TechPoint promotes technology-based enterprise and economic development through lobbying and government advocacy, educational and networking programs, and strategic economic development initiatives.

Press Release

Indianapolis, Ind. -- TechPoint, the economic initiative focused on Indiana’s technology sector as well as entrepreneurship and innovation, unveiled the winners of its annual Mira Awards at a gala celebration at the Indianapolis Downtown Westin tonight. For the last decade, the Mira Awards have put a well-deserved spotlight on Indiana’s technology success stories, recognizing the companies, institutions and individuals who are leading the state’s high-tech economy.

The Mira Awards identify the most innovative and successful firms in information technology, as well as technology-focused companies in industries like advanced manufacturing, logistics and the life sciences. “Gazelle” awards are given to fast-growing companies in business less than three years, and several awards also highlight educators and institutions that help connect technology and learning.

“If you look at Indiana’s most successful technology companies, odds are they received a Mira Award during their early stages,” said Jim Jay, President and CEO of TechPoint. “We’re proud to help up-and-coming tech companies get the attention they deserve, as well as celebrating our established technology powerhouses that continue to innovate and grow.”

High-tech veteran Scott Jones added a 2009 Mira Award to his lengthy resume, as a company he co-founded, Precise Path, earned Innovation of the Year honors. The company has created a series of robotic vehicles that automates the mowing and maintenance of golf courses (with other applications on the way). Another well-recognized name in the state’s technology sector, ExactTarget, won the Information Technology Mira for the continued growth of its e-mail marketing system.

At the other end of the spectrum, start-up firms made a splash in the ‘Gazelle’ categories. Scale Computing’s innovative ‘clustered’ data storage system earned the Information Technology Gazelle award for its founder and CEO, Jeff Ready. OrthoPediatrics, a company focused on devices, implants and instruments designed to treat orthopedic conditions in children, won the Gazelle award in the Health and Life Sciences category.

“The exciting thing about the Mira Awards is the mix of familiar names and new faces among the winners every year,” said Mark Hill, Managing Partner of Collina Ventures and Chairman of TechPoint. “It’s this churn of new ideas and innovation that bodes well for the future of our technology sector.”

In a new Mira category, Healthcare IT Innovation, the award went to the Indiana Health Information Exchange, a spin-off of the BioCrossroads life sciences initiative led by Tom Penno that brings healthcare providers together in a unique electronic network to share clinical patient data and reduce costs, bureaucracy and medical errors.

“IHIE represents the future of healthcare,” continued Hill.

The future is also the focus of awards for Educational Contributions in K-12, for individuals and for departments and teams (winners listed below). The winner of the Trailblazer in Technology Award for lasting contributions to the state’s technology sector is also an educator, JoAnn Gora – President of Ball State University.

“Making Indiana a destination for high-tech jobs, investment and business opportunities means focusing on education first and foremost,” said Hill. “The Mira awards focused on education awards recognize the importance of technology to learning. In the same vein, this year’s Trailblazer, JoAnn Gora, has led the way in making Ball State one of the nation’s most high-tech campuses.”

According to TechAmerica’s annual CyberStates report, Indiana’s technology sector now employs more than 71,000 Hoosiers, while information technology was one of the few industries to experience positive job growth nationally amid the economic downturn. TechPoint’s Mira Awards recognize the high-tech pioneers who are responsible for new innovations and growth in this critical segment of our economy.

The full list of 2009 TechPoint Mira Award winners includes:

-- Information Technology Company: ExactTarget
-- Information Technology Gazelle: Scale Computing
-- Excellence in Corporate IT: Forum Solutions
-- Health & Life Sciences Company: EHOB, Inc.
-- Health & Life Sciences Gazelle: OrthoPediatrics Corporation
-- Healthcare IT Innovation: Indiana Health Information Exchange
-- Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics: Hurco Companies, Inc.
-- Contribution to Education – K-12: Dr. Sheila Boehning, Doe Creek Middle School
-- Contribution to Education – Department/Team: Rose-Hulman Homework Hotline
-- Contribution to Education – Individual: Beth Kiggins, University of Indianapolis
-- Innovation of the Year: Precise Path Robotics
--TechPoint Foundation BridgeBuilder: William White, Academic Dean, Arsenal Tech
-- Trailblazer in Technology: JoAnn Gora, Ball State University

About TechPoint
TechPoint is the only statewide organization representing Indiana’s technology sector. TechPoint promotes technology-based enterprise and economic development through lobbying and government advocacy, educational and networking programs, and strategic economic development initiatives. As a part of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s family of initiatives, TechPoint is a catalyst for growth in Indiana’s emerging technology clusters, including advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, energy and information technology. Learn more at www.techpoint.org.

The TechPoint Mira Awards are presented by BKD CPAs & Advisors.

About BKD

BKD, LLP (www.bkd.com) is the CPA and advisory firm of choice for growing companies and high net-worth individuals. As one of the 10 largest such firms in the country, we help clients go beyond their numbers by applying our technical expertise, unmatched client service and disciplined delivery of solutions to their management and financial needs. BKD's approximately 2,100 personnel, including approximately 250 partners, are based in 31 offices within 12 states in the central United States. Praxity, AISBL, a global alliance of independent firms, enhances BKD's ability to serve the dynamic needs of multinational clients. PraxityTM is your gateway to tax, assurance and consulting services delivered by alliance firms committed to the highest standards required in international business.

Source: TechPoint