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Early Innovator Award
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DESCRIPTION |
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Presented by the Chattanooga Technology Council, the Early Innovator Award honors emerging technology-based companies that have produced a groundbreaking prototype product or beta stage software application that represents the potential for a significant competitive advantage. The Early Innovator Award recognizes companies that are in the early stages of development having achieved less that $100,000 in revenue to date.
The winner of the Early Innovator Award will be announced during the Chamber's Spirit of Innovation Awards luncheon on April 16, 2008. |
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APPLICATION PROCESS |
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Who can Apply?
• Chattanooga-area companies, large and small, in any sector: manufacturing, service, retail, etc.
• Individuals
• For-profit and non-profit businesses, institutions, and organizations
• Government agencies
Application Process
Interested applicants submit an "Intent to Enter" – a paragraph briefly describing the innovation and its conformance to the eligibility requirements. Deadline for Intent to Enter: December 14, 2007.
How to Apply
To apply for the Early Innovator Award click on the Simplified Application Process to answer a few basic questions and submit a paragraph describing your company's innovation and its impact. Contact Lindsay Hiatt at 423-763-4337 or lhiatt@chattanoogachamber.com for more information. |
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2008 FINALISTS |
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Download the 2008 Early Innovator Award Finalists Video
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CARTA
CARTA is deploying an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to improve safety, efficiency, and effectiveness through enhanced information for local transit riders. System features and service innovations include new ticket vending machines, automatic vehicle location and computer-aided dispatch, digital information displays, and free wi-fi Internet connectivity on every bus in the fleet -- a documented national "first." Chattanooga's ITS program has been selected by the Federal Transit Administration for evaluation and publication to the municipal transit industry, based upon the strength of its design and compliance with national ITS architecture. www.gocarta.org
Cushion by Design
Cushion by Design is the market leader in developing and manufacturing custom gel foam and filter materials. Its patented process and products create a breathable gel foam with performance characteristics superior to traditional foams, such as antimicrobial protection and UV resistance. The innovative process infuses silicone and other additives into foam to create advantages in multiple applications. Market examples include healthcare to reduce bed sores, saddlery to improve equine health, flame resistance and noise reduction for acoustical applications, and filtration for aerospace. www.cushionbydesign.com
NanoChromatic
NanoChromatic has invented a proprietary fabric product and two new processes to impart dynamic coloration to textiles without using dyes or chemicals. The colored patterns and images change color, shape and perspective depending on the viewing angle and light direction. Holographic colors and patterns can be created on synthetic textile fabrics without changing drape, breathability or weave pattern. Potential applications of this new green technology range from lingerie and logos to security and military markets. www.nanochromatic.com
UtiliFlex
UtiliFlex helps customers realize the value of electric utility smart-grid investments by providing utilities a range of software and solutions, from its JUICE CARDTM prepayment technology to direct load control. The company's JUICE software puts customers in control by allowing them to purchase specified dollar amounts of electric power via scratch-card, web interface, automated phone or text messaging. JUICE then places the purchased energy directly into the customer’s meter thus eliminating the need for deposits and monthly bills. The technology also provides customers with real-time consumption feedback and allows them to give the utility the ability to directly control the customer’s usage during peak periods. www.utiliflex.com |
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2008 RECIPIENT |
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Cushion by Design
Cushion by Design is the market leader in developing and manufacturing custom gel foam and filter materials. Its patented process and products create a breathable gel foam with performance characteristics superior to traditional foams, such as antimicrobial protection and UV resistance. The innovative process infuses silicone and other additives into foam to create advantages in multiple applications. Market examples include healthcare to reduce bed sores, saddlery to improve equine health, flame resistance and noise reduction for acoustical applications, and filtration for aerospace. www.cushionbydesign.com |
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2008 JUDGES |
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Chris Daly
Medical Technology Sales, LLC
Jim Frierson
Advanced Transportation Technologies Institute
Matt Jannerbo
Miller & Martin, PLLC
Paul Weidlich
Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. |
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PAST RECIPIENTS |
| 2007 |
Floodbloc, Inc. |
Floodbloc, Inc. has invented two products for flood control: Floodbloc Bags and SAP750. Floodbloc Bags absorb any liquid in water, allow for the building of flood control embankments with about 30 percent less product than traditionally required. The bags also require less than 30 percent of traditional labor time and are fully recyclable. SAP750 is a product that allows for the reconstitution of about 95 percent of the liquid product lost, while at the same time presenting the absorbed water at or better than water treatment facility level. |
| 2006 |
RemagenSafeRooms |
RemagenSafeRooms manufactures above-ground, in-home, tornado-safe rooms, storm shelters, walk-in home safes and security panic rooms for new and existing homes. Their products exceed Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines and National Storm Shelter Association standards for tornado shelter design. Also, the rooms have demonstrated the ability to withstand impacts well in excess of the hurricane shelter requirements of the Florida Building Code and the Standard Building Code. |
| 2005 |
Tricycle |
Tricycle Inc. has created "SIM by Tricycle," a process for creating a digital representation of tufted carpet combines yarn color, manufacturing machine data and design file information. The result is a believable, color-accurate image of carpet that can be viewed online or as a high-quality paper print. Tricycle samples save carpet mills the cost and time of creating tufted samples and reduce the number of tufted samples discarded in landfills. | |
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