
Remitter
SafKan, Inc
TouchPoint Solution
Of the 94 applications received for the Spring 2019 round, all but two are Arizona companies. Applicants in California and Washington state also entered the competition. Most Arizona applications came from Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tucson.
The Spring 2019 Finalists represent the following high-value sectors:
- IT - Software-40%
- Bio & Life Sciences-46%
- Cleantech/Renewable Energy-7%
- Advanced Manufacturing-7%
The judges assessed each application on a set of criteria including technology potential, marketing strategy, quality of management team and economic impact. Finalist companies will provide live pitches. Each awardee then will enter the fulfillment and commercialization stage of the Challenge to scale their product or service over a 12-month performance period.
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.