Hearts, data collection and rechargeable batteries stole the stage at the Arizona Technology Council 2014 Governor Celebration of Innovation. It is here that the AZ tech community comes together to honor science and technology innovators that create leading-edge solutions.
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Startup winner – Clairvoyant
The Chandler-based Clairvoyant is known for data analytics and developing solutions to quickly extract, model, and provide meaningful analytics around your data is our speciality, as well as their CRM solutions. Recently they were instrumental in putting on the Phoenix Data Conference in October.
Small company winner – SynCardia Systems
We’ve seen this Tucson-based biotech company pumping with success after they developed the world’s first and only FDA, Health Canada and CE approved Total Artificial Heart (TAH). The TAH replaces both failing heart ventricles and the four heart values, eliminating symptoms and source of end-stage biventricular failure. At the GCOI, they were recognized for their latest development, The Freedom, a 13.5 pound portable driver wearable power supply used for the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart. Before this power pack, transplant patients were confined to hospital beds hooked up to the 418 pound power supply, now they can go home. This year, SynCardia worked in conjunction with ASU and Phoenix Children’s Hospital to help patients with cardiovascular disease.
READ: ASU and Phoenix Children’s Hospital build 3D printed hearts for pre-op strategies
Large company – Securaplane Technologies
Securaplane Technologies Inc. supplies avionics products for commercial, military, and business aircraft. They were recognized for the development of an improved rechargeable lithium battery systems that is 42 percent lighter, nearly double the cell replacement timeframe and offer 40 percent higher power. This year, they expanded into a 55,000 square foot facility in Oro Valley and plan to house over 180 employees. Also this year, they released their next generation camera and security system that you’ll find on nearly every corporate and VIP aircraft.
Academia – ASU Image Processing Applicatory Laboratory at Ira A Fulton Schools of Engineering
Yet another group of winners focused on biotech and helping patients with heart disease. The ASU’s Image Processing Lab was recognized for their development of a cloud-based computer simulation platform that allows doctors to generate a mockup model of an upcoming endovascular treatment based on the patient’s medical history and stats.
They too were involved with SynCardia’s efforts at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Under the guidance of Dr. David Frakes, Justin Ryan, a biomedical engineering doctoral candidate in the School of Biological Health and Systems Engineering, helped run the 3D Cardiac Print Lab, an ASU satellite lab out of Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH). Frakes’ team use advanced software developed by the Belgium-based company Materialise to generate 3-D reconstructions of cardiovascular, respiratory and skeletal structures that provide a virtual screening of pediatric patients to helps ensure a proper fit of the artificial heart implanted into patients.
Previously announced winners were also recognized at the event:
Pat Sullivan, co-founder and CEO Contatta, received the OneNek IT Solutions’ People Choice Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was voted on by the public and goes to an individual or individuals who have greatly impacted the technology industry in Arizona. When asked about building another software company in Arizona, Sullivan said, ““I’ve been in Arizona for 21 years and love it. The tech community here is vibrant but young. Over the next two decades there are going to be many big successful companies built here. I love having the opportunity to be a part of it, and the chance to help others succeed as well.”
Read: What else Pat Sullivan said about the award
Tomas Gorny, Nextiva, received the Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year, whose company has been recently noted as one of the top tech companies to work for by Career Builder.
Related: Where are some other cool places to work in AZ?
For the Pioneering Award, Chandler-based Infusionsoft took home the win. They have had ridiculous growth in 2014 with the largest ICON convention to date and a $55M raise led by Bain Capital Ventures.
Read: Who else was a finalist in the categories
Read about all the winners at AZ Tech Council here
