Emerging Connecticut Technology Companies Honored for Accomplishments, Potential at Third Annual Innovation Pipeline Awards

Over 350 entrepreneurs, investors and service providers gathered September 17 at The Omni Hotel in New Haven for the Third Annual Innovation Pipeline Awards, a celebration of the most promising early stage and emerging technology companies in Connecticut that are considered to have the best potential to be a successful enterprise.

This event was the culmination of the Cantor Colburn/CCAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit, which included a northeast angel investor summit sponsored by The Angel Investor Forum (www.angelinvestorforum.com/). Over 80 angel investors from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania attended.

The program featured 119 "Companies to Watch" sharing exhibits of their products and services with attendees in a poster fair. For a complete list, visit www.ct.org/News.asp.

The keynote speaker was Jeffrey Sohl, director of the Center for Venture Research and a professor at the University of New Hampshire's Whittemore School of Business and Economics. Sohl shared insights into current trends in angel investing in the U.S.

The awards event and Innovation Pipeline program were sponsored by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), Cantor Colburn LLC, Connecticut Innovations, CNA Insurance, the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven, Edwards Angell Palmer and Dodge LLC, Fiondella Milone & LaSaracina, Microsoft Corporation, Open Solutions Inc. and Wellstone Insurance.

2009 Innovation Pipeline Awards winners:

1. Most New Patents - Precision Combustion, Inc., North Haven

2. Most Significant Early Stage Capital Investment - Continuity Engine, Monroe

3. Deal of the Year - Oxford Performance Materials, Enfield

4. Most Promising Technology Product or Service of the Year - YouRenew.com, New Haven

5. Most Promising Software Product of the Year (two winners this year)

-- Weston Software, Incorporated, Southport

-- Retail Optimization Incorporated, New Haven

6. Most Promising New Internet/New Media Company of the Year - PaperG, New Haven

7. Most Promising Life Sciences Company of the Year - Genomas, Inc., Hartford

8. Most Promising New Green Tech Company of the Year - Apollo Solar, Bethel

9. SBIR Funding Deal of the Year - ELKA Precision, LLC, Bristol

ABOUT CCAT

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (www.ccat.us) is a non-stock, tax-exempt corporation that provides services and resources to entrepreneurs and businesses. CCAT's collaboration with industry, academia and government helps companies innovate and compete, thereby strengthening our nation in the global market.

About CTC

Founded in 1994, the Connecticut Technology Council (www.ct.org) is a 501(c)(6) business association that speaks for 2,500 firms in the state ranging from large multi-nationals to hundreds of early stage start-ups. The Council presents over 40 events a year for thousands of attendees, featuring and recognizing firms for business growth, innovation potential and women in technology leadership. CTC is an advocate for the role of innovation, tech transfer and early stage capital in Connecticut. Led by a 42-person board, the Council is chaired by Chris Kalish, executive Director of GE Edgelab at UCONN-Stamford.