CAMBRIDGE, MA--(Marketwired - Jun 7, 2016) - Aspiring business moguls representing a cross-section of the region's innovation economy gathered at the Microsoft NERD Center last night for the 2016 MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge's Startup Spotlight.
Showcasing their products and services to more than 350 would-be customers, partners, investors, business development and technology experts in attendance at the annual event, the 30 exhibiting startups addressed end-markets ranging from medical devices, agriculture, transportation and even private napping. In addition to making valuable contacts during the night's interactive networking, the firms vied for bragging rights such as Company I Want to Have a Beer With, Future Unicorn and Most Likely to Develop a Cult Following.
When the dust settled, the victors emerged:
- Company I Want to Have a Beer With: BARS - aquatic therapy devices for people with mobility impairments
- Future Unicorn: Pillar Technologies - construction site risk management
- Most Likely to Develop a Cult Following: Voatz - a secure, mobile-only election platform
- Nutter McLennen & Fish Prize for Most Innovative Company: BeTH - high impact, low cost healthcare solutions for underserved populations
"Every great cult has at its focus an object of great power and mystical beauty that compels you to worship it. Voatz fits the bill with its unique mobile election voting platform, secured via smart biometrics, real time ID verification and the blockchain for irrefutability," said Nimit Sawhney, Voatz CEO and co-founder. "Our congregation meets whenever your jurisdiction or organization needs a fast, accurate, convenient way to gauge public sentiment."
Winners from previous years include buttrfly, Dash, Ecovent Systems, Harvest Automation, Ministry of Supply, Panther Therapeutics, Ridgewing Guitars, Weft and WrightGrid.
"The Startup Spotlight is a unique event that gives budding entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their companies, ideas and accomplishments in a fun environment -- and with an audience comprising dozens of well-connected, respected and influential people," said MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge Chairman Kevin Wiant. "Congratulations to all our winners and participants. We're fortunate to have so much creative, entrepreneurial talent right here in the Boston area."
The evening was made possible by sponsors Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, Arrow, Consulate General of Canada in Boston, Hamilton, Smith, Brook & Reynolds, and Withum Audit Tax Advisory.
About The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge
The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge is the founding chapter and one of 27 worldwide chapters comprising the MIT Enterprise Forum, Inc. Offering more than 40 programs and events annually that inspire innovation, MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge initiatives facilitate critical one-on-one mentoring while providing team services that increase the skills and expertise necessary for entrepreneurs to succeed.
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