The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced today their 25 semifinalists in its Spring 2014 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), a competition where recipients could win up to $250,000 in grant funding capital to grow their business.
Twice a year, the ACA awards $1.5 million to innovative, early-stage AZ startups from industries such as IT, bio and life science and clean tech. The companies that receive a portion of that money are obligated to commercialize their technology and produce revenue within the next year. All semifinalists will also be considered for participation in Venture Ready, the ACA’s mentor program that connects early stage companies with high-level CEOs and serial entrepreneurs to further refine their business plans.
The ACA will continue to whittle down the finalists until June where they will announce the Spring 2014 winners. Previous winners of the AIC include Contatta, Clear Demand, Gingerbread Shed, Strongwatch, Delivery IT and Reply Buy, appsFreedom and more.
“Congratulations to our new semifinalists. Arizona’s support of the startup community continues to foster a culture of innovation and propel technological advancements throughout our state,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. “More than 1,100 applications have been received for the AIC since 2011, and the program has quickly become a foundational part of Arizona’s entrepreneurial landscape.”
And now for the top 25 semifinalists…
AZTB have followed these semifinalist startups, read on…
Dataware Ventures LLC – IT / software – Tucson
Endovantage – Bio & Life Science – Paradise Valley
Mobile Safe – IT / Hardware – Tempe
Park Genius – IT/ Software – Tucson
Picmonic – IT/Software – Tempe
Spotlight Software – IT/Software – Peoria
