The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) announced 10 awardees in the Fall 2019 round of the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC). The business plan competition — one of the largest in the country — is designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale.
“Congratulations to our Fall 2019 awardees,” said Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Each of these companies is advancing exciting innovations in digital health, wearables, FinTech, SaaS and more. We could not be more proud to help them scale and achieve success in Arizona.”
The Fall 2019 Arizona Innovation Challenge awardees are:
Botco.ai, Inc., IT – Software, Scottsdale, AZ
Biosensing Instrument, Bio & Life Sciences, Tempe, AZ
Emagine Solutions Technology, IT – Software, Tucson, AZ
Insurmi, IT – Software, Phoenix, AZ
OralKleen, LLC, Bio & Life Sciences, Scottsdale, AZ
OTOjOY, IT – Hardware, Scottsdale, AZ
Radpay, Inc., IT – Software, Phoenix, AZ
Reglagene, Bio & Life Sciences, Tucson, AZ
RexPay Inc., IT – Software, Phoenix, AZ
The Surf Network, Inc., IT – Software, Tempe, AZ
“We are thrilled to be considered one of the most promising and innovative startups in Arizona,” said Thomas Kaufmann, founder and CEO of OTOjOY. “Programs like this are extremely unique and the work of the Arizona Commerce Authority was genuinely one of the reasons we chose to make the Grand Canyon state our home. Having the local government support our work with this grant, outstanding mentorship and introductions to people who can help us continue to succeed is an incredible honor.”
Companies chosen to join the Arizona Innovation Challenge portfolio will participate in the ACA’s Venture Ready Accelerator, which connects companies with serial entrepreneurs, high-level executives and subject matter experts. Venture Ready helps startups refine their business plans, improve go-to-market execution strategies and increase investor readiness. Participants will complete a series of panels and workshops within the subsequent 12 months of the award.
