AniCell Biotech becomes a Finalist in the Spring 2016 Arizona Innovation Challenge

Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Finalists in the Spring 2016 Arizona Innovation Challenge

Original article from the Arizona Commerce Authority

PHOENIX (May 27, 2016) – The Spring 2016 round of the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC) continues as the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) today announced 10 finalists in its bi-annual business plan competition.

The ACA provides $3 million in grants annually – $1.5 million in the spring and $1.5 million in the fall – to the most qualified, innovative startups and early-stage companies. Up to $250,000 is granted to each recipient to commercialize their technologies and grow their businesses. Grant money is provided only as each company reaches specific business milestones during a 12-month period. Companies located anywhere in the world may apply, as long as they plan to establish operations and commercialize their product or service in Arizona if they are awarded an AIC grant.

“The Arizona Innovation Challenge continues to provide early stage growth companies with a platform to commercialize their innovations and gain traction,” said Sandra Watson, Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO. “These companies are developing potentially life-changing technologies right here in our state, and the ACA is proud to support their success. Congratulations to all of the Spring 2016 finalists.”

The 10 Spring 2016 Arizona Innovation Challenge Finalists are as follows:

COMPANY                                      INDUSTRY                              CITY

Allbound                                      IT – Software                       Phoenix, AZ

AniCell BioTech                      Bio & Life Sciences               Chandler, AZ

Breezing Co                            Bio & Life Sciences                  Tempe, AZ

Clean Router                                 IT – Software                      Gilbert, AZ

LocalWork.com                             IT – Software                   Scottsdale, AZ

MWI                                        Aerospace/Defense                  Tempe, AZ

PerioEndoscopy, LLC           Bio & Life Sciences                Scottsdale, AZ

SalesTalk Technologies                IT – Software                  Scottsdale, AZ

Salutaris Medical Devices   Bio & Life Sciences                   Tucson, AZ

SMART Brain Aging              Bio & Life Sciences                 Phoenix, AZ

A panel of expert judges evaluated 97 applications for the Spring 2016 AIC round from companies currently located 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. In April 2016, a total of 25 semifinalists were named in this round.

Every applying company that meets the AIC’s eligibility requirements receives constructive feedback generated from the rigorous online evaluation and scoring process. All 25 semifinalists are 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.

The ACA will name its Spring 2016 Arizona Innovation Challenge awardees in early June.