Finalists Named in the 2015 Idaho Innovation Awards

Boise, ID - Finalists have been selected in the 10th annual Idaho Innovation Awards, presented by Stoel Rives LLP, Kickstand and Idaho Technology Council (ITC) and supported by Deloitte. Winners and finalists will be recognized at a special awards presentation during the Idaho Technology Council’s sixth annual Hall of Fame Celebration on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at Boise Centre.

As the state’s only innovation awards program, the Idaho Innovation Awards recognizes innovative accomplishments in four categories. The categories and 2015 finalists are listed below (finalists are listed in alphabetical order):

Commercialized Innovation of the Year:

• AutoSense by PakSense
• Burns 1401 Less Lethal Ammunition by Integrity Ballistics LLC
• PreView Wireless WorkSight Radar by Preco Electronics   

Early-Stage Innovation of the Year:

• Advanced Ceramic Fibers by Advanced Ceramic Fibers, LLC
• CellSage by Idaho National Laboratory
• Integrated Waste Screening System by Idaho National Laboratory

Innovative Company of the Year:

• Fisher’s Technology
• Kochava, Inc.
• Proof Eyewear

Innovator of the Year:

• Dr. Lorna Finman, President, LCF Enterprises; Founder, Discover Technology
• Matt Rissell, CEO, TSheets.com
• Chris Taylor, President and CEO, Fisher’s Technology

The nominations were judged by a Selection Committee consisting of leaders from Idaho’s business, technology and academic communities. Votes were tallied by accountants at Deloitte.

About the ITC “Hall of Fame” featuring the Idaho Innovation Awards

The Idaho Innovation Awards presentation will be held during the ITC’s sixth annual Hall of Fame Celebration on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at Boise Centre. The ITC Hall of Fame Celebration recognizes innovative technology leaders who have made a significant contribution to Idaho’s technology community.

Prior to the Hall of Fame and Innovation Awards presentations, members of Idaho’s business and technology communities will display their innovative products and technologies during an Innovation Showcase from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. The evening’s schedule is as follows:

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm – Networking Reception and Innovation Showcase
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Dinner, Networking, Awards Presentation

Hall of Fame registration is available online. Individual seats are $75.00 for ITC and Kickstand members, and $85 for non-members. To purchase a table please contact Nathan Bastian at nbastian@idahotechcouncil.org

About Stoel Rives LLP:  Stoel Rives is a business law firm providing corporate and litigation services to a wide range of clients throughout the United States.  The firm has nearly 400 attorneys operating out of 11 offices in seven states and the District of Columbia.  Stoel Rives is a leader in corporate, energy, environmental, intellectual property, labor and employment, land use and construction, litigation, natural resources, project development and real estate law. For more information, visit www.stoel.com or follow @stoelrives.

About Kickstand: Kickstand is an entrepreneur support organization for Idaho’s innovators, in any industry, who need help from the local community in order to succeed. Kickstand provides live and virtual forums to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial community and promote business creation and growth. With the tagline "network, learn & grow," Kickstand is a non-profit group founded in 2002 by a handful of young technology companies and like-minded service providers who believed they could achieve greater success by sharing ideas and success stories. With some 300 members and three affiliate groups around Idaho, Kickstand provides opportunities for its members to make connections, learn start-up tips, and develop as individuals and members of teams or as "intrapreueurs" inside larger companies. For more information visit www.kickstand.org.

About Idaho Technology Council: The Idaho Technology Council’s mission is to become the premier member-driven technology association dedicated to fostering the growth of technology companies in the state of Idaho, primarily in the areas of information technology, agriscience, and energy. The ITC provides a valuable forum for industry, research, educators, investors, and government throughout the state. It also advocates for creating a strong technology ecosystem and a high quality, high paid workforce. For more information visit www.idahotechcouncil.org.