MTA announces winners of 2009 Business Plan Competition
Mississippi Technology Alliance President and CEO Dr. Randy Goldsmith today announced the winners of the 2009 Business Plan Competition hosted by MTA.
The competition, which was held June 2, at the Jackson Marriott, was open to Mississippi innovation and technology entrepreneurs, student-led companies and university affiliated companies. Winners received a total of $30,000 in cash awards to use in growing their businesses. Twenty-five teams were chosen to compete from a field of 35 applicants.
“We were pleased by the quality of the ventures presented in this year’s competition,” said Goldsmith. “MTA is proud to be able to showcase these entrepreneurs and their companies. I expect we will see great things from them in the future.”
In the Open Division, first place was awarded to Bladder Health Network, of Jackson, which offers comprehensive bladder testing services. Wiredless Networks, of Canton, won second place with a suite of proprietary technologies for ultra secure storage and delivery of information over digital networks. 10Beyond, of Ridgeland, captured third place for their system of raising money for charities using automated email tags.
In the University-Affiliated Division, TermiSys, of Mississippi State University won first place for their technologies that deliver products and services for termite control. EdoBotanics, of Jackson State University won second place for their innovative phytoceuticals and neutraceuticals based on the Veronia Amygdalina plant and sold under the brand EdoTide. Ablitech, of The University of Southern Mississippi, won third place for their radical technologies for healing the human body.
In the Student Division, the Hurricake Factory, of The University of Mississippi, won first place with their venture to supply seasonal cakes to the southeastern United States. Juva Juice, of Mississippi State University, won second place with their venture to provide high-quality smoothies through a vending unit. Advanced Print Solutions, of The University of Southern Mississippi, won third place with their safe, economical, user-friendly approach to lowering crime without the use of a forensic laboratory.
The Mississippi Technology Alliance is a non-profit organization with the mission to drive innovation and technology-based economic development for the State of Mississippi. For more information, visit our website at www.mta.ms.