AniCell makes semifinals in the Spring 2016 Arizona Innovation Challenge

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

Original article from the Arizona Commerce Authority

PHOENIX (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, Manager, Marketing and Communications
Arizona Commerce Authority
602.845.1231 or susanm@azcommerce.com

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: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries. Visit azcommerce.com for more information and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.