SAN DIEGO,–CONNECT, a business accelerator that creates and scales companies in the technology and life sciences sectors, announced today the winners of its 27th annual Most Innovative New Product (MIP) Awards, honoring San Diego-based companies and innovative leaders who launched groundbreaking new products in eight different industry-specific categories in the last year.
This year’s MIP award winners were announced at a sold-out awards ceremony attended by more than 700 of the region’s top business leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and capital providers. Held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, the event was emceed by Maureen Cavanaugh of Midday Edition on KPBS. In addition to the eight companies honored for their outstanding new products, the Distinguished Contribution Award for Life Sciences Innovation was awarded to T. Denny Sanford and the Distinguished Contribution Award for Technology Innovation was awarded to Robert S. Sullivan.
Bestowed annually, the Distinguished Contribution Award for Life Sciences and Technology Innovation, honors individuals in San Diego who, through business activities and community involvement, have encouraged innovation, diversity of thought and the advancement of local entrepreneurs.
The 2014 MIP Award winners, selected through a rigorous judging process from a pool of more than 100 nominations were as follows:
Aerospace and Security Technologies category: Cyber Flow Analytics for FlowScape
Flowscape provides anomalytics for the Internet of Things. It continuously analyzes billions of unstructured application and network traffic flows, and applies machine learning algorithms to provide real-time actionable intelligence for anomalous behavior. FlowScape detects anomalous high-risk threats as a cyber-security platform.
Communications and IT category: Cubic Transportation Systems for NextBus Fleet Management
The NextBus Fleet Management application is a modular, mobile gateway for connecting passengers and public transit managers to valuable real-time travel and operations information. This cost-effective, high-quality and reliable application makes public transportation a viable and attractive choice for commuters.
Diagnostics and Research Tools category: Organovo, Inc. for exVive3D™ Liver Model
exVive3D™ Liver model is functional 3D human liver tissue constructs consisting of multiple primary human cell types which are found in native human liver. The exVive3D™ Livers are created using Organovo’s proprietary 3D bioprinting technology that results in tissues containing precise and reproducible architecture. They are intended to improve preclinical drug discovery programs.
Pharmaceutical Drugs and Medical Devices: Topera, Inc. for Topera’s 3D Mapping System
Topera’s 3D Mapping identifies the mechanism that sustains atrial fibrillation in arrhythmia patients. By helping physicians visualize and localize these precise sources the Topera System provides the essential information for excellent patient outcomes.
Mobile Apps category: Rock My World, Inc. for RockMyRun
RockMyRun takes biometric data from smartphones and fitness wearable devices, and then adjusts the music you’re listening to so that it matches your body, leading to increased enjoyment and improvement in performance by up to 20 percent while exercising.
Software category: CloudBeds for CloudBeds
CloudBeds is an operating system for hotels where properties can manage their operations easily through online tools; distribute real-time inventory (rooms) to consumers and travel agents worldwide through popular channels around the web via 2-way APIs; and increase a property’s revenue while lowering its costs using learning algorithms that optimize a property’s room prices, availability and back-office tasks.
Sport & Active Lifestyle Technologies category: Electrozyme LLC for ProFit SE Real-Time Sweat Electrolyte Sensor
The ProFit SE Real-Time Sweat is the world’s first personal hydration monitor capable of assessing fluid and electrolyte loss in a non-invasive, real-time fashion. The wearable product provides answers to three key questions: When is it time to rehydrate? What to rehydrate with? How much to rehydrate?
Sustainability category: Solatube International for Solatube SkyVault Series
Solatube SkyVault Series employs advanced optics to deliver maximum daylight with minimal heat gain to large spaces with high, open ceilings. Modular components let designers spread light evenly, enhance light capture or control focus with one system.
“This year’s MIP Award winners truly represent not only the best new products coming out of San Diego in the past year, but some of the best new products in the country, “stated CONNECT Chief Executive Officer Greg McKee. “This year, the entries were particularly strong and the process was so competitive which just demonstrates the continual advancement in innovation happening in San Diego year after year. CONNECT is proud to be the platform to expose the world to these new technologies and products through and will continue to champion and promote innovation arising out of San Diego in the future.”
