Startups

Does Your Startup Have the Right Stuff?

Pitchfest 2019 is coming this Fall and you can be one of a handful of entrepreneurs to pitch your startup in front of investors, VC funders and a live audience, “shark tank” style. At the end of the day, you could walk away with prize package of professional services to take your startup to the next level.

Do you have what it takes to wow our judges? Get to know our 2018 winners and find out the secret to their success.

2018 Tech Awards: The Rising Stars

Glendale’s 1st Annual Tech Awards was a star studded affair as 9 rising stars from the local tech scene were lauded for their inspiring work. Attendees were wowed by the exceptional talent being recognized during the closing celebration of Glendale Tech Week which was held at the Americana at Brand this past September.

Benztown, a leader in international radio imaging, provides digital services to over a thousand radio stations around the world. And while they’re well known for their radio production prowess including jingles, this year they received a nod for their standout workplace culture with the Best Culture Award. Headquartered in Glendale, Benztown is known for fostering a respectful environment where employees feel free to share ideas and opinions. Family vibes reign supreme with regular team outings and birthday celebrations!

Our minds were blown when we learned about Crescenta Valley High School Junior, Rohin Manvi, recipient of the Student Innovation (K-12) Award. After a visit to a relative’s village in India, Rohin discovered that water is not available there 24/7. The government supplies water for 2-4 hours up to two times per week. Since the water is not released on a predictable schedule, those who miss the window of opportunity are left without water. Rohin developed the Water Notifier app, which is currently being used by residents in villages where water is rationed. Sensors along the water network send notices to villagers through the app when the water is being released.

Rohin Manvi, Student Innovation Award Winner

In the VR/AR/AI category, Screen Door Labs was recognized for its development of ARescue, an AR communication tool for first responders that gives them access to 2D & 3D maps, geotags, data and video feeds all accessible through handsfree AR glasses. Additionally, Beyond Limits was also honored for their AI solutions for a variety of industries including finance, healthcare, energy, manufacturing and beyond!

The Privacy & Security Award recognizes progressive accomplishments in the way we go about securing data and ensuring privacy; and Reevert’s “all-in-one'“ technology came out on top. It features back-up services, ransomware protection and recovery tools all managed with one user friendly dashboard that provides hourly, daily, weekly and monthly account snapshots.

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Ani Torosyan, received the Glendale Young Entrepreneur Award for her food sharing app DishDivvy. The app brings matchmaking to a delicious new level as hungry people can meet home cooks with a passion for creating delectable dishes. Dinner is served!

Rounding out the night’s winners were:

  • Student Innovation Award (Post Secondary) - Sebouh & Shawnt Bazikian, Bikes 4 Orphans

  • Best Pivot Award - Adriana Torresan, Founder & CEO of Lupn

  • Health, Med + Bio Tech Award - SnapMD