From inspirational speeches and proud graduates to innovative technology involving robotic insects, a solar car and a mobile music touch glove, ATDC’s 2012 Startup Showcase proved a success. More than 400 people gathered at the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center on May 14th to celebrate the local technology startup community.
The afternoon event honored Georgia’s brightest entrepreneurs and shined a spotlight on ATDC’s graduating companies – all of whom have met rigorous growth milestones. In addition, dozens of ATDC’s most promising member companies and Georgia Tech researchers exhibited their technologies, drawing audience interest with innovations like the Tongue Drive System, a wireless device that enables people with high-level spinal cord injuries to operate a computer and maneuver an electrically powered wheelchair simply by moving their tongues.
The showcase also featured speeches from Georgia State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson and Bill Cronin of Invest Atlanta. A Georgia Tech alum, Rogers said ATDC serves as a “a microcosm of what America is all about: innovation, free markets and entrepreneurship.”
“Our state has everything that we need to lead the nation for small business and growth,” continued Rogers. “We must continue to make Georgia a place where innovative leaders can thrive with pro-growth laws and tax reform that supports growth of both small and large businesses. Most importantly, our efforts must not be limited to those already pushing the boundaries; we must make innovation a priority by equipping our youth with the tools and skills needed to excel in an advanced global economy.”
The 2012 ATDC graduates included:
- 3DM Systems (formerly ShapeStart Measurement Systems) offers an in-ear 3D scanner for the digital design of custom hearing aids and earmolds.
- Asankya (acquired by EMC Corporation) is a global leader in enabling businesses and service providers to transform their operations and deliver IT as a service.
- Axion Biosystems developed the first multi-well microelectrode array (MEA) system to provide unprecedented throughput for cellular electrophysiology experiments.
- BioAutomaton Systems Inc. (BSI) designs and manufactures patented automation systems for cost-effective propagation of transgenic tree seedlings.
- Celtaxsys is focused on the discovery and development of therapeutics to treat inflammation by controlling innate immunity. The company has phase I clinical trials planned for its lead compound, CTX 4430.
- Digital Assent provides award-winning PatientPad® technology that delivers personalized health information and advertising to consumers in doctors’ waiting rooms.
- Preparis provides organizations with a new way to protect their people, operations, brands and shareholder value from 21st century threats.
- SimpleC utilizes proven technologies to help seniors of all cognitive abilities engage with those around them and cope with changes in their lives.
For a closer look at the emerging technology offered by some of the graduating members, check out the videos below.