The awards were presented Tuesday at the Governor's Innovate ND Awards Banquet in Bismarck.
Heitkamp, although pleased with his win, was surprised to hear his name called for creating the Site Saver, a product designed to improve the efficiency and ease of application of IVs for nurses. It's also designed to increase comfort for the patient and reduce failure rates of IVs.
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Heitkamp also wins a valuable package of in-kind professional services to help him launch and grow his business, Midwest Applied Technologies.
"These entrepreneurs are helping to build our future," Hoeven said. "They are innovative people who have a promising business idea and the desire to build that venture right here in our state."
Heitkamp and his team are ready to take the next step, heading to New York City and various Midwest cities throughout the summer to market their product. His team will also soon be evaluating the package of professional services granted to him as a top finalist.
"It's something that's really really needed. We have to do what we can to make sure it gets out there," Heitkamp said about the Site Saver.
The other four winning entries, unranked:
FormulaNow presented by Nikki Lamb of West Fargo. Her invention is a formula dispensing machine, which provides a convenient, consistent, sanitary and efficient process for warming and releasing infant formula; CiNCity Designs LLC presented by Nic Cruz of Mandan. His invention provides custom built headlights and tail lights to achieve a one-of-a-kind look not found anywhere else; Light Check presented by Paul Wolf of Mandan. Wolf's invention is a portable testing device connected to a set of trailer wires, which allows it to easily test trailer lights to eliminate the unnecessary time and expense of towing a vehicle or second person; and Micro Systems Technologies presented by Joseph Williams of Fairborn, Ohio. Williams created a single device or multitude of sensors to monitor for chemical vapors while performing day-to-day activities to provide a higher standard of safety and security.
As one of the entities coordinating Innovate ND this year, the University of North Dakota Center for Innovation also provided a judge for to final qualifiers — Bruce Gjovig. Judges evaluated five criteria while making their selection including innovation, commercial viability, investment opportunity, entrepreneur team and quality of the presentation.
"We are very excited about the future of all of these businesses. They have strong potential for creating jobs and economic development in our state," Gjovig said. "The angel investors who were judges want to encourage all participants to continue developing their venture."
Kathy King wrote on May 20, 2009 6:02 PM: