PHOENIX, AZ (October 30, 2019) — The Arizona Commerce Authority announced today that semifinalists have been selected in the Fall 2019 Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC). The competition is among the largest in the country and designed to advance innovation and technology commercialization opportunities in Arizona by helping early-stage ventures scale.
“Arizona continues to receive global recognition for our strengths in innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Sandra Watson, Arizona Commerce Authority President & CEO. “The ACA is thrilled to play a leading role in advancing our ecosystem through programs like the Arizona Innovation Challenge, which consistently identifies the most promising early-stage tech companies throughout the state. Congratulations to this impressive group of semifinalists – we wish you all the best of luck in the next round of the competition!”
The Fall 2019 Arizona Innovation Challenge semifinalists include:
| Company | Industry | Location |
| Atlas Guides | IT – Software | Flagstaff, AZ |
| BetR-block, LLC | Cleantech/Renewable Energy | Tempe, AZ |
| Biosensing Instrument | Bio & Life Sciences | Tempe, AZ |
| Botco.ai, Inc. | IT – Software | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Cerebrum | Bio & Life Sciences | Chandler, AZ |
| Convrrt | IT – Software | Chandler, AZ |
| Dovly, Inc. | IT – Software | Phoenix, AZ |
| Emagine Solutions Technology | IT – Software | Tucson, AZ |
| EnKoat | Cleantech/Renewable Energy | Casa Grande, AZ |
| EscrowTab, Inc. | IT – Software | Tempe, AZ |
| Halen LLC | IT – Hardware | Mesa, AZ |
| HR Company Store | IT – Software | Phoenix, AZ |
| Insurmi | IT – Software | Phoenix, AZ |
| JobDocs | IT – Software | Chandler, AZ |
| Juuice Inc. | IT – Software | Scottsdale, AZ |
| KalqueLord, Inc. | IT – Software | Mesa, AZ |
| Motion Warriors | IT – Hardware | Phoenix, AZ |
| OralKleen, LLC | Bio & Life Sciences | Scottsdale, AZ |
| OTOjOY | IT – Hardware | Scottsdale, AZ |
| PointerTop | IT – Software | Phoenix, AZ |
| ProCARE Portal, LLC | IT – Software | Chandler, AZ |
| Radpay, Inc. | IT – Software | Phoenix, AZ |
| Reglagene | Bio & Life Sciences | Tucson, AZ |
| RexPay Inc. | IT – Software | Phoenix, AZ |
| S. D. MILLER AND ASSOCIATES PLLC | Advanced Materials | Flagstaff, AZ |
| Sensagrate | IT – Software | Scottsdale, AZ |
| SGNT INC | IT – Hardware | Tucson, AZ |
| ShiftX | IT – Software | Chandler, AZ |
| Swift Coat | Advanced Materials | Tempe, AZ |
| The Surf Network, Inc. | IT – Software | Tempe, AZ |
The Fall 2019 semifinalist companies represent the following high-value sectors:
| Sector | Count | Percentage |
| IT – Software | 18 | 60% |
| Bio & Life Sciences | 4 | 13% |
| IT – Hardware | 4 | 13% |
| Cleantech/Renewable Energy | 2 | 7% |
| Advanced Materials | 2 | 7% |
In total, 80 applications from Arizona companies were received for the Fall 2019 program.
The Arizona Innovation Challenge consists of three judging rounds, during which companies receive constructive feedback on their applications generated from the rigorous online evaluation and scoring process. Companies that move on to the final round will pitch live before a panel of judges. After all judging rounds are complete, participants will also have an opportunity to receive a consultation with the ACA to discuss their application and other potential resources available to help improve their business plans.
Up to 10 companies are added to the Arizona Innovation Challenge portfolio following each round of the competition.
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.
Media Contact
Connie Weber, Arizona Commerce Authority, conniew@azcommerce.com
About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter @azcommerce.