PHOENIX BUSINESS JOURNAL
Patrick O’Grady
May 2, 2012
Arizona Commerce Authority names finalists for Innovation Challenge
The Arizona Commerce Authority has whittled a list of more than 300 entries down to 10 finalists for its $1.5 million Innovation Challenge.
ACA officials announced the finalists Wednesday, which featured a mix of technology companies the authority is hoping will become a base for innovation and growth in the state’s economy.
“The ACA received hundreds of applications, and while only a select few are moving on to the finals, I am continually impressed by the level of talent and innovation Arizona’s great minds have to offer,” said Don Cardon, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, in a statement.
The finalists are:
- Acudora, a Tucson-based company specializing in audio technology for musicians, television and film.
- Agave Semiconductor, a Phoenix-based manufacturer that specializes in motor and fan control components.
- Cancer Prevention Pharmaceuticals, a Tucson-based company specializing in treatment of the disease.
- HJ3 Composite Technologies, a Tucson-based manufacturer that specializes in carbon fiber and other composite materials used in array of products.
- Kutta Radios, a Phoenix-based developer of communication equipment used in mining.
- MaxQ Technology, a Tempe-based manufacturer that specializes in temperature management for electronics.
- PathoGene, a Flagstaff-based medical diagnostics company that works on identifying infectious microbes.
- Serious Integrated, a Chandler-based based touch-panel development company.
- SyCara, a Scottsdale-based developer of search engine optimization software and analytic business tools.
- Wholesalefund, a Scottsdale-based software developer specializing in getting products through distributors.
The finalists will be required to make a pitch to contest judges, and winners will be announced May 15.
The contest developed by the ACA will run twice a year with the goal of getting $3 million into the hands of startups in the state. Winners are required to commercialize their technology within one year of the award.
