A healthcare information technology company took this years Entrepreneurial Idol at TechLaunch 5.0, held in Boise May 28 29. Caring Technologies, based in Boise, walked away with the $10,000 grand prize sponsored by Idaho National Laboratories (INL). The Perkins Coie Peoples Choice $5,000 Award was given to Syeapps, Inc. of Twin Falls.
This year thirteen companies participated in TechLaunch, Idaho TechConnect’s two-day business competition that puts local start-up companies in the spotlight and provides them the opportunity to pitch their product/service to a panel of judges representing the financing food chain. “As an annual event, TechLaunch highlights many of Idaho’s up and coming entrepreneurs, companies and products,” said Melanie Rubocki, Idaho TechConnect Chairman of the Board, “and version 5.0 was no exception. This year’s presenters were both fascinating and diverse.”
Introduced this year was the “Next Gen” division, bringing in the winners of Idaho’s university business plan competitions. Boise company R2EV captured the “Next Gen” win with its innovative energy product that will “REVolutionize clean transportation.” Alex Livingston, founder and president of R2EV, conducted the presentation and noted that TechLaunch was “really a beneficial experience”. The company was also the winner of the 2008 Bronco Venture Challenge for Undergraduate Teams. Besides the award, Livingston made connections with another presenting company ElectronVault, based out of Twin Falls. Scott Black, representing Accelerated Precision and the University of Idaho’s 2008 VIEW winner commented, “I had a blast at the event and every second there I learned something new. It was a great experience. I am thankful for the opportunity to attend.”
Rick Ritter, CEO/President of Idaho TechConnect, noted, “The event gives companies the chance to interact with each other. Companies see that they are not alone in their challenges and opportunities to successfully launch (and ultimately fund) their company.” Curt Rideout, Director of Government Programs and the presenter for winning team Caring Technologies, agreed. “Tech Launch 5.0 provided one of the most insightful and beneficial experiences for Caring Technologies and other small companies that are available in this State. What a great opportunity for small businesses to "strut their stuff!""
TechLaunch 5.0 Companies
Next Gen
Accelerated Precision LLC, University of Idaho
Ostrich Egg Design, Brigham Young University Idaho
R2EV, Boise State University (winner)
RLH Technologies, Boise State University
Smart Housing, Brigham Young University Idaho
Entrepreneurial Idol
Caring Technologies, Boise (winner)
Decision Time Tools Inc., Rathdrum
ElectronVault, Inc., Twin Falls
Entry Point, LLC, Idaho Falls
Garden Logic, Boise
Noba, Inc., Pullman, WA
Syeapps, Inc., Twin Falls
Yellowstone Hotel Systems, Rexburg
About Idaho TechConnect
Idaho TechConnect is the state’s first and only private-public non-profit organization focused solely on technology – its development, transfer and commercialization – all of which impact the state’s economy. Formalized in April 2006 as a statewide entity, Idaho TechConnect is a catalyst bridging ideas, research and patents and the enabling people, money and facilities. Six regional offices assist Idaho entrepreneurs and businesses in turning ideas into products, establishing and growing R&D programs, seeking funding and competing in the global marketplace. More information is available at
www.idahotechconnect.comAbout TechLaunch
TechLaunch, an annual event, is sponsored by Idaho TechConnect, Idaho National Laboratory, Perkins Coie, Idaho Economic Development Association, Idaho Department of Commerce, City of Boise, Rocky Mountain Power, Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization, Eastern Idaho Economic Development Partners, Regional Development Alliance, Idaho Rural Partnership, Grow Idaho Falls, and Venga Works. This educational event brings together science and technology companies, government agencies, economic development professionals and investors to learn about the ‘financing food chain’. To date, 29 companies have participated in TechLaunch, garnering more than $20 million in R&D and investment capital.
Information Contact: Krissa Wrigley (208) 830-1822