Concluding the initial round of evaluations, the 2014 Innovation Awards Business Competition is excited to announce the top 10 finalist companies that will compete on November 7, 2014 for a chance to win cash and prizes valued at $215,000 and present their business cases before a live audience including venture capitalists, angel investors and financiers.
The top 10 finalists listed in alphabetical order are:
• Accountingfly
• General Capacitor International
• Historical Research Associates
• Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems
• Paracosm
• REACH3D MEDICAL
• Robotics Unlimited
• SOLTAIR
• TalkingParents.com
• VetCV
Twenty companies were selected by a panel of experts to showcase their products and services before an attending audience of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and potential investors or strategic partners. The top 10 finalists will compete for a 1st place cash award of $100,000, while the 2nd place winner will receive a $50,000 cash award. These awards are provided by Space Florida, the State of Florida’s spaceport authority and aerospace development organization. The 3rd place prize is equal to $5,000 in business services courtesy of the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Microsoft has awarded all qualifying companies a Microsoft BizSpark subscription, which provides start-ups with software, support, development tools and Microsoft Azure cloud usage credits to help start-ups build their business and succeed. The three most promising software development entries will be chosen to receive a Microsoft BizSpark Plus subscription—a $60,000 value in Microsoft software and Azure services. 10 semi-finalists have been selected to showcase their products and services to potential investors in an exhibit hall. All 20 companies will receive business mentorship, planning and counseling services from the Florida Small Business Development Center Network.
Previous Space Florida-sponsored business plan competitions led to over $40 million in total capital investment for participating companies.
“We are extremely pleased with the diversity of applicants for the Innovation Awards and have had great success with similar events in other parts of the state providing a forum for growing high-tech companies to develop critical relationships with potential partners and funders,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “We are happy to provide cash incentives to the top two companies that show significant growth potential in our state – and look forward to watching these promising companies blossom here.”
“Not only are we very excited about having finalists from all across the State, but we are very proud of the multiple finalists located in the Pensacola Bay Areaâ€, said Innovation Coast Vice-Chair Julie Sheppard.
The Innovation Awards will be held November 6 and 7, 2014 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front.
With a total prize structure valued at $215,000, the Innovation Awards is the largest business plan competition in the State of Florida.
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