Three Chattanooga-area innovators have been selected by the Chattanooga Technology Council as finalists for the 10th Annual Early Innovator Award. The finalists are the Beyond Right Now Technologies, Rapid RMS, and 3D Ops.
These three innovators will be recognized at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Innovation Awards Luncheon on Wednesday and one will be named as the award recipient. The Spirit of Innovation Award finalists are Bellhops, PriceWaiter and Variable, Inc.
The Early Innovator Award, now in its 10th year, spotlights emerging knowledge-based organizations with a proprietary product, technology or process and a demonstrated potential for a significant competitive advantage, said officials.
Along with the Early Innovator Award recipient, the winners of the Kruesi Award for Innovation will be announced at the annual event.
Jeff Silver, chief executive officer of Chicago-based Coyote Logistics, will deliver the keynote address at the event which begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Reviews for the finalists:
3D OPS generates patient-specific anatomical 3D models that enable surgeons to better plan procedures before operating. Its lifelike models build upon MRI and CT diagnostic scans, but are more realistic than any screen-based imagery. On-demand printing within hospitals can reduce exploratory surgeries and operating room time while improving patient communication, medical education and healthcare outcomes.
Beyond Right Now Technologies is a specially designed octocopter drone that can continually monitor high-value agricultural properties for perimeter breaches by mammalian intruders and human thieves, a $3 billion problem in the U.S. alone. Its real-time detection system alerts the property manager via internet-connected devices, pinpointing the geolocation of the intrusion. Technology licensing partnerships with IBM and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge provide intelligent analysis of captured images and wireless recharging of the drone's battery, enabling more effective and longer monitoring of extensive land areas.
Rapid RMS (Retail Management System) is piloting a comprehensive, cloud-based iPad point-of-sale system developed specifically for demanding retail, restaurant, and direct sales businesses. Their game-changing technology is easily customizable and provides secure protection of sales and inventory data, customized promotions and sales analytics. This Chattanooga INCubator based startup offers inexpensive flat-rate card processing fees and free software upgrades for the life of the point-of-sale system.
Reservations for the Spirit of Innovation Luncheon may be made by calling 763-4366 or emailing kgober@chattanoogachamber.com