Nine software startups and nine biotech companies were among the 25 semifinalists selected by the Arizona Commerce Authority for its Spring 2019 round of the Arizona Innovation Challenge.
The business plan competition for promising early stage companies in high-growth industries awards $1.5 million twice a year. The money is intended to grow their businesses and to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona.
In September, the ACA reconfigured the competition to reward and mentor more up-and-coming local companies.
The 10 winning recipients will receive as much as $150,000 each, released in phases as each business reaches certain milestones.
The 25 Spring 2019 Arizona Innovation Challenge semifinalists are:
- Additive Implants Inc., a Phoenix-based medical device company focused on using additive manufacturing to address unmet surgeon needs.
- Admiral Instruments, a Phoenix-based distributor of low-cost, easy-to-use, and compact potentiostats and related instrumentation for electrochemistry applications.
- AdivNOW Medical, a Scottsdale-based startup using artificial intelligence and augmented reality to automate visits to the doctor’s office through kiosks.
- BrightGuest, a Gilbert-based software company that offers personalized microsites and text messaging for nonprofits.
- CATS Tonometer LLC, a Tucson-based provider of an FDA-cleared device that increases intraocular eye pressure measurement accuracy, improving clinicians’ ability to diagnosis and treat glaucoma.
- Cerebrum, a Chandler-based software platform for small- to medium-size medical practices to track specimens and patient samples.
- Delta Thermal Inc., a Tucson-based developer of thermography cameras and software to help electric power producers improve operations and save working capital.
- Digitile, a Phoenix-based software startup designed to help workers locate files faster in disparate cloud-storage systems.
- EnKoat, a Tempe-based provider of an energy-efficient coating that can be applied to the exterior and interior of existing building walls to replace thick fiberglass insulation.
- EnPower Inc., a Phoenix-based lithium-ion battery startup for the next generation of electric mobility.
- Flip Investor Inc., a Scottsdale-based software startup that uses algorithmic intelligence to assist stock market investors.
- Force Impact Technologies, a Tempe-based startup that integrates technology into sporting equipment to increase detection of potential injuries.
- Halen LLC, a Mesa-based smart lock provider for gates to keep kids, pets, or unwanted visitors out.
- Innovative Construction Technology, a Phoenix-based software company delivering innovative and empowering solutions for construction.
- LightHouse, a Scottsdale-based mobile marketing platform that allows companies to turn their app into a smart app.
- OptimumHQ, a Mesa-based firm building business by providing companies with a way to create custom software applications without requiring a major investment or programming skills.
- OraVu, a Scottsdale-based developer of a dental vision assistant that provides sight below the gumline to non surgically treat periodontal disease and peri-implantitis.
- Heads Up Health, a Scottsdale-based startup that provides one dashboard for consumers’ health metrics.
- Raglagene Holding Inc., a Tucson-based startup that leverages Quadruplex Master Switch Technology to create new medicines that help cancer patients.
- Remitter, a Tempe-based software startup designed specifically for enterprises to deliver an intelligent collections experience that adapts to each customer’s circumstances.
- RVnGO, a Scottsdale-based software company that connects RV dealers and individual owners with people who want to rent RVs through a website and mobile-friendly app.
- SafKan Inc., a Tucson-based developer of what it calls the world’s first and only automated ear cleaning device for clinical use.
- SGNT Inc., a Tucson-based provider of technology it calls a breakthrough in anti-counterfeiting and tamper-evident solutions to help verify the authenticity and integrity of goods.
- Solid State Networks, a Phoenix-based startup providing continuous delivery solutions for software, games and enterprise extended reality.
- TouchPoint Solution, Scottsdale-based developers of a stress-reducing wearable device.
By Hayley Ringle – Reporter, Phoenix Business Journal