Winners Announced at the 2016 Idaho Innovation Awards

BOISE, ID — Winners were announced tonight during the 11th annual Idaho Innovation Awards, presented by Stoel Rives LLP, Trailhead and the Idaho Technology Council (ITC), and supported by Deloitte. Winners and finalists were honored at a special awards presentation during the Idaho Technology Council’s seventh annual Hall of Fame Celebration at Boise Centre. 

The Idaho Innovation Awards recognize innovative accomplishments in five categories. The 2016 winners are as follows: 

Commercialized Innovation of the Year:

• Night Vision Compatible Lighting by Blue Wolf         

Consumer Product of the Year:

• Probiotic MELT Organic Buttery Spread by Prosperity Organic Foods 

Early-Stage Innovation of the Year:

• E-RECOV by Idaho National Laboratory 

Innovative Company of the Year:

• Wilderness Wireless 

Innovator of the Year:

• Kenton Lee, Founder, Because International 

“This year’s winners and finalists represent the remarkable innovation that is happening throughout Idaho” said Brian Larsen, Stoel Rives corporate partner and 2016 Idaho Innovation Awards chairman. “It is a positive indication that Idaho businesses are competitive and thriving,” said Larsen. 

Finalists in each category were also honored and recognized at the event. The 2016 finalists are as follows: 

Commercialized Innovation of the Year:

• Axios^® Modular LED Lightbar System by ESG (ECCO Safety Group)
• Kount Central by Kount         

Consumer Product of the Year:

• ICAP-USA Insulated Claddings by InsulStone
• Inergy Kodiak Solar Generator by Inergy Solar 

Early-Stage Innovation of the Year:

• Inergy Home Base+ by Inergy Solar
• Magnetic Shape Memory µPump by Shaw Mountain Technology 

Innovative Company of the Year:

• Idaho Transportation Department
• xCraft Enterprises 

Innovator of the Year:

• Tracy Lotz, CEO, LiveRez.com
• Matt Rissell, CEO, TSheets 

The nominations were judged by a Selection Committee consisting of more than 35 leaders from Idaho’s business, technology and academic communities. Votes were tallied by accountants at Deloitte. 

In addition to the announcement of the 2016 Idaho Innovation Award winners, the Idaho Technology Council inducted the late Harry Morrison and Faisal Shah into the “Hall of Fame.” More than 600 individuals from Idaho’s business and academic communities attended the event.  

About Stoel Rives LLP:  Stoel Rives is a business law firm providing corporate and litigation services to clients in the Energy & Infrastructure, Agribusiness, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing & Consumer Products, Technology, Life Sciences, Healthcare, Government & Public Agencies and Natural Resources industries throughout the United States. The firm has more than 380 attorneys operating out of 10 offices in seven states and the District of Columbia. Stoel Rives is a leader in corporate, energy, environmental, intellectual property, labor and employment, land use and construction, litigation, natural resources, project development and real estate law. For more information, follow @stoelrives or visit www.stoel.com. 

About Trailhead: Trailhead helps Boiseans start and scale businesses and high-impact projects. Founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, Trailhead is the place to find resources, explore new technologies, and create something all your own. From our casual, yet connected coworking space to high-octane workshops, we're dedicated to giving entrepreneurs access to the tools and connections they need to build something with impact. For more information visit www.trailheadboise.org.

About Idaho Technology Council: The Idaho Technology Council exists to connect, inform and promote the technology companies in Idaho and is dedicated to foster the growth of technology companies in the state, primarily in the areas of information technology, agriscience, and energy. The ITC provides a valuable forum for industry, research, educators, investors, and government throughout the state. The ITC advocates for creating a strong, innovative technology ecosystem and a high quality, high paid workforce. For more information visit www.idahotechcouncil.org.