ChaTech, the Chattanooga Technology Council, will confer its Early Innovator Award at the Spirit of Innovation Luncheon on Oct. 20.  The award, sponsored this year by Unum, is given annually to an emerging, local, technology-based company with a groundbreaking product, process, software application or other invention.  The innovation must demonstrate the potential for a significant competitive advantage.  The EIA recognizes companies in the greater Chattanooga area that are in the early stages of development. 

The EIA Selection Committee is electing to highlight the work of several local technology companies opening new avenues for the way people live and work in 2017.  The winner will be selected from this field.  Considered for the award this year are:  

ARMS:  the International Maritime Security Associates has developed Automated Risk Management Solution, a maritime risk management software platform.  It delivers real time geographically relevant weather, traffic, and risk/threat intelligence to vessels at sea.  ARMS also provides a secure portal to report risks and to communicate with shore side management, among other important features.  

The House: an app that connects users to special offers for happy hours, dining specials, events and exclusive offers in local establishments. Using the platform, restaurants can announce specials to bring in patrons on their own terms and timeframes.  App users can make their dining choices according to neighborhood location, time of day, and the specific offer.  

i-Card:  one of the 2016 EIA finalists, this is a contact management app that converts users’ details into a QR code for the easy exchange and updating of information.  The app has the potential to take the place of paper business cards.  

Rove: Chattanooga’s Spire Labs launched Rove in August. It allows users to log their steps on their smartphone or fitness device, track goals, and band together in teams for group competitions, and provide a way for fitness accountability.  The city of Chattanooga is using Rove to promote citizens engagement in fitness activities. 

All these companies contribute to the vitality and “buzz” of the technology-oriented entrepreneur community in Chattanooga.  This buzz is the spirit of innovation that the EIA recognizes and celebrates. 

The winner of the Early Innovator Award will be announced at the luncheon on Oct. 20 as part of Chattanooga’s Startup Week. Tables and individual tickets for the event can be purchased from the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce at http://www.chattanoogachamber.com/events/details/7454. 

For more information about ChaTech, visit the website at https://chatechcouncil.org